[SOLVED] Testing connections of LCD in MBHP_CORE and MBHP_SID

Testing/Troubleshooting
1

Hello,

 

My SID box is almost working (MIDI I/O, voltages & ground measures on MBHP_CORE and MBHP_SID PCBs), but I have no display (just a black line) and no sound.

 

I tested the LCD with a 40x2 and a 16x2, both results. Both are normally compatible with the default Hitachi Driver (the 16x2 comes from my Arduino kit and working, the 40x2 is from voti.nl).

 

So I have 2 blocks of questions

 

  1. LCD
  • For the SID applications, I should only use 4 bit data (4-7). The SID manual don’t seem to tell to use a 1k pull-up resistance on D3. Do I need to do it?
  • Will the LCD display “READY” only when all is OK? or do I have to check something?
  • To use the test application, do I need to do it with or without the LCD connected?
  1. SID
  • Do I need to remove the 6581 for the SID connection test application?

Thank you for the support!

2

Hi,

 

 

  • For the SID applications, I should only use 4 bit data (4-7). The SID manual don’t seem to tell to use a 1k pull-up resistance on D3. Do I need to do it?

 

yes!

See also http://www.ucapps.de/midibox_sid/mbsid_v2_communication.pdf

 

 

  • Will the LCD display “READY” only when all is OK? or do I have to check something?

 

It will display a boot screen, thereafter the MBSID main screen when the connections are ok

 

 

  • To use the test application, do I need to do it with or without the LCD connected?

 

this doesn’t matter

 

 

  • Do I need to remove the 6581 for the SID connection test application?

 

no

 

Best Regards, Thorsten.

3

OK. The 1N4148’s are only for multiple CORE communications ?

4

I’m not 100% sure if the missing diode could cause a problem, but since I’m currently not able to try it without a diode at my side, please mount it.

 

General question: did you follow the walkthrough? -> http://www.ucapps.de/midibox_sid_walkthrough.html

 

E.g. it’s important that you install MIOS (the operating system) before the MIDIbox SID application, otherwise the app won’t start, and also the LCD won’t be initialized (so: actually the same effect that you described)

 

Best Regards, Thorsten.

5

Hello,

 

Thank you for your reply.

 

I did read the walkthrough manual, but I thought the SID aplication archive was the OS + the application.

 

I will also plug the diode, but I have now a MIDI IN problem : the upload fails, the MIDI Out sends good Sysexes, but when I do the loopback test (replace PIC by a jumper at RX/RX), the returning output is completely corrupted, and this was not so before. This was maybe due to my last checks, I did reintroduce “bugs” in the soldering… I was too enthusiastic, and did it late in the evening… not good.

 

But I learn a lot, and my motivation is really high :slight_smile: But I have to manage the time to play with soldering with family :wink:

6

Hello,

 

I fixed the MIDI IN problem (short-circuits around the J10 connector). Then I uploaded the OS and the SID application. Now the display shows the boot message and SID messages :smile:

 

But I still have MIDI In noise, still around J10 and will fix that.

 

This topic is “resolved” for me.

7

FYI: the soldering was such a mess (done with a too wide soldering tip) that I ordered an other CORE module. I’ve  just built it this evening (with a fine soldering tip), and the MIDI I/O are now OK and really stable (I could upload the OS and applications many times).

 

The voltages are OK on both boards (CORE and SID).

I still have no sound, but I will check the interconnections and will connect the LCD display.

8

alchemist: is your board working now? i got the exactly same problem. i built both, the core and the sid, the core is talking to mios_studio, i can ul mios and the application “setup.6581.hex” and there is no sound…

9

Hello,

 

The board was not working, I replaced it : I used a too big solder point and I broke too many tracks.

 

Now, I have 4 cores working very well :smile: