Pixel Extender
Disclaimers
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THIS WIKI PAGE IS NOT COMPLETE YET AND HAS NOT BEEN CHECKED FOR ERRORS.
Pixel Extender Construction Manual
What is the Pixel Extender?
Revision History
V1.2 - Initial Release
Pixel Extender Parts
To build the Pixel Extender, you need 2 things:
- The PCB
- The parts to solder on the board, also known as a BOM (Bill Of Materials).
The BOM parts needed to build the board are:
| Mouser BOM | |||
| Part ID | Mouser PN | Description | Qty |
| R1 | # | Resistor | 3 |
You can buy the parts directly from Mouser: Click here for Mouser Direct Project BOM
or
The BOM is also available at a discount in a kit that includes the PCB from DIYLEDExpress.com
Building the Pixel Extender
Take your time and ensure you install the components in the correct orientation when required. Start by sorting the components by type and values. Look over the PCB before starting noting the location of the various components. Follow the standard procedure of installing the lowest profile parts first and ending up with the tallest. You can click on any photo to see a larger version of the image.
[[File:#:PixelExtender-Step13.jpg|600px]]
- □ - Begin by inspecting the PCBs to look for any defects such as cracks or breaks. The holes on the board should be open on both sides. Then inspect and sort out the various parts for the boards.
- □ - Install the one 680 Ohm resistors (blue, gray, brown, gold) R1 The resistors are not polarized and can be mounted either way.
- □ - Install the two 1K Ohm resistors (brown, black, red, gold) R2,R3 The resistors are not polarized and can be mounted either way.
- □ - Install the two 27K Ohm resistors (red, violet, orange, gold) R4,R5 The resistors are not polarized and can be mounted either way.
- □ - Install the one 120 Ohm resistor (brown, red, brown, gold) R6 The resistors are not polarized and can be mounted either way.
- □ - Install the three 0.1uF (100nF) capacitors C1-C3. The capacitors are not polarized and can be mounted either way.
- □ - Install the one green LED LED1. The LEDs are polarized and must be installed correctly. The short lead is the cathode and must be placed in the top hole closest to the mount hole.
- □ - Install the one 8-pin IC sockets for IC1. Install with the notch to the bottom matching the notch on the PCB.
- □ - Install the 5v linear regulator. Note the regulator is polarized and the flat side should face the bottom to match the orientation on the silkscreen. NOTE: IF YOU PLAN TO USE 5VDC LOADS, SEE THE DESIGN OPTIONS SECTION BELOW BEFORE INSTALLING THE VOLTAGE REGULATOR.
- □ - Install the one fuse clip. The fuse clip has no polarity to worry about.
- □ - Install the pixel output block with the notches matching the PCB.
- □ - Install the one terminal block for the power input. Install with the openings for the wires facing off the edge of the board.
- □ - Install the one RJ45 modular jacks J1. Due to minor variations in manufacturing, some RJ45 jacks are a tighter fit than others. Care should be taken to ensure that the pins are aligned first before applying too much pressure to seat the locking lugs through the board.
- □ - Congratulations! That completes the construction of the Pixel Extender!
Jumpers
JP1 - 5V Bypass
Install shunt instead of 5V Regulator to use with 5V Pixels.
Powering the Pixel Extender
Initial Testing
TroubleShooting
So - you've built your new Pixel Extender, connected it up to your E1.31 Bridge and tried a quick sequence and nothing happens! There are several checks to perform in order:
Visual Inspection
The very first step involves a close visual inspection of the board. Double check that you have the correct component in the correct location and in the correct orientation. Look at every single solder connection and if some are not shiny or look suspect - reflow them to be sure.
Power
Measure the voltage supplied to the Pixel Extender and ensure it's either +5vdc or +7-24vdc and ensure the power jumper is set correctly. Measure the voltage with the supply plugged in and connected to the Pixel Extender to ensure it's not shorting out. If the voltage is correct then you know the input level is correct.
Remove any/all socketed chips from the board before proceeding.
FAQ
TBD