From 753e24de79c40f2ac373def5c6219e7e394b181b Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Marc MERLIN Date: Fri, 3 Jan 2025 01:44:53 -0800 Subject: [PATCH 1/5] Update README.md Fix https://github.com/hzeller/rpi-rgb-led-matrix/issues/983 --- adapter/README.md | 2 +- 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+), 1 deletion(-) diff --git a/adapter/README.md b/adapter/README.md index 207c9db14..441297bda 100644 --- a/adapter/README.md +++ b/adapter/README.md @@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ with the wiring when using the `rpi-rgb-led-matrix` code. 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) + * The new HD board with angled connectors, 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** * The [Passive-RPi1](./passive-rpi1) adapter board is to connect one panel to Raspberry Pi 1 with 26 GPIO pins. From 81201174f462e39d7056fcc24ce65b50bbde983d Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Marc MERLIN Date: Fri, 3 Jan 2025 01:53:29 -0800 Subject: [PATCH 2/5] Update README.md more details on existing commercially available adapters --- adapter/README.md | 13 +++++++++++-- 1 file changed, 11 insertions(+), 2 deletions(-) diff --git a/adapter/README.md b/adapter/README.md index 441297bda..488e4c63e 100644 --- a/adapter/README.md +++ b/adapter/README.md @@ -13,11 +13,20 @@ 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) - * The new HD board with angled connectors, 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** + ($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. + * 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) + ![Three Panels connected][three-panels] [three-panels]: ../img/three-parallel-panels-soic.jpg From 9366ede697fc4a8e5ac1683b8399fb346f3b9e89 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Marc MERLIN Date: Fri, 3 Jan 2025 01:58:37 -0800 Subject: [PATCH 3/5] Update README.md Added 2 channel board and pictures --- adapter/README.md | 9 +++++++-- 1 file changed, 7 insertions(+), 2 deletions(-) diff --git a/adapter/README.md b/adapter/README.md index 488e4c63e..feb5e89c7 100644 --- a/adapter/README.md +++ b/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 ... @@ -27,6 +31,7 @@ with the wiring when using the `rpi-rgb-led-matrix` code. 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) -![Three Panels connected][three-panels] + * 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 From f21c1f7f4b2913413e1d3965b24ca1716097aaaa Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Marc MERLIN Date: Fri, 3 Jan 2025 01:59:53 -0800 Subject: [PATCH 4/5] Update README.md Added basic info/pointer on adapter boards and what people should buy if they don't want to make their own --- README.md | 9 +++++++++ 1 file changed, 9 insertions(+) diff --git a/README.md b/README.md index f6dbd27d2..792bf81c7 100644 --- a/README.md +++ b/README.md @@ -137,6 +137,15 @@ 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 From f0e95d3557dfc60759a290300c184074e9ec5874 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Marc MERLIN Date: Fri, 3 Jan 2025 02:02:04 -0800 Subject: [PATCH 5/5] Update README.md too many people are filing bugs for help instead of using discourse. --- README.md | 7 +++++-- 1 file changed, 5 insertions(+), 2 deletions(-) diff --git a/README.md b/README.md index 792bf81c7..5a98566f4 100644 --- a/README.md +++ b/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 --------