10/18/2023 Map Stopped Working?
Visit this post for the fix
I built my original map last year. Just upgraded to version 3, which btw the interface is AWESOME! So much easier to set things up.
I do have a lingering issue, however, that is really making me suspect a faulty Raspberry Pi. From day one of my first build, the lights work perfectly when getting METAR data. They display the correct colors, blink when they should, etc. However, I have had an annoying moment every 30 to 60 seconds (random as far as I can tell) where the entire map flashes blue, and then the colors go back to their current METAR state. With the update to Version 3, this problem has gotten much worse.
Any suggestions how to troubleshoot this? I have checked and rechecked the wiring, soldered joints instead of using the breadboard to make sure no bad connections exist, and gone over the entire project setup multiple times. I have a very nice, stable power supply and have no idea what could be causing the mysterious blue flashes. Any help is appreciated. My next gamble is to purchase a new RP and see what happens.
@PilotKen This seems like it may be a power spike potentially. Are you using a diode? You could maybe switch over to the level shifter we are now using. Another thing you can try is to add another ground from the Pi to the ground on your breadboard or PCB board (if you've soldered the whole setup). I'll do some thinking on this and see if something else comes to mind as a potential cause to this issue.
Thanks,
Bill
I am having some what of the same issue. I have everything set up and have double checked it but every time i select Startup Map all the lights just flash all different colors where there is an airport in the list and where there is a Null those lights flash different brightness of white. I started building V2 a few weeks ago and noticed that you launched V3 and ordered the level converter to start this build. I have reflashed the memory card but still have the same issues.
Anytime I've had phantom LED behavior it came down to 1 of a few things.
- As already mentioned, if the RPI is not grounded to the same ground used for the LED's this behavior will occur. If two power supplies are used on the same project, their grounds must be tied together properly.
- If the RPI is grounded to the ground used for the LED's, add another ground from another RPI ground pin for redundancy.
- If using a breadboard, keep in mind that these will often provide an intermittent connection. I've had to move the grounds into other pin holes of the breadboard till I found a stable connection.
- Similar issues can occur with the digital in line to the LED string. I've had to replace a jumper wire with another to fix it.
It's possible that the RPI itself is intermittent, or even a string of LED's but in my experience its always been the connections made to the breadboard. I've had this happen a half a dozen times, and each time its very confusing and frustrating, but using the info above I've been able to eliminate it each time. - Mark
