Troubleshooting Help

[primal65]

Alright I've finished Dmitri's lasted 32 input design, but I'm having some problems and could use some troubleshooting pointers.

I'll try and explain everything I know at the moment. Please ask me for any info I don't post.

Dmitri's Programmed the atmega 644:
I programmed the pic using the info given. Winpic said the programming failed, but the MD USB popped up after it was done. I heard this was normal.:
So far, on the LCD all I see is the bottom row full of bars and nothing else. No splash screen with Dmitri's name or anything:
After input the MD in to midi ox the only info I get is periodic spam of CC: Foot Controller messages. Seems to increase if I touch the solder joints on the board.:
I get no other messages. No Notes On Or Off when I strike a pad or cymbal. The Led lights up when the CC spam is happening, but that's about it.

I've checked and rechecked all my solder joints and connections. They all seem ok. Checked my cables to make sure none are backwards. Checked my etching traces with the multimeter. I'm kind of at a loss at where else to troubleshoot.

I realize there's probably multiple problems, but If anyone has any ideas of what else to troubleshoot, I'm all ears.

Thanks Guys

Regards

[primal65]

I should post some pics of my work. I'll get them up in a sec.

[primal65]

Yea, my soldering skills are a bit shitty, but I've checked all and none seemed bridged.

Wish my LCD would work so I could see if my buttons are and encoders are working. I etched the boards myself and they came out okay. There was a couple traces with gaps but I bridged them with some wire. Most of the cables used are what I had on hand and spliced by me to make them work....or not work I should say

[Firelord]

Here are some thoughts.

1. The connection with the LCD is probably broken;
2. False CC Foot Controller messages are commonplace, you should connect a pedal and see how it works then;
3. From what I understand your MD is at least functioning, not counting the LCD problems.

Thus you should first troubleshoot the LCD, refer to the LCD FAQ.

Also, I would recommend resoldering those joints with flux and providing enough heat (however try to not overheat the pads/traces). Some of those may be faulty (judging by the pictures you posted). Begin with those that are related to the LCD. Look for bridges (disconnect the LCD, remove ATMega from the socket and search for those nasty things).

Also consider the fact, that Dmitri pre-programs all chips with the 56i version of the firmware.

[primal65]

Thanks for the tips, Firelord.

Well I changed the ribbon cable on the lcd and now I can see the power up screen and navigate the menus. Unfortunately, the only midi activity I"m getting is an ocassional spam of midi note C-1.

Also, about the firmware, it's 20102010. I told Dmitri that I was building his 32 input design so I think he programmed the correct firmware.

[primal65]

If I'm able to navigate the menus on the lcd could the atmega be ruled out as a problem? Also when I'm not navigating I see the 2 rows of VU meters on the LCD. The First one on the top left is just the underscore, the next 7 our lit fully and the 8 after that are just the underscore. On the bottom row it's similar but with the first 8 being fully lit and the next 8 being just underscores. Midi led is staying continually lit now, but midi-ox is not reporting any messages.

Also, when I unplug the analogue board from the digital board, all the VU meters lower to just underscore marks.

[primal65]

I guess I'm wondering now if Dmitri loaded the 56 input or the 32 input. I told him before I ordered it that I was making his 32 input design and he said he would load that one, but I'm reading posts now where he says he pre-loads them all with 56 input.

[Firelord]

I told him before I ordered it that I was making his 32 input design and he said he would load that one, but I'm reading posts now where he says he pre-loads them all with 56 input.

If you have the 32i version of the firmware then look for solder bridges on the analogue board. Because the inputs are multiplexed you will have multiple inputs behave erroneously at the same time until you fix the problem.

If you have the 56i version — update the firmware. Hopefully it will go ok.

[primal65]

I'm trying to update to the 32i firmware just in case, but I'm getting errors.

Opened MIDI In port 9 .
Firmware file is loaded
Firmware size is 28592 bytes
Transferring.. - 0% done.Retrying on CRC error
Transferring.. - 0% done.Retrying on CRC error
Transferring.. \ 0% done.Retrying on CRC error
Transferring.. \ 0% done.Retrying on CRC error
Transferring.. | 0% done.Retrying on CRC error
Transferring.. | 0% done.Retrying on CRC error
Transferring.. / 0% done.Retrying on CRC error
Transferring.. / 0% done.Retrying on CRC error
Transferring.. - 0% done.Retrying on CRC error
Transferring.. - 0% done.
CRC error. File damaged.

[primal65]

Well got the 32i firmware loaded. Still no go:(. I'll have another look at the analogue board.