Merge branch 'hzeller:master' into master

README.md

@@ -24,8 +24,11 @@ that they have the freedom to adapt and improve).
 
 ## Discourse discussion group
 
-If you'd like help, please do not file a bug, use the discussion board instead:
-https://rpi-rgb-led-matrix.discourse.group/
+**If you'd like help, please do not file a bug, use the discussion board instead:**
+https://rpi-rgb-led-matrix.discourse.group/  (obviously please read this whole page first).
+If you file a bug asking for personal help instead of using the discourse group, please
+state in your bug that you have read this entire page and that you're indeed filing a bug
+or request for improvement. Otherwise, please use the discourse group.
 
 Overview
 --------
@@ -137,6 +140,15 @@ sudo examples-api-use/demo -D0
   4. Write your own programs using the Matrix in C++ or one of the
      bindings such as Python or C#.
 
+### Wiring / Boards
+
+Please see the [Adadpter Boards or Self Wiring](./adapter). 
+
+Summary is:
+- Yes you can self wire without level shifters and it will work most of the time, but if you're not in a hurry get a board
+- https://www.electrodragon.com/product/rgb-matrix-panel-drive-board-for-raspberry-pi-v2/ **is the recommended solution with 3 channels and level shifters**. You can't go wrong there, but expect a bit of shipping time.
+- If shipping time is crucial and you don't want to wire your own, Adafruit sells a single channel board (the electrodragon one is 3 channels), but note that its wiring is non standard and requires a special compile option or command line argument: https://www.adafruit.com/product/3211
+
 ### Utilities
 
 The [utils directory](./utils) is meant for ready utilities to show images or

adapter/README.md

@@ -4,6 +4,10 @@ PCB adapter for Raspberry Pi to Hub75 RGB Matrixes
 Since hand-wiring can be a little tedious, here are some PCBs that help
 with the wiring when using the `rpi-rgb-led-matrix` code.
 
+![Three Panels connected][three-panels]
+
+[three-panels]: ../img/three-parallel-panels-soic.jpg
+
    * [Passive-3](./passive-3) Supports three parallel chains, directly connected
      to the output of a Rapsberry Pi with 40 GPIO pins. Works, but usually it is better to
      buffer the outputs using the ...
@@ -13,11 +17,21 @@ with the wiring when using the `rpi-rgb-led-matrix` code.
      As another option you can buy it from these locations not affiliated with this project.
      They are given to help you locate premade boards but no guarantees are given or implied:
      * https://www.electrodragon.com/product/rgb-matrix-panel-drive-board-raspberry-pi/
-       ($3/board, but fairly long and/or expensive shipping from HKG)
-     * Seller #2 (fill me)
+       ($3/board, but fairly long and/or expensive shipping from HKG). The old board includes 
+       support for an optional RTC (real time clock) which had to be disabled for most users 
+       who wanted 3 channels instead of an RTC.
+     * The new HD board with angled connectors (thinner footprint), is here: https://www.electrodragon.com/product/rgb-matrix-panel-drive-board-for-raspberry-pi-v2/ << **this is the recommended board for most users today**
+    ![RGB-Matrix-Panel-Drive-Board-For-Raspberry-Pi-V2-02-400x400](https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/713e2414-04f9-4fc3-86a2-cb576e29e057)
+
    * The [Passive-RPi1](./passive-rpi1) adapter board is to connect one panel to
      Raspberry Pi 1 with 26 GPIO pins.
 
-![Three Panels connected][three-panels]
+   * For completeness, Adafruit has a single channel active board here: 
+     https://www.adafruit.com/product/3211 although it is ultimately inferior to the 
+     electrodragon board, but it does ship quicker if you're in the US (note that you will
+     need special compile option or command line argument since it uses non standard wiring)
+
+   * As of 2024/12 and this thread: https://rpi-rgb-led-matrix.discourse.group/t/solved-aliexpress-2-string-passive-adapter-not-working-because-rpi-connector-was-soldered-on-the-wrong-side-of-the-board/892/26 , there is also a cheap passive 2 channel board that works great on a small board like rPi0 2W, but all chinese sellers that Marc Merlin surveyed at the time, sold the board soldered wrong and they do not work unless you order the board unsoldered and solder it yourself. Electrodragon is in the process of finishing a low profile 3 channel passive board that will be a proper replacement for the unnamed mis-soldered chinese board.
+
+![8a584b59a1da068112905d3a37923521a756353e_2_664x500](https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/38b0163f-bf62-4393-a084-dab432c3ef49)
 
-[three-panels]: ../img/three-parallel-panels-soic.jpg