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hzeller / rpi-rgb-led-matrix

Controlling up to three chains of 64x64, 32x32, 16x32 or similar RGB LED displays using Raspberry Pi GPIO
GNU General Public License v2.0
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Single Passive RPi2 (40 Pin) Adapter? #604

Open Pghpunkid opened 6 years ago

Pghpunkid commented 6 years ago

Not so much an issue, as it is a request but...

I see that there is a single passive adapter for older Pi's and older pinout method, but only a Passive 3 for 40 Pin RPi models.

Is there anyway we can get a single passive for 40 Pin and keep it as minimal as possible so we might be able to fit the PCB itself in a case (and cut the case for the HUB75 connector)? I tried to look at KiCad to modify the Passive 3 to do this so OshPark could make them, but basically immediately froze up when I saw the design.

hzeller commented 6 years ago

Having long cables directly connected to the Pi is a little bit dangerous as it is easy to fry the GPIO pins (they are directly wired into the CPU without any safety in-between). Also, the LED matrixes often have issues with 3.3V logic levels. So I suggest to just solder up an active adapter. Alternatively: Somewhere in the issue list people were mentioning that there was a Chinese company that made ready-made active adapters that are 1:1 compatible with this library, that might also be an option (they were really cheap assembled, <$5 IIRC).

Pghpunkid commented 6 years ago

Realistically, the issue I have with the Passive/Active 3 port boards, is I can't package it cleanly without some kind of hot glue accidents. So even the active board wouldn't help me, but I get what your saying.

Anyway we can get a single active board then? :)

Pghpunkid commented 6 years ago

And as far as the Chinese adapters, I have been searching everywhere for premade adapters, and haven't found much. If you know of a place, id love to take a look. However, if there was a single active board at OSHPark that the board fit in a case (Upper clearance is okay, so long as I can cut holes the case and have it clasp together and screw together still), I would be in heaven.

maddogs commented 6 years ago

The adaptors can be purchased here

http://www.electrodragon.com/product/rgb-matrix-panel-drive-board-raspberry-pi/

I'm using a couple and they work fine.