Interstate 75W not working with 128 x 64 LED Matrix

Support
1

I’ve just purchased an Interstate 75W (RPI 2350) and flashed it with i75w_rp2350-v0.0.5-micropython-with-filesystem.uf2

I’ve connected a 128 x 64 matrix, which I believe is a p2.5-2121-128*64-64s. There are no issues communicating with the i75w, and rgb_led.py test program works perfectly, however the matrix is completely dead.

I have modified the test scripts to 128X64, and tried powering from my MacBook Pro and from just the charger. Both should have sufficient power for a small test, but still nothing. I have also tried a different panel (same spec) and got the same result.

Is the i75w compatible with this panel? If not, what’s the best option for me?

Thanks

2

Pictures of how you have things plugged in / connected may help?

3

Of course. I hope this helps. It’ just running the RGB LED example.

IMG_0912
IMG_09121920×1440 953 KB

4

Looks good to me. I guess the next step is too post your code. IE what modifications you made too the examples etc.

Advanced Configuration

interstate75/docs/README.md at main · pimoroni/interstate75 · GitHub

I have an i75W, but it’s the older Pico RP2040 W on board.

5

Also curious about that panel; it doesn’t seem to have the second HUB75 header on it, which I thought all the Pimoroni boards did - I vaguely remember the Interstate library supports a couple of different panel types so it might be worth exploring that?

6

Here’s one of the example scripts I’ve tried (hello_world.py). I’ve tried all of the supplied programs. The only difference I have made is to change 128X128 to 128X64 on the third line

Yes, it’s weird (and annoying) that the through-port is missing, but not the end of the world for what I need.

from interstate75 import Interstate75


# if the text does not show as magenta and white, try changing the color_order below
i75 = Interstate75(display=Interstate75.DISPLAY_INTERSTATE75_128X64, color_order=Interstate75.COLOR_ORDER_RGB)
graphics = i75.display

MAGENTA = graphics.create_pen(255, 0, 255)
BLACK = graphics.create_pen(0, 0, 0)
WHITE = graphics.create_pen(255, 255, 255)

while True:
    graphics.set_pen(MAGENTA)
    graphics.text("hello", 1, 0, scale=1)
    graphics.set_pen(WHITE)
    graphics.text("world", 1, 6, scale=1)
    i75.update()
7

Was said LED Matrix purchased from Pimoroni?

8

No, it wasn’t purchased from Pimoroni. It was purchased from Amazon, the brand wasn’t specified but I believe it’s a p2.5-2121-128*64-64s. There’s not much online about it.

9

Ok, your likely going to have to play around with the settings. stb_invert=True maybe? Or PANEL_FM6126A. Maybe even color order?
And run some simple code like this.

from interstate75 import Interstate75

i75 = Interstate75(display=Interstate75.DISPLAY_INTERSTATE75_128X128)
graphics = i75.display

RED = graphics.create_pen(255, 0, 0)

graphics.set_pen(RED)

graphics.clear()

i75.update()

Getting Started with Interstate 75

10

Unfortunately, the Interstate’s power cable is covering about the only printed text I can see on that display :-)

But yeah, if you’re getting nothing out of it my instinct would be to try PANEL_FM6126A first

eta: most of that p2.5-2121-128*64-64s is describing the physical characteristics, it doesn’t give us much clue about driver chips.

11

Thanks for all of the replies. I’ve now tried all of those, and still nothing. Is there any way to test the panel actually works? I have access to Arduino’s and Raspberry Pis, but I’m not willing to buy anything else at this point. Thanks

12

Is there a pinout for the IN plug, or a schematic available?
I’d say your going to need one or the other to go any further.