64x32 LED matrix issue Moderators: adafruit_support_bill, adafruit

[mgaruccio]

I purchased a 64x32 LED matrix and have it wired using the matrix shield to an M4 Metro and I'm having some issues getting it to work. When using the test program the display flickers quite a bit and seems to be overlapping the text from the first and second lines together, and doing the same with the third and forth. somewhat hard to capture in pictures but I attempted to below. a video may be better but not sure the best way to share that here.

[mikeysklar]

I think this photo is good enough for describing the display. Thank you for providing it.

What size power supply are you using to power this? Is it a 5V @ 10A?

[mgaruccio]

Ok sounds good, I'm using the 5V 4A supply suggested here - https://learn.adafruit.com/stream-deck- ... dafruit-io

[mikeysklar]

Thank mgaruccio,

Since this is mostly plug and play maybe you can send me two photos of the RGB matrix shield top and bottom on it's own.

I'm particularly interested in seeing your soldering, CLK jumper cut and A4 wire connection as those seem like the only hardware issues that could have gone awry.

https://learn.adafruit.com/32x16-32x32- ... rix-shield

[mgaruccio]

Sounds good, pics of both sides of the shield attached. Also ran a continuity test between both size of the cut pad CLK and confirmed there was no conductivity between the two points.

[mikeysklar]

Could you post these photos at 800x600. I cannot make out any details at this resolution.

[mgaruccio]

Sorry about that, better quality pics below, let me know if you need me to try again.

[mikeysklar]

Okay, this soldering looks reasonable and the solder wire is in the correct position. It looks like you cut the jumper.

Did you change the CLK from 8 --> A4 in the code? Any other changes to your code?

Are you seeing this behavior on the other test patterns?

Are you running the latest libraries off github or download through the Arduino library manager?

https://github.com/adafruit/RGB-matrix-Panel
https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit-GFX-Library
https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_BusIO

[mgaruccio]

I did make sure to make the change for CLK from 8 to A4. No other changes in the code. I haven't tried any other test patterns but happy to give another one a shot if there are other patterns compatible with the board. And I've been running with the libraries downloaded from the library manager.

[mikeysklar]

Here are a few things to try.

Some of the solder points look like they might need a dab more heat to flow better. Could you just retouch each solder point that looks a little light or uneven with your iron to get a smoother flow that covers the pad completely. I know you have already done some continuity tests to verify a connection.

This is the only code example for the message panel that we currently have.

Do you mind upgrading the libraries using the github link I've provided. It would be nice to rule out any faulty soldering connections and dated library issues. Based on how things mostly are working I'm guessing this is a soldering / noise issue.

[mgaruccio]

I updated the to the latest versions of the library from Github and re worked every joint that looked like it was light or uneven but still the same result. photos of the updated soldering job attached from as many angles as possible in this post and the one below.

[mgaruccio]

more photos

[mikeysklar]

Thank you for the high quality photos. Those are always helpful.

The IDC cable you are using is there anything unusual about it? Since you are getting output and (although distorted) this really feels like a connection issue.

Do you see the same issue when trying the testshapes_32x32 or testshapes_16x32 code examples (Yes, I realize you have the 64x32).

[mgaruccio]

I've actually tried 2 different IDC cables at this point, both the one that came with the matrix (which doesn't seem to be damaged in any way) and another one sourced from Amazon just to rule that out as an issue so I don't think the issue is there. I didn't realize the other testshape patterns would work at all, I'll give those a shot tonight to see if there is any change using one of those.

[mgaruccio]

Sorry for the delayed reply but I tried both other size patterns and got effectively the same result on both, garbled text that seems to be overlapping with itself.