Build Log (of a total and complete newb with 0 electronics expierence)

[TorroesPrime]

Well, this is pretty much my last shot with this particular screen. I've re-soldered the connections about 3 times... in each location. I've double, triple, quad, and quintuple checked the connections. They are as good as I can make them.



I was having an issue with the 5v line coming un-done from the circuit board, so I re-soldered it, and then encased it in hot glue.

and....


yeah. Nothing. I mean stupidity check: if there is no HDMI connection, will the Pie automatically switch to the TV output? Or do I need to configure it?

At this point, I'm thinking I just have shitty solder or something. It's a 60/40 rosin-core solder at .062"/1.5mm in diameter is that makes any difference.

[infinitLoop]

yeah. Nothing. I mean stupidity check: if there is no HDMI connection, will the Pie automatically switch to the TV output? Or do I need to configure it?

At this point, I'm thinking I just have shitty solder or something. It's a 60/40 rosin-core solder at .062"/1.5mm in diameter is that makes any difference.

right, unless you have settings in your config to force hdmi and ignore composite, it should default to that as long as hdmi isn't plugged in. are you able to check the voltage to see if you are getting any at the screen board?

it's probably not the solder. it might be that the composite on the pi is dead. too much heat on those pins could damage them. or could be that the signal isn't strong enough, or that it's not getting power properly... unfortunately, there's a few things that could wrong with those screens, and they are not easy to troubleshoot.

[TorroesPrime]

yeah. Nothing. I mean stupidity check: if there is no HDMI connection, will the Pie automatically switch to the TV output? Or do I need to configure it?

At this point, I'm thinking I just have shitty solder or something. It's a 60/40 rosin-core solder at .062"/1.5mm in diameter is that makes any difference.

right, unless you have settings in your config to force hdmi and ignore composite, it should default to that as long as hdmi isn't plugged in. are you able to check the voltage to see if you are getting any at the screen board?

I mean, I HAVE A multi-meter... but as I've hinted at before, I have 0 practical knowledge of working with electronics so... it's a bit like saying a monkey has a ratchet set with regards to disassembling an engine.

what would I be testing? Like... how would I be testing it I guess is the more relevant point. I'm guessing I'd be testing to see if I'm getting 5v on the screen right?

[infinitLoop]

I mean, I HAVE A multi-meter... but as I've hinted at before, I have 0 practical knowledge of working with electronics so... it's a bit like saying a monkey has a ratchet set with regards to disassembling an engine.

what would I be testing? Like... how would I be testing it I guess is the more relevant point. I'm guessing I'd be testing to see if I'm getting 5v on the screen right?

yeah, so, first i'd say it's worthwhile to just do some "intro to multimeter" type tutorials to get acquainted with how it works, and so you don't damage things, but the two primary ways you'll use it are continuity - touching the prongs to two spots that have nearly no resistance should beep or indicate they are connected somehow - and, the voltage check - putting the black prong at a negative spot (ie ground) and the red one at a positive spot, should show how much voltage is flowing through there. for the main power spots, you should get around 5 volts. elsewhere, like the composite pin or gpio pins, should have some voltage too, but a lot lower, to indicate it's being used.

(the third way you could use it for these types of projects is to check current, but that involves breaking a connection, and inserting the two prongs into it, so the current can flow through).

they all typically involve changing settings on the multimeter, and the wrong setup can damage components, so make sure to get familiar with yours before trying to do too much.