Non-responsive MiniPOV4.

MiniPOV4 and previous versions

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nicklalic
 
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Non-responsive MiniPOV4.

Post by nicklalic »

Hi,

I recently purchased and assembled the MiniPOV4 (Jan/2020). Unfortunately when I power it on nothing happens: none of the LEDs blink, and there is no other indication that anything is happening.

Following the suggestions found in the forum, I tried a number of things:
  • visually inspected the solder work for any issues (see attached)
  • used new batteries and measured their voltage
  • measured a voltage from the batteries to the board when in the ON position
  • measured the voltage on Pin 7 of the socket to make sure that the IC is powered (it is).
  • plugged it in to the USB port but did not see the device register (running MacOS 10.14.6 Mojave).
I'm not sure what else to check. I'm open to suggestions.

Thanks!

- Nick
IMG_6832.jpg
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IMG_6829.jpg
IMG_6829.jpg (913.15 KiB) Viewed 2031 times

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mikeysklar
 
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Re: Non-responsive MiniPOV4.

Post by mikeysklar »

The component placement and soldering look good. I think you are close especially since the voltages are showing up correctly.

I'm surprised about the MiniPov4 not showing up on your mac connected through a hub. It is a 2.0 USB hub? Do you have the battery pack turned on and connected while connected to the computer (this is necessary).

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nicklalic
 
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Re: Non-responsive MiniPOV4.

Post by nicklalic »

Hi Mike,

Thanks for the tips.

I tried it both through a hub (usb 2.0) and directly into my iMac. In both scenarios the device does not show up in the list of USB devices from macOS.

I've read elsewhere that this can point to the Atmel chip being unprogrammed, since that is what does the work of presenting itself as a USB device. I'm not sure.

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mikeysklar
 
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Re: Non-responsive MiniPOV4.

Post by mikeysklar »

Well, let's start with the obvious risk which is some of the solder points could use a little more flow through. Just go over each soldered joint again briefly and see if the behavior changes at all. With kits like this that is the most common issue and it is unlikely we would have shipped you an unprogrammed chip.

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adafruit_support_carter
 
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Re: Non-responsive MiniPOV4.

Post by adafruit_support_carter »

Do you still have the bag it came in with the white sticker with a barcode on it? If so, can you send us a photo of that please. That will help us track down what might have happened. Thanks!

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nicklalic
 
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Re: Non-responsive MiniPOV4.

Post by nicklalic »

I do still have it.

Here it is:
IMG_6857.jpg
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Thank you!

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nicklalic
 
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Re: Non-responsive MiniPOV4.

Post by nicklalic »

@mikeysklar After looking at the solder points under a microscope, I see what you are saying. I'll try to reflow the suspected solder points and see if it helps.

Thanks!

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adafruit_support_carter
 
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Re: Non-responsive MiniPOV4.

Post by adafruit_support_carter »

Hey @nicklalic - Thanks for the photo. Let's just send you a new chip. Send an email to [email protected] with a link to this thread and they can take care of you from there. Sorry your POV arrived non-functional.

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nicklalic
 
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Re: Non-responsive MiniPOV4.

Post by nicklalic »

Thank you!

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