PixelRadio, a DiY FM Transmitter with RDS RadioText

I tried on windows and it won?t even compile over there, but unclear why not - it cant find pins_arduino.h for reasons I cannot explain?
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PlatformIO can be a brat sometimes. From helping others I've found one common problem is a missing or out-of-date python installation.
https://docs.platformio.org/en/latest/faq/install-python.html

When I run into problems I normally go to the PlatformIO GitHub Issue discussion area and look for a solution there. But I just did a Google search for platformio can't find pins_arduino.h and got a lot of hits. I suggest you do the same and review the search results for a solution.

- Thomas
 
I'll keep looking. No luck on both mac and windows for trying to debug..... I'll keep at it until I cant anymore. Just weird that I cant even compile it on windows at all but Mac works fine.
increasing timeouts on mac also doesn't work - increased various ones in that same file too.
Also the flash tool on Windows wont connect and flash strait from the files in the zip. Maybe it's a USB cord issue so I'll try another one of those while I'm at it.
 
Okay so progress on Mac - I reduced the 'upload_speed' to 115200 and it uploaded from the "Upload" task, however, I get a filesystem full mesafe when trying to "Upload Filesystem Image". I bought the module in the parts list so it should have enough space. I'll keep searching for workarounds to this error....
 
Now that the season is over I am going over all my equipment and making upgrades and updates.
I did not build my Pixel Radio.
I have downloaded the new v1.1.2 release.
Is there a step by step instruction on how to apply this update?
 
Looking at this. Is there a "build / instructions" page anywhere? A list of what to buy and instructions. There is 40 pages of back and forth discussion here. Hard to make sense of all of it.
 
I was just going to look into the same thing. The first page of the post has a link to gibhub. You need to navigate around but it seems it has pretty much all information there incl. the part list.

https://github.com/thomastech/PixelRadio/blob/main/docs/Hardware/PartsList.md

It appears that you also need a custom PCB board. It would be nice to have some providers listed. I only did this twice for a board I did and used some supplier from China. When you only need a single board it can be a bit expensive and many vendors have a minimum.
 
Hey @ThomasLED - so regardless of what the Upload filesystem task says, the webpage loads :)

However, I'm not seeing the LED1 (not the one on the TTGO board) light at all. I'm more software than hardware - is there somewhere on the boards I can start to troubleshoot with a multimeter?

Thanks for your work! I may get into the code and see what I can learn as well.
 
I have downloaded the new v1.1.2 release.
Is there a step by step instruction on how to apply this update?
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PixelRadio provides instructions for loading the firmware:
https://github.com/thomastech/PixelRadio/tree/main/src#installing-the-firmware

Looking at this. Is there a "build / instructions" page anywhere? A list of what to buy and instructions. There is 40 pages of back and forth discussion here. Hard to make sense of all of it.
Click to expand...

The entire project is published here: https://github.com/thomastech/PixelRadio
There are no build instructions, just some tips. See the Hardware section, link is listed here:
https://github.com/thomastech/PixelRadio/tree/main/docs


It appears that you also need a custom PCB board. It would be nice to have some providers listed. I only did this twice for a board I did and used some supplier from China. When you only need a single board it can be a bit expensive and many vendors have a minimum.
Click to expand...

Most of the builders here are using JLCPCB (a china based fab vendor) for the PCB. About $10 delivered to your door. Plus some builders here have offered blank PCBs to forum members. Either way, PCB cost is inexpensive.

BTW, PCB specifications are found here: https://github.com/thomastech/PixelRadio/tree/main/docs/Artwork

...regardless of what the Upload filesystem task says, the webpage loads
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If the filesystem was not loaded then the Logo graphic will be missing from the AboutTab. It can be added via SD Card.
See steps 8-9 at this link:
https://github.com/thomastech/PixelRadio/tree/main/src#flash-download-tool-instructions.

However, I'm not seeing the LED1 (not the one on the TTGO board) light at all. I'm more software than hardware - is there somewhere on the boards I can start to troubleshoot with a multimeter?
Click to expand...

The LED operation is explained here: https://github.com/thomastech/PixelRadio/tree/main/docs/Hardware#front-panel-led-music-on-status
If it does not light up then check the voltage across the LED. Will be approx 2V when correctly installed LED is lighted, around 5V if LED is backwards or missing. If 0V during the ON state then check R1, R2, Q1, and MCU1 Pin-28.

BTW, since you are a software guy then be aware that the serial port provides log messages that can help troubleshoot operational problems.
https://github.com/thomastech/PixelRadio/blob/main/docs/User_Manual/DiagTab.md#code-debugging

- Thomas
 
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ThomasLED said:
The LED operation is explained here: https://github.com/thomastech/PixelRadio/tree/main/docs/Hardware#front-panel-led-music-on-status
If it does not light up then check the voltage across the LED. Will be approx 2V when correctly installed LED is lighted, around 5V if LED is backwards or missing. If 0V during the ON state then check R1, R2, Q1, and MCU1 Pin-28.
Click to expand...

Hmmm - getting ~1.6V which i assume means I should see light....but nothing. Maybe I ordered the wrong ones.... https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2255800226600744.html
 
Wacamoe said:
Hey @ThomasLED - so regardless of what the Upload filesystem task says, the webpage loads :)

However, I'm not seeing the LED1 (not the one on the TTGO board) light at all. I'm more software than hardware - is there somewhere on the boards I can start to troubleshoot with a multimeter?

Thanks for your work! I may get into the code and see what I can learn as well.
Click to expand...

Make sure the LED is installed with the correct polarity.
 
Hmmm - getting ~1.6V which i assume means I should see light....but nothing. Maybe I ordered the wrong ones.... https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2255800226600744.html
Click to expand...
Those LEDs should work. But the specs show that the forward voltage is 2.0V minimum (some as high as 3.2V), so 1.7V measurement seems low. Try a new LED (install longest lead in square PCB pad) and if that does not solve it then check the other components I mentioned earlier. Start at R1, a wrong value there would explain the weird voltage.

Make sure the LED is installed with the correct polarity.
Click to expand...
Normally an LED installed backwards at the LED1 location would measure 5V. But not a bad idea to check for correct installation. A view of the proper orientation is shown here:
https://github.com/thomastech/PixelRadio/blob/main/docs/Images/pcb_RevB4_1500.png

- Thomas
 
Last edited:
ThomasLED said:
Those LEDs should work. But the specs show that the forward voltage is 2.0V minimum (some as high as 3.2V), so 1.7V measurement seems low. Try a new LED (install longest lead in square PCB pad) and if that does not solve it then check the other components I mentioned earlier. Start at R1, a wrong value there would explain the weird voltage.


Normally an LED installed backwards at the LED1 location would measure 5V. But not a bad idea to check for correct installation. A view of the proper orientation is shown here:
https://github.com/thomastech/PixelRadio/blob/main/docs/Images/pcb_RevB4_1500.png

- Thomas
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Thanks - R1 is showing 3.2, R2 is 0 though, so I might have some bad solders. I'm not the greatest at soldering and am using this as practice as well, so I'll try and cleanup and reflow around those components. I bought a bunch of extra parts anyways and have 3 more boards to practice with. (My second assembly has a bad vdc reading from.....somewhere where I'm sure I messed up a capacitor.....) Onward to debugging - thanks for your help so far!
 
R1 is showing 3.2
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That voltage drop across R1 is valid, but are you sure the resistor value is correct? The expected 470 ohm might have been stuffed with the wrong value, such as 4.7K or 47K. Or maybe a bad solder connection on it. Eyeballs are often the best tool for the job, so check the color code. If unsure then lift one side and measure the resistor value with an ohmmeter.

R2 is 0 though
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Sounds like you are measuring the voltage across R2, which will always be zero (MOSFET gates do not draw current). Instead, your meter needs one lead on ground, the other on R2 (check both ends). You should see a bit over 3V on both ends of R2 when the LED is enabled.

I'm not the greatest at soldering and am using this as practice as well, so I'll try and cleanup and reflow around those components.
Click to expand...
Yes, reflow U1 pin 28 (at PCB socket pad and module pad), R1, R2, and Q1. Use solder flux (or fresh solder) to ensure good reflow.

Still not working? Post clear close-up photos of the top and bottom of the board around the R1,R2, Q1, LED1 region. Someone here might spot something.


- Thomas
 
Would the IRF540N work as a replacement for the IRLZ24NPbF?
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Not a recommended sub. The IRF540N gate threshold is 4V. The ESP32 logic high is only 3.3V. So it's not a compatible MOSFET. If you will be using the optional "On Air" LED sign then you'll need to stuff a IRLZ24NPbF.

Also does the board accommodate 1/4W or is the board designed for the smaller 1/8W resistors?
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One builder reported using 1/4W. They were satisfied with how it looked. However, I think you can get an assortment of 1/8W 5% from AliExpress for just a few dollars.

- Thomas
 
Any good links to the external on air signs from anyone?

Additionally, is the on-air sign similarly hooked up like the LED is so that it turns on when sensing music through the jack?

Thanks!


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