connecting I2C LCD

[erniehatt]

Hi, I am trying to connect a 20X4 Lcd via I2C,( I have a backpack) to a circuit using a 328 chip.
I have the Lcd all lit up showing the 4 grid lines, but no text is showing, after I press the reset switch a number of time, quite a number of times, it suddenly comes to life and dose what it is supposed to do, once the screen is up, the software works as it should.
This such a simple circuit I cannot see what is going wrong, I hope someone can help solve the problem. thanks Ernie

!cid_image001_png@01CD1A5F.png (51.29 KiB) Viewed 1297 times

[floresta]

This such a simple circuit I cannot see what is going wrong,

Have you considered the possibility that there is something wrong with your software?

Don

[erniehatt]

This such a simple circuit I cannot see what is going wrong,

Have you considered the possibility that there is something wrong with your software?

Don

Thanks Don,
yes I had considered that, but I do know of someone else who is using the self same software, and I did try it in a genuine Arduino and it worked fine.
It's got me beat, I have checked it out that many times, re soldered it, but still no go. Ernie

[floresta]

But you are not going to show it to us.... Good luck.

Don

[erniehatt]

[code][/code]

But you are not going to show it to us.... Good luck.

Don

Showing it to you is no problem, except that there are about 8 differnt sections to it, might be a bit long. Ernie

Multitiflash 2 - PTB Version[/color]
 By PTB, Ric Batty, Ernie Hatt and Maurice Ribble.
 http://cameraaxe.com
 
 Huge Thanks to
 http://tronixstuff.com and John Boxall for the outstanding tutorials.
 
 Thanks also goes to Omar Francisco and Todd Kurt for the I2C scanning routines
 http://omarfrancisco.com/i2c-bus-scanner/
 http://todbot.com/blog/2009/11/29/i2cscanner-pde-arduino-as-i2c-bus-scanner/
 
 */
//=============================================================================================================
// REVISIONS:
// 0.01 to 0.13      - Initial development.
//
// 0.14              - Global variables introduced. 
//
// 0.15              - Run_Instant created.
//                     Some tests deactivated.
//                     Trigger pin set to A3.
//                     Changed Trigger from Analog to Digital.
//                     Re-installed edge detect.
//                     Portinput file removed.
//
// 0.16              - Start introducing main program menu structure.
//                   - Drastically reduced array sizes to try fix memory corruption. Instead of 15 possible modules, currently programming for 2 expansion modules.
//                   - This array reduction fixed current corruption issues.
//
// 0.17              - Edited Port id code in i2cscan
//                   - Main menu loop working for mode switching. All 3 modes recognised.
//                   - Added allFire routine for waking up flashes.
//                   - Main menu void loop is complete. I think.
//
// 0.18              - readKeypad renamed to TestKeypad
//                   - created KeypadEntry for use across program
//                   - Edit_constant modified and is now complete
//                   - Run_constant modified
//
// 0.19              - Edit_Varies modified. Mostly done but is buggy.
//                   - I2Cscan modified
//                   - Memory Corruption returns :(
//
// 0.20              - Run_Constant and Run_Varies merged to form Run_Sequence. Run_Constant and Run_Varies deleted.
//                   - Run_Sequence complete but only works on module 2. Buggy.
//
// 0.21              - All test routines deleted.
//                   - General tidying up.
//                   - Edit_Constant changed so that initial delay on first flash is zero instead of same as all consecutive delays.
//
// 0.22              - Working on Run_Sequence
//
// 0.23              - Run_Sequence_V2 Alternative triggering routine explored.
//                   - Moving some array setups to I2c scan routine
//
// 0.24              - MAJOR MILESTONE - ALL MAIN ASPECTS WORKING APART FROM MINOR BUGS
//                   - Adopted new V2 sequencer. Files renamed as necessary
//                   - Fixed bug where Leds and flash ports had incorrect sequencing. Leds 1,2,3,4 = Ports 4,3,2,1.  Now Fixed
//
// 0.25              - Added 2 new modes. Factor_Increasing and Factor_Decreasing
//
// 0.26              - Reversed Button order to suit buttons being soldered to opposite side of board
//                   - Added Wake flashes button sensing to most parts of program except editing.
//                   - Minor cosmetic changes to Edit_Varies. Still buggy sometimes.
//============================================================================================================= 
//=============================================================================================================
// PLANNED FUTURE IMPROVEMENTS:
//
//                   - Fix the bugs ;)
//                   - Weed out unused variables from declarations.
//                   - Add "Trim" to ports via software to allow microsecond alignment of flashes to be in perfect sync with each other due to different makes or construction quality.
//                   - Enable greater no. of modules. Hangover coding for 2 ports max only may still avail.
//                   - Mapping of surplus ports to actual flashes. Eg. If 3 flash units are plugged in. Some can be fired 2 or 3 times to get 6 or 9 strobes.
//                   - Improve resolution from 1ms to 0.1 ms (ie 100 microseconds)
//                   - Add Backlight control via long press of mode button ?
//=============================================================================================================
// SOFTWARE MODULES:
// Multiflash_2_PTB       - Main module. Holds most initiallisations and void setup and void loop.                       *** WORKING ***
// Edit_Constant          - Runs the Editing routine to input a single constant value for Run_Constant.                  *** WORKING ***
// Edit_Varies            - Runs the Editing routine based on differing values for all found flash ports.                *** WORKING ***   *** BUGGY ***
// Edit_Factor_Increasing - Runs the Editing routine to easily build an array of increasing values.                      *** WORKING ***
// Edit_Factor_Decreasing - Runs the Editing routine to easily build an array of decreasing values.                      *** WORKING ***
// I2CSCAN                - Scans the I2C Bus and builds arrays based on hardware found.                                 *** WORKING ***   
// Run_Sequence           - Runs the Triggering routine based on a sequence of delays on all found flash ports.          *** WORKING ***
// Run_Instant            - Runs the Triggering routine based on instantaneous zero delay for all found flash ports.     *** WORKING ***
// allFire                - Subroutine to turn on all flashes on all found flash ports.                                  *** WORKING ***
// allOff                 - Subroutine to turn off all flashes on all found flash ports.                                 *** WORKING ***
// KeypadEntry            - Keypad Data Entry                                                                            *** WORKING ***
//
//============================================================================================================= 
//
// Possible I2C Addresses for PCF8574s
//
//#define flashport?? 0x20 // I2C device addresses for PCF8574's A2,A1,A0 => L,L,L
//#define flashport?? 0x21 // I2C device addresses for PCF8574's A2,A1,A0 => L,L,H
//#define flashport?? 0x22 // I2C device addresses for PCF8574's A2,A1,A0 => L,H,L
//#define flashport?? 0x23 // I2C device addresses for PCF8574's A2,A1,A0 => L,H,H
//#define flashport?? 0x24 // I2C device addresses for PCF8574's A2,A1,A0 => H,L,L
//#define flashport?? 0x25 // I2C device addresses for PCF8574's A2,A1,A0 => H,L,H
//#define flashport?? 0x26 // I2C device addresses for PCF8574's A2,A1,A0 => H,H,L
//#define flashport?? 0x27 // I2C device addresses for PCF8574's A2,A1,A0 => H,H,H <= Cant use this one. Same as LCD
//
// Possible I2C Addresses for PCF8574As
//
//#define flashport?? 0x38 // I2C device addresses for PCF8574A's A2,A1,A0 => L,L,L
//#define flashport?? 0x39 // I2C device addresses for PCF8574A's A2,A1,A0 => L,L,H
//#define flashport?? 0x3A // I2C device addresses for PCF8574A's A2,A1,A0 => L,H,L
//#define flashport?? 0x3B // I2C device addresses for PCF8574A's A2,A1,A0 => L,H,H
//#define flashport?? 0x3C // I2C device addresses for PCF8574A's A2,A1,A0 => H,L,L
//#define flashport?? 0x3D // I2C device addresses for PCF8574A's A2,A1,A0 => H,L,H
//#define flashport?? 0x3E // I2C device addresses for PCF8574A's A2,A1,A0 => H,H,L
//#define flashport?? 0x3F // I2C device addresses for PCF8574A's A2,A1,A0 => H,H,H
//
// remember that the IC "sinks" current, that is current runs from +5v through the LED and then to I/O pin
// this means that 'high' = off, 'low' = on. 
//=============================================================================================================
//*************************************************************************************************************
// Current Problems - Suspect memory corruption introduced in version 0.14. Due to global declarations.
//                  - Variable Delay Entry has display issues when less digit delays are added. Formatting thing.
//                  - Variable Delay Entry is getting random lockups. Often when using previous next buttons.
//*************************************************************************************************************
//=============================================================================================================
//Keypad physically works as confirmed via other sketch with the following keymap and pin numbers.
//
#include "Keypad.h"
// keypad type definition
const byte ROWS = 4; //four rows
const byte COLS = 3; //three columns
char keys[ROWS][COLS] =
 {{'1','2','3'},
  {'4','5','6'},
  {'7','8','9'},
  {'*','0','#'}};
byte rowPins[ROWS] = {
  2, 3, 4, 5}; //connect to the row pinouts of the keypad
byte colPins[COLS] = {
  6, 7, 8}; // connect to the column pinouts of the keypad
int count=0;
Keypad keypad = Keypad( makeKeymap(keys), rowPins, colPins, ROWS, COLS );
//=============================================================================================================
#include "Wire.h"
#include <i2cscanner.h>
using Utilities::I2CScanBus;
//=============================================================================================================
#include <LiquidCrystal_I2C.h>
LiquidCrystal_I2C lcd(0x27,20,4);
// set the LCD address to 0x27 for a 20 chars and 4 line display
//=============================================================================================================
// Set up the analog input pin for the trigger signal
    const int TriggerPin = A3; // the number of the pushbutton pin Analog 3
    int TriggerState = HIGH; // variable for reading the trigger status
//=============================================================================================================
// Set up general variables
    int ModeCurrent=0; // 0=Instant,1=Constant,2=Varies
//=============================================================================================================
//Setup LED
    const int ledPin1 = A1; // the number of the pushbutton pin Digital A1
//=============================================================================================================
// Setup Buttons
// set pin numbers:
//    const int buttonPin1 =  9;       // the number of the pushbutton pin Digital 9
//    const int buttonPin2 = 10;       // the number of the pushbutton pin Digital 10
//    const int buttonPin3 = 11;       // the number of the pushbutton pin Digital 11
//    const int buttonPin4 = 12;       // the number of the pushbutton pin Digital 12
//    const int buttonPin5 = 13;       // the number of the pushbutton pin Digital 13
//    const int buttonPin6 = A2;       // the number of the pushbutton pin Analog 2
    
    const int buttonPin1 = A2; // the number of the pushbutton pin Digital 9
    const int buttonPin2 = 13; // the number of the pushbutton pin Digital 10
    const int buttonPin3 = 12; // the number of the pushbutton pin Digital 11
    const int buttonPin4 = 11; // the number of the pushbutton pin Digital 12
    const int buttonPin5 = 10; // the number of the pushbutton pin Digital 13
    const int buttonPin6 = 9; // the number of the pushbutton pin Analog 2

    
    int buttonState1 = HIGH; // variable for reading the pushbutton status MODE
    int buttonState2 = HIGH; // variable for reading the pushbutton status EDIT
    int buttonState3 = HIGH; // variable for reading the pushbutton status PREVIOUS
    int buttonState4 = HIGH; // variable for reading the pushbutton status NEXT
    int buttonState5 = HIGH; // variable for reading the pushbutton status WAKE
    int buttonState6 = HIGH; // variable for reading the pushbutton status ACTIVATE
    
    int ButtonPressed = 0;
 
//=============================================================================================================
// Set up I2C Scanning and Module Array Variables. Currently set for 2 modules max due to memory corruption.
    int CodesInputStandard [4] = {247, 251, 253, 254}; // Codes for Input Show
//    int CodesTriggerStandard [4] = {119, 51, 17, 0};    // Codes for Flash Trigger Sequence *** error*** LEDS 1234 => Flashes 4,3,2,1
    int CodesTriggerStandard [4] = {231, 195, 129, 0}; // Codes for Flash Trigger Sequence
    int PortsStandard[4]; // 4 Ports per Module
    int FlashesRun[8]; // 60 possible flashes (15 x 4) Flash indices
    int PortsRun[8]; // 60 possible flashes (15 x 4) Flash Port ID
    int ModulesIdEdit[8]; // 60 possible flashes (15 x 4) Flash Port ID <= Module Index 1, 2, 3 etc....
    int CodesTriggerRun [8]; // 60 possible flashes (15 x 4) Flash Port ID
    int DelaysRun [8]; // 60 possible flashes (15 x 4) Flash Port ID <= actual delay values
    int ModulesDecDetect [2]; // 15 possible modules
    int PossibleModuleAddresses[] = {32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63};// remember we cant use 39
    int ModuleQuantity;
    int FlashQuantity;
    int DelayConstant;
//=============================================================================================================
// Set up Triggering Variables
   int triggerInput;
   unsigned long triggerTime; // Time of input trigger
   unsigned long rTime; // Relative time, time relative to the trigger start
   byte edgeDetect; // Used to require the triggering signal to go high again before re-triggering the action. (Might be superseeded by RIC check) .Re-added by PTB. False triggers were happening.
   int currentTime;
//=============================================================================================================
void setup()
{
//=============================================================================================================
// Setup LEDS
// set pin numbers:
   const int ledPin1 = A1; // the number of the pushbutton pin Digital A1
// initialize the LED pins as outputs:
   pinMode (ledPin1, OUTPUT); // sets the digital pin as output
//=============================================================================================================
// Setup I2C Bus
  Wire.begin();
  Serial.begin(19200);
//=============================================================================================================
// Setup Buttons
// Initialize the pushbutton pins as inputs:
   pinMode(buttonPin1, INPUT);
   pinMode(buttonPin2, INPUT);
   pinMode(buttonPin3, INPUT);
   pinMode(buttonPin4, INPUT);
   pinMode(buttonPin5, INPUT);
   pinMode(buttonPin6, INPUT);
// Turn on Pull up resistors
   digitalWrite(buttonPin1, HIGH); // turns on pull-up resistor after input
   digitalWrite(buttonPin2, HIGH); // turns on pull-up resistor after input
   digitalWrite(buttonPin3, HIGH); // turns on pull-up resistor after input
   digitalWrite(buttonPin4, HIGH); // turns on pull-up resistor after input
   digitalWrite(buttonPin5, HIGH); // turns on pull-up resistor after input
   digitalWrite(buttonPin6, HIGH); // turns on pull-up resistor after input
//=============================================================================================================
// Setup Trigger input pin
     pinMode(TriggerPin, INPUT);
     digitalWrite(TriggerPin, HIGH); // turns on pull-up resistor after input
//=============================================================================================================
//Splash Screen / Welcome Message
    lcd.init(); // initialize the lcd
    lcd.backlight();
    lcd.setCursor(0, 0);
    delay(100);
    lcd.setCursor(3, 0);
    lcd.print("Multiflash 2");
    lcd.setCursor(2, 1);
    lcd.print("PTB Version 0.26");
    lcd.setCursor(5, 2);
    lcd.print("CameraAxe");
    lcd.setCursor(4, 3);
    lcd.print("Enhancement");
    delay(2000);
//=============================================================================================================    
    I2CScan();
//=============================================================================================================
// The PCF8574N defaults to high, so this function turns all outputs off
    allOff();
}//end Void Setup
//=============================================================================================================
//=============================================================================================================
//=============================================================================================================
void loop()
{
    ButtonPressed=0;
    lcd.clear();
    lcd.setCursor(0, 0);
    switch(ModeCurrent) {
      case 0:
       lcd.setCursor(3, 1);
       lcd.print("Instant Trigger");
       lcd.setCursor(8, 2);
       lcd.print("Mode");
       break;
      case 1:
       lcd.setCursor(3, 1);
       lcd.print("Constant Delay");
       lcd.setCursor(8, 2);
       lcd.print("Mode");
      break;
      case 2:
       lcd.setCursor(3, 1);
       lcd.print("Variable Delay");
       lcd.setCursor(8, 2);
       lcd.print("Mode");
       break;
      case 3:
       lcd.setCursor(1, 1);
       lcd.print("Increasing Factor");
       lcd.setCursor(8, 2);
       lcd.print("Mode");
       break;
      case 4:
       lcd.setCursor(1, 1);
       lcd.print("Decreasing Factor");
       lcd.setCursor(8, 2);
       lcd.print("Mode");
       break;
      default:
      lcd.clear();
      }//end switch
      delay(100);//Slow screen refresh
//=============================================================================================================
// Read Buttons
      buttonState1 = digitalRead(buttonPin1);//Button1 = Mode
      if (buttonState1 == LOW)
       {
        delay(100);
        ButtonPressed = 1;
        ModeCurrent = ModeCurrent + 1;              // 0=Instant,1=Constant,2=Varies,3=Factor Increasing,4=Factor Decreasing
        if ( ModeCurrent == 5) ModeCurrent = 0;
       }//end if buttonstate1
      buttonState2 = digitalRead(buttonPin2);//Button2 = Edit
      if (buttonState2 == LOW)
       {
        delay(100);
        ButtonPressed = 2;
        switch(ModeCurrent) {
         case 0:
          break;
         case 1:
          Edit_Constant();
          break;
         case 2:
          Edit_Varies();
          break;
         case 3:
          Edit_Factor_Increasing();
          break;
         case 4:
          Edit_Factor_Decreasing();
          break;
         default:
          break;
        }//end switch
      }//end if buttonstate2
      // Note: Buttons 3 and 4 Previous and Next are inactive in this context.
      buttonState5 = digitalRead(buttonPin5);//Button5 = Wake all flashes. ie send a pulse
      if (buttonState5 == LOW)
       {
        delay(100);
        ButtonPressed = 5;
           allFire();
           delay(500);
           allOff();
      }//end if buttonstate5
      buttonState6 = digitalRead(buttonPin6);//Button6 = Activate
      if (buttonState6 == LOW)
       {
        delay(100);
        ButtonPressed = 6;
        switch(ModeCurrent) {
         case 0:
          Run_Instant();
          break;
         case 1:
          Run_Sequence();//Now same for cases 1 to 4
          break;
         case 2:
          Run_Sequence();//Now same for cases 1 to 4
          break;
         case 3:
          Run_Sequence();//Now same for cases 1 to 4
          break;
         case 4:
          Run_Sequence();//Now same for cases 1 to 4
          break;
         default:
          break;
        }//end switch
      }//end if buttonstate6
//=============================================================================================================
}//end void loop



[/quote]

[floresta]

Since you can ultimately get it running by fiddling around enough this means that your connections are probably correct and the problem is most likely with the LCD timing.

You really want to avoid an lcd.clear() instruction in loop() if you can help it since that instruction takes a lot of time to execute compared to the others. You should put the non-changing headings in setup() and just display the data in loop(). You may have to blank out the old data before displaying the new depending on the number of characters.

You might also try a longer delay at the end of loop().

You should try to get your LCD displaying non-changing information at first and make sure all of that software works as you expect before implementing the rest of your program.

Please highlight your code before using the code button. If you do this correctly then your reply (before you submit it) will show the brackets with the word 'code' before your code block and the brackets with the '/code' after the code.

Don

[erniehatt]

Thanks Don, My part in this project was designing and making the circuit boards, funny thing is two of them work well, but mine seem to be the only one with this problem. Ernie

[floresta]

Physically where are C4, C5, and C6. Ideally they will be as close to the IC as possible.

Don

[erniehatt]

Physically where are C4, C5, and C6. Ideally they will be as close to the IC as possible.

Don

Hi Don, the caps are fine, c5 and 6 are along with crystal are right at pin 9 and 10, C4 is at pins7 and 8, couldn't be any closer. The only difference between this and the other boards is the 328 chips, there's was 328-P, while mine are 328-PU, I know at the time of purchase these were not recognized by Arduino boards, so some alterations to the IDE was necessary to be able to load the bootloader, don't know if this has any baring on the problem, it's the only difference I can see. Ernie

[erniehatt]

Have you considered the possibility that there is something wrong with your software?

Yes I have considered that fact, but can't see why it should work with two other boards and not this one, once it does manage to boot up it works fine. Ernie

[floresta]

Yes I have considered that fact, but can't see why it should work with two other boards and not this one, once it does manage to boot up it works fine. Ernie

Does this mean that you are not even going to consider the suggestions that I already made?

Don

[erniehatt]

Yes I have considered that fact, but can't see why it should work with two other boards and not this one, once it does manage to boot up it works fine. Ernie

Does this mean that you are not even going to consider the suggestions that I already made?

Don

No Don, I did not write the program, I have passed on your suggestions, so will have to wait for some action from that end. I am not a programmer.Ernie

[erniehatt]

Well I just loaded up a chip with another program loaded and it fired up straight away, so it looks as though it could be software problem, perhaps the version downloaded to me has a bug. Ernie

[floresta]

Well I just loaded up a chip with another program loaded and it fired up straight away

If you can get a copy of the source code for the program on that chip then we might have a chance to solve your problem.

Don

[erniehatt]

Thanks Don, It is now running as it should, I found a couple of lcd.setCurser(0,0) satatements in there doing nothing, and as you mentioned lcd.clear, commented these out and all good, thanks for your support appreciated. Ernie