Portal Matrix S3 died with a loud pop

[johnc13]

I ordered 2 64-32 RGB LED Matrixes 4 mm pitch, and an Adafruit Matrix Portal S3 on Sep 10. Invoice # 3135207.

Tested both panels with the default program in the Matrix Portal S3. Both passed. PXL_20230915_162244843.png shows the Matrix Portal S3 connected to an RGB LED Matrix displaying the Adafruit example display. It also shows all the LEDs on in the Matrix Portal S3.

I then programmed the Adafruit PixelDust example. The display lasted less than 1 minute before a loud pop killed the display. PXL_20230916_225436569.png shows the Matrix Panel S3 after the panel was disconnected. It shows that the 5 volt LED is on but the 3.3 volt LED is off. Other LEDs are also off. It looks like the 3.3 volt regulator died.

The first picture demonstrates the Matrix Panel S3 is connected correctly. The second picture shows that the Matrix Panel s3 is not functioning.

I would like s replacement Matrix Panel S3. Hopefully the RGB LED Matrix is OK.

[dastels]

Can you post a *clear* closeup of the USB end of the board?

Dave

[adafruit2]

why is the orange plastic protector still on the 5V screw connector? did you power the matrix from the 3V supply somehow? :/

[johnc13]

Here is a closeup of the board. Even under a magnifying glass, I could not see any visual damage. I hooked the wires back up to show that I connected them to the back of the board. Again, I applied power to the board to show the 5 volt LED lit. There is also a picture of the board under a magnifier.

[dastels]

These images aren't overly useful: not close and/or not clear.

It does seem like the 3.3v regulator (or a related component) went bad. Was anything else connected to the 3.3v output?

Dave

[adafruit2]

you definitely should be connecting to the *top* of the screw terminals, not the bottom!

[johnc13]

The first picture shows all connections. The only connections were to one RGB display. As the RGB display picture shows, the display was OK. The connections were not removed when the new program was installed in the Matrix Panel S3, but during the new display, the Matrix Panel S3 died.

I can not get any closer with my camera, but I did put it in my magnifier for a better view. Without the 3.3 volt LED lit, I also think the regulator went bad, especially since the Martix Portal S3 is completely unresponsive and the other LEDs that are normally on are also off.

It is better to connect wires to the top when plugging in the matrix s3, but with a data cable it should not matter, however I will connect to the top of the replacement.

[adafruit2]

we'll replace it this one time - email support@adafruit.com
watch to make sure you dont short out the power supply. it is actually important you connect to the top, the bottom has a ground plane near the 5V, you can easily have the +5 cable scrape against and short.

[johnc13]

Thank you for authorizing the replacement.

I will connect the power leads on the top from now on.