Hello,
I recently bought a Medium 32x32 LED Matrix from the store, along with a SmartMatrix, and a Teensy 3.1. I loaded the example code, and tried to use it, and when I powered it on for the first time, all I got was random flickering pixels in random colors. I determined it was not the smart matrix by completely unplugging it, and only pushing power to the board, still got flickering. In the past, power only would result in a blank display. Has anyone else had this issue? Do I need to return this one?
Some of the patterns for those interested (you can actually see the LEDs in the lens flare):
Thanks!
B_man
32x32 LED Matrix Hardware Issue
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Please be positive and constructive with your questions and comments.
- Brycek
- Posts: 15
- Joined: Sat Sep 27, 2014 3:36 pm
32x32 LED Matrix Hardware Issue
Last edited by Brycek on Sat Nov 01, 2014 9:20 pm, edited 1 time in total.
- Franklin97355
- Posts: 23912
- Joined: Mon Apr 21, 2008 2:33 pm
Re: 32x32 LED Matrix Hardware Issue
Could you post clear pictures of both sides of your board showing any soldering you have done and the connections to it?
- Brycek
- Posts: 15
- Joined: Sat Sep 27, 2014 3:36 pm
Re: 32x32 LED Matrix Hardware Issue
I have not soldered anything to the matrix, mine came with the 4 pin power connector.
here is my teensy, cont. below |
\/
here is my teensy, cont. below |
\/
- Brycek
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- Joined: Sat Sep 27, 2014 3:36 pm
Re: 32x32 LED Matrix Hardware Issue
And here's my smart matrix,
- adafruit2
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Re: 32x32 LED Matrix Hardware Issue
its worth checking, are you sure the smartmatrix shield is plugged into the LED board right? its easy to be 'off by one'
what code are you running on the teensy?
what code are you running on the teensy?
- Pixelmatix
- Posts: 17
- Joined: Wed Sep 24, 2014 3:50 pm
Re: 32x32 LED Matrix Hardware Issue
I don't see any soldering errors. My suggestion is also to check for the female header being off by one when plugged into the panel.
- Brycek
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- Joined: Sat Sep 27, 2014 3:36 pm
Re: 32x32 LED Matrix Hardware Issue
If it is was off by one, would that have fried it? It's not offset now, but I have unplugged and replugged it a few times.
edit: I am using the "FeatureDemo" for the smartmatrix
edit: I am using the "FeatureDemo" for the smartmatrix
- Pixelmatix
- Posts: 17
- Joined: Wed Sep 24, 2014 3:50 pm
Re: 32x32 LED Matrix Hardware Issue
I've been off by one a couple times, and I've never damaged a panel.
Is the Teensy Loader application that loads the compiled sketch onto the Teensy working properly? Does it show a progress bar and that programming was successful?
Is the Teensy Loader application that loads the compiled sketch onto the Teensy working properly? Does it show a progress bar and that programming was successful?
- Pixelmatix
- Posts: 17
- Joined: Wed Sep 24, 2014 3:50 pm
Re: 32x32 LED Matrix Hardware Issue
Let's rule out that it's a compiler or firmware configuration issue.
You can program this .hex file with the Teensy Loader program. If it's working it will cycle between two bitmaps on the display. It will also blink the LED on the Teensy, alternating every second. Let me know if it's displaying properly, and if not, let me know if the LED on the Teensy is blinking. If it's not blinking when plugged into the SmartMatrix Shield, try running the Teensy on its own.
You can program this .hex file with the Teensy Loader program. If it's working it will cycle between two bitmaps on the display. It will also blink the LED on the Teensy, alternating every second. Let me know if it's displaying properly, and if not, let me know if the LED on the Teensy is blinking. If it's not blinking when plugged into the SmartMatrix Shield, try running the Teensy on its own.
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[The extension hex has been deactivated and can no longer be displayed.]
- Brycek
- Posts: 15
- Joined: Sat Sep 27, 2014 3:36 pm
Re: 32x32 LED Matrix Hardware Issue
OK. That's working fine. I guess it was code. Also note, that the code doesn't run properly when the Teensy is disconnected from the smartmatrix.
I'm going to let it run for a while, and see how it goes. Thanks!
I'm going to let it run for a while, and see how it goes. Thanks!
- Pixelmatix
- Posts: 17
- Joined: Wed Sep 24, 2014 3:50 pm
Re: 32x32 LED Matrix Hardware Issue
Did you cut the VUSB trace on the Teensy as part of the install? That's probably why the code isn't running when disconnected from the SmartMatrix Shield: the Teensy won't be getting any power when disconnected from the shield.
It could be a issues with the Teensy settings, here's the settings you need:
https://learn.adafruit.com/smartmatrix- ... ino-sketch
It could be a issues with the Teensy settings, here's the settings you need:
https://learn.adafruit.com/smartmatrix- ... ino-sketch
- Brycek
- Posts: 15
- Joined: Sat Sep 27, 2014 3:36 pm
Re: 32x32 LED Matrix Hardware Issue
I was confused with the power instructions on the smart matrix website, and now I have a connected VUSB, and no diode on the smartmatrix. Right now, I am powering both the teensy, and the smart matrix separately. See my video below for info.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0CrFv06 ... _SNHcsyP8w
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0CrFv06 ... _SNHcsyP8w
- Pixelmatix
- Posts: 17
- Joined: Wed Sep 24, 2014 3:50 pm
Re: 32x32 LED Matrix Hardware Issue
The random two lines symptom comes from the code on the Teensy crashing, the GPIO driving the display are left floating after the code crashes. If you're using backBuffer and write outside of the buffer you could overwrite some other variables and crash the code. Try a simpler sketch that uses some simple functions like fillScreen() and scrollText() and see if that works.
I don't think you damaged anything by using both the diode and VUSB.
If you want to just use the barrel connector you cut the VUSB trace and add the diode.
I don't think you damaged anything by using both the diode and VUSB.
If you want to just use the barrel connector you cut the VUSB trace and add the diode.
- Brycek
- Posts: 15
- Joined: Sat Sep 27, 2014 3:36 pm
Re: 32x32 LED Matrix Hardware Issue
*facepalm* I just realized I was running at 16 MHz!
No more crashes now, working great. The last thing I need is the spec of that diode, I kinda killed mine. :( Thanks a bunch!
No more crashes now, working great. The last thing I need is the spec of that diode, I kinda killed mine. :( Thanks a bunch!
- Pixelmatix
- Posts: 17
- Joined: Wed Sep 24, 2014 3:50 pm
Re: 32x32 LED Matrix Hardware Issue
Great! I'm glad it's working now.
It's a common 1N4001 diode. Should be easy to replace.
It's a common 1N4001 diode. Should be easy to replace.
Please be positive and constructive with your questions and comments.