Adafruit Matrix Portal - does not display anything

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mkhalaf
 
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Adafruit Matrix Portal - does not display anything

Post by mkhalaf »

Hello,
I ordered the Adafruit Matrix Portal - CircuitPython Powered Internet Display[ID:4745] and
1 x 64x32 RGB LED Matrix - 3mm pitch[ID:2279]. I started basic assembly and nothing is displaying on the LED screen. I followed instructions correctly. I did not even get to downloading and installing software. Not sure if product is defective but was unable to contact anyone and guidance said to turn to the forum.

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Franklin97355
 
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Re: Adafruit Matrix Portal - does not display anything

Post by Franklin97355 »

How do you program it ( Arduino or Circuit Python ) and have you tried it without connecting it to anything?

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mkhalaf
 
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Re: Adafruit Matrix Portal - does not display anything

Post by mkhalaf »

Hi,
Thanks for the reply. Before getting to programming it (using Circuit Python), shouldn't I see some basic display when I complete the assembly (when I connect the power cable to the ports and then connect the Matrix Portal to the large connector on the left-hand side of the back of the matrix)? It is not displaying anything. Since my first message, I connected the board to the computer to start programming but it should display something on the screen before moving to the next step.

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dastels
 
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Re: Adafruit Matrix Portal - does not display anything

Post by dastels »

Are you connecting the power cable between the MatrixPortal and the matirx?

Dave

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mkhalaf
 
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Re: Adafruit Matrix Portal - does not display anything

Post by mkhalaf »

Yes, of course.

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dastels
 
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Re: Adafruit Matrix Portal - does not display anything

Post by dastels »

OK, please post a clear photo(s) of your hardware showing the MatrixPortal connected to the matrix, the wiring, etc.

Is the MatrixPortal up to date? The bootloader and CircuitPython.

Dave

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mkhalaf
 
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Re: Adafruit Matrix Portal - does not display anything

Post by mkhalaf »

I just ordered it so I assume it is up to date. Attached photos.
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dastels
 
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Re: Adafruit Matrix Portal - does not display anything

Post by dastels »

Wiring looks good. Don't assume it's up to date. They get loaded when they're made. The bootloader doesn't change too quickly, but Circuitpython does.

But, you don't get any activity on the matrix, right?

Let's see if the MatrixPortal is working correctly.

Disconnect from the panel and test the MatrixPortal. Does a CIRCUITPY drive mount? Can you get to the REPL? If you double-press reset does a MATRIXBOOT drive mount?

Dave

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adafruit_support_carter
 
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Re: Adafruit Matrix Portal - does not display anything

Post by adafruit_support_carter »

Just adding as another test - there is a ready to go UF2 here:
https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-mat ... /downloads

Download the UF2 and drag it the MATRIXBOOT folder. Should show a basic test pattern on the RGB matrix.

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mkhalaf
 
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Re: Adafruit Matrix Portal - does not display anything

Post by mkhalaf »

Hi,
Yes to all of the above. Great recommendation on the second post. I dragged the UF2 file and I saw the three shapes displayed. Now we know the panel is fine. I still can't get the dc metro sign to work but glad to know this isn't an issue with the product.

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