Bi-Color matrix

[MrDEB]

Now you got my curiosity
If I blink an led on say
PORTB.0=1
delayms(1000)
PORTB.) = 0
it compiles??

[brad]

Sorry MrDeb, I was getting confused with different code. In my head I though you were talking about something like this:

Code: Select all

PORTB(7) = 0 etc...

But yes, as you say - you can write it without the 'bits' and it will still compile and work

[MrDEB]

That's what I was wondering?
I received a package yesterday, THANKS
is there any way I can repay at least the postage?PAYPAL

[brad]

No, it's all good! Make sure you give my circuit and code a try though

[MrDEB]

Well everything is ordered. hopefully I ordered the right displays.
Got to thinking about using both Green and Red leds. But the code and board would have to be redone. Just contemplating.
Meanwhile back to my bi colored 5 x 7 matrix using the TLC5916 to sink. So far I have yet to test my shift.bas code. BUT the display is really bright. Can't wait to try out the new brighter displays I received on Monday.

[MrDEB]

Well now that I got my hardware straighten out and some help from BeBe over at Electrotech I got the TLC5916 to work. Started construction of my hopefully final prototype on a perfboard.
Mounting an 18F2420, a TD62783 high side driver, TLC5916, HT12D or E??(the decoder) and one of the new 5 x 7 matrix.
Hopefully avoid any hardware gremlins. Them things just come from no where it seems.
Still waiting for push buttons and matrix's for the xmas matrix. Got the slide switches and PICs.

[brad]

Have you managed to make one of the Christmas displays yet?

[MrDEB]

I read through the instructions on INSTRUCTIABLES and I guess I can assemble without the push buttons (can add later)
Wonder how hard to change the wording from MERRY CHRISTMAS to HAPPY EASTER or
something else in the future.
I found I need to drill the battery holder mounting holes slightly larger. No big deal.

[brad]

You just need to change the 1's and 0's contained in the data table. I should have made a little visual basic app that allowed people to change it themselves...

[MrDEB]

Well this bike project is coming along slow but sure.
A recap of design--RECEIVER BOARD--Using a TD62783APG as a high side driver a TLC5916/17 as a constant current sink device, an 18F2420 (going to use an 18F25K20 in final design), an HT12D for receiving wireless via receiver module.OH yea the 5x7 matrix.
Transmitter board = 18F2420, HT12E, transmitter module
The TLC5916/17 are GREAT for driving LEDs as each LED is of equal brightness regardless of Vf of the LED. One resistor to set the current per segment.
When I got this creation running and measured current draw, I got worried. 150ma max for one of the three subroutines and 85ma for the remaining two sub routines.
After experimentation with multiplexing I now have the max current draw of 26ma regardless of sub routine.
Working on battery calculations and enclosures. Located two enclosures that I need to redesign the PCboards to fit. The transmitter at present draws 5ma at idle (need to implement SLEEP) and 15ma at transmission. Enclosure has provisions for two AAA batteries.
The main board that houses the matrix has provisions for 4 AA batteries.
Need to fit my circuit designs on the PCboard dimensions in the data sheets.
will post video as soon as I get my board design done. I hope to finish this project by January 1st 2013

[brad]

Could you perhaps incorporate a thin 3.6v lithium battery? They are cheap and microchip have single chip chargers for them. Then you wouldnt need to open it to change the batteries

[brad]

Could you perhaps incorporate a thin 3.6v lithium battery? They are cheap and microchip have single chip chargers for them. Then you wouldnt need to open it to change the batteries

[MrDEB]

Will look into the battery suggestion.
THANKS

[brad]

No worries!

[MrDEB]

The lithium batteries I found are same size as AA batteries.
The problem I am facig is the LED matrix goes dim at 4.5v so I have been using a 9v battery for testing but feel if I had more head room say 12v then the batteries would last a LONG time before the LEDs go dim.
needs more research but the rechargeable idea vers price is what might be a determining factor. This device is mounted on the back of a bike thus enduring some abuse and possible theft.
LOTS to consider.
On the transmitter side I feel a large head room is perhaps a better choice as well. The transmitter requires 2.4v so using two AAA batteries leaves little room.