DiyLightAnimation

Hardware => Lynx Smart String => Topic started by: RJ on October 21, 2012,

Title: Updated mod for SSC
Post by: RJ on October 21, 2012,
This is the only mod that should be used

If your SSC's are working ok for you and you do not wish to change them at this time you do not have to. This is to help those with issues. In the long run you will need to as future firmware updates will only be for this version of modded ssc.

So you have 4 items attached to this post.

1 - New firmware for the SSC that can only be used after the mod is complete. It includes the ability to group pixels as a new feature.

2 - The document that shows you how to mod your SSC to what I will call Ver 3. It can be done to all SSC Ver I or II and will make all units use the same firmware from now on. Any new pcbs ordered will include this change in them.

3 - The updated EXE file for the utility. Just find your folder that your SSC utility is in and replace the old one with this new file. When you run it then you should see the additional choice for grouping on the utility.

Thats it. This will make a solid output that will fix anything caused by the SSC output. If you have issues after this mod you need to look at your nodes.

There will be a new test firmware posted as soon as time permits.

RJ


Title: Re: Updated mod for SSC
Post by: njKeever on October 21, 2012,
I assume we should run a wire where the yellow line is, right? There are a lot of green lines! :-)
Title: Re: Updated mod for SSC
Post by: fyb2000 on October 21, 2012,
Just did the mod on one of my new pre-modded board (the trace was already cut, just put the jumper wire to the new position). Programmed the firmware using a pickit3 (checksum xxxxxxxxxxxx <-this was the wrong checksum). I used the new utility to set it up (after closing the program jumper), using default values for all the entries, but the number of nodes (120). Pushed transmit and nothing is happening, the LEDs are not flashing white. I haven't receive my etherdongle yet, so still using the USB dongle.
Once that didn't work, I took a (known to be working) SSC out of my setup. It already had the previous mod. Changed the wire to the new position, put the new firmware on it, set it back up using the new utility (with the program jumper closed and after double checking that it was indeed the new utility), and I got the same result. (both tests were done using a string from my current setup, and the string was tested using a working SSC before the modification and after. All LEDs were working and responding correctly to commands).

additional information: the utility included in the download is the exact same one than the one that was included with the previous mod. I do believe this is correct and expected, but as I said, just additional information.

edit: is there a missing attachment or it was a typo and only 3 items are supposed to be attached to the initial post?
Title: Re: Updated mod for SSC
Post by: sittinguphigh on October 22, 2012,
Do you have a part number for the 220 to 330 resister replacement. And were is the resister you replace?
Title: Re: Updated mod for SSC
Post by: taybrynn on October 22, 2012,
Thanks for this great set of docs and all your work on this !!

We can't thank you enough.   <res.
Title: Re: Updated mod for SSC
Post by: RJ on October 22, 2012,
There should only be three attachements.

The firmware will work with out the utility to test it is programmed as channel 1 , 128nodes , forward, strings, 0 null nodes, 1 grouping.

Two people are running this setup already and not having any issue so make sure you have the wire in the correct location and did not mirrow image it.

RJ
Title: Re: Updated mod for SSC
Post by: fyb2000 on October 22, 2012,
I checked the wire several times (on both boards) and I am as certain as one can be that it is indeed connected to the correct pin of the PIC and the data wire.
I am at work now and won't be able to test the SSC with firmware, without running the utility on them.
With the previous mod, we, early on, ran into a problem because using the USB dongle rather than the etherdongle. Do you know if the setup used by the 2 others you are mentioning is using a USB dongle or an etherdongle?
Thanks,
Francois
Title: Updated mod for SSC
Post by: rm357 on October 22, 2012,
Pease post pics.
Title: Re: Updated mod for SSC
Post by: fyb2000 on October 22, 2012,
I am not in a position to post pic right now, as I do not have the system with me. But I can describe to you what they would show. The last SSC on which I did this mod, was a functional SSC already modified with the previous mod. The trace that is cut on it is the same, so nothing was done there. The only change done to go from the previous mod to this one, was the jumper cable, which is going from the data line, to pin 15 of the PIC. I checked all the connections around the old jumper cable (from the previous mod) and the new one. No short or flaky soldering points.
This was done on 2 different SSC, with the same result.
It would be great if you also did the mod, to confirm that the checksum of the firmware (for pickit3) I posted in my initial post is actually correct. There is always a chance I made a mistake there, but I do not have a way to confirm or infirm it.
Thanks,
Francois
Title: Re: Updated mod for SSC
Post by: mokeefe on October 22, 2012,
I just completed the mod using the new instructions and the new firmware.  The mod worked perfectly as described by RJ.  After loading the new mod firmware the strings operated fine with the default settings.  I used a USB Dongle with Pixelnet firmware and ran the Smart String Utility application.  I was able to reprogram the SSC with new settings and got the usual white flashing to confirm the programming.  The new settings worked as expected.

One thing that is different for me is that I got a checksum of ED60 with my PICKIT3 (it will probably be different for the PICKIT2).  So, Francois, I would suggest trying to re-download the firmware and make sure you are loading the correct one into the PICKIT.  I know I now have a number of different versions floating around on my system.  Make sure you get the same checksum I noted.

-Mike
Title: Re: Updated mod for SSC
Post by: tbone321 on October 22, 2012,
Also remember that the image of the jumper wire is from the front of the board and when you actually make the connection on the back of the board that you are connecting to the opposit side from the picture.
Title: Re: Updated mod for SSC
Post by: taybrynn on October 22, 2012,
Does this look like a viable 330 replacement from radio shack?  http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062341#  (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062341#)
Title: Re: Updated mod for SSC
Post by: mokeefe on October 22, 2012,
Just a suggestion, but you may want to reword the second sentence in the mod instructions. It says "this mod was designed to be totally on the top of the PCB...".  At first I thought you meant only the front side of the board but then I realized in the first mod the changes were all in the "top" quarter of the board (front and back).  With the newest mod, you'll need to get to about three quarters of the board to make the changes.  Still doable with the PVC tubing in place if your pigtails or 3 conductor cables are long enough.  Just want to avoid any confusion or ambiguity.

-Mike
Title: Re: Updated mod for SSC
Post by: mokeefe on October 22, 2012,
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Does this look like a viable 330 replacement from radio shack?  http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062341#  (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062341#)

Personally I'd go with a resistor towards the lower end of the range.  Radio Shack also sells 220 ohm resistors in stores (www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062340 (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062340)).  The lower value will give you a little more drive current on the data line while not hitting the limits of the PIC and could help with any "marginal" LED strings.  This is only a suggestion and in all likelihood the SSC will perform flawlessly with the 330 ohm value.

-Mike
Title: Re: Updated mod for SSC
Post by: fyb2000 on October 22, 2012,
Thank you mike, definitely sounds like a firmware snafu, and I will get the correct one as soon as I am home. I am glad I included the checksum in my initial post, as this definitely helps in tracking down user error. I will try to edit my post to remove the bad checksum I wrote in there as to not confuse anyone else.
I personally work better with PIN number rather that images to inverse, that's why I mentioned pin15 of the pic in one of my other post. It's pin 15 no matter which side of the PCB you are looking at. It's easier for me, I understand if its not for others.
Title: Re: Updated mod for SSC
Post by: zwiller on October 22, 2012,
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Does this look like a viable 330 replacement from radio shack?  http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062341#  (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062341#)

Successfully used them on about a dozen of mine on the first version of the V3 mod. 

Just changed over 2 and also get the checksum ED60 with a Pickit3.  I have the tiniest flicker with fades with the 4 led square modules and flex strips.  I didn't know for sure but I thought the existing test firmware for previous mod might run but it does not. 

I compared a newly modded SSC with a previously modded SSC I much prefer the previous mod, at least with what I have tested so far with flexstrips and 4 led square modules.  Much smoother and realistic fades.  Kinda surprised the difference is that noticeable.  At least at this point I don't plan on changing anymore.
Title: Re: Updated mod for SSC
Post by: fyb2000 on October 22, 2012,
I also get a checksum of 0xED60 now, but I have a problem with my pickit3/pickit3 environment. I only can get to that checksum if I import other hex files first. If I import that one first, I get the other (wrong) checksum I was seeing yesterday. That is definitely my setup acting up, trying to figure it out.
When I do get the correct checksum, the firmware works correctly, and the lights flash after the SSC is setup. Haven't run any visual test of fades and/or other effects side by side.
Thanks all for your help, and of course to RJ for coming up with all those things.
Francois
Title: Re: Updated mod for SSC
Post by: sittinguphigh on October 23, 2012,
I have to assume that this is the one to replace.

Install the 47 ohm resistor (yellow-violet-black) as shown above and solder them in place and trim the leads.

 
Title: Re: Updated mod for SSC
Post by: mokeefe on October 23, 2012,
Yes, that is the correct resistor that gets swapped out with a value between 220 and 330 ohms.

-Mike
Title: Re: Updated mod for SSC
Post by: tbone321 on October 23, 2012,
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I have to assume that this is the one to replace.

Install the 47 ohm resistor (yellow-violet-black) as shown above and solder them in place and trim the leads.

If you are making the board mod, this is the resistor but you will NOT be using a 47 ohm resistor.  This is where you would return back to the 330 ohm resistor.  You can go as low as 220 ohms but 330 is easier on the PIC.
Title: Re: Updated mod for SSC
Post by: sean815 on October 25, 2012,
 Mouser part# 291-330-RC
is this part the one to use for this mod? 
Title: Re: Updated mod for SSC
Post by: n1ist on October 25, 2012,
That should work fine.
/mike
Title: Re: Updated mod for SSC
Post by: gatorengineer on November 11, 2012,
It is still not clear what the "top" resistor is.  Is the "top" resistor the 47 ohm,  120 ohm, or one of the 4.7k ohm?
Title: Re: Updated mod for SSC
Post by: chrisatpsu on November 11, 2012,
the 47ohm

replace it with something between 220-330 ohms
Title: Re: Updated mod for SSC
Post by: gatorengineer on November 11, 2012,
One more thing, what size should the wire be?  I don't want to undersize it then have a really pretty orange flame display with my house.
Title: Re: Updated mod for SSC
Post by: tbone321 on November 11, 2012,
The jumper that you are placing is for the signal wire.  There is very little currenton this wire so there is not much to worry about there.
Title: Re: Updated mod for SSC
Post by: chrisatpsu on November 11, 2012,
I've used a 30 gauge wire, and it's running ok
Title: Updated mod for SSC
Post by: rm357 on November 11, 2012,
If using a 330 ohm resistor, the max current is 15ma, the 220 ohm resistor bumps that up to 23ma. Whatever wire you have handy will be plenty big. I've been using pieces from the cat5 twisted pairs that I cut off making my aethers.

This resistor is a "pull up" resistor on the output data pin. The pic grounds the pin to make a logic zero, when not being grounded, the resistor pulls up the voltage to make a logic one. When the pic grounds the pin, the resistor is effectively connected between +5 and ground, which is when you will pull the max current through the v3 mod wire.

The 47 ohm resistor raises the max current to 106ma, which can cause other issues if the cat 5 is long or you are running a lot of nodes off that controller. I strongly advise all ssc v2 owners to either mod them to a v3 or at least replace the resistor with something a little bigger...
Title: Re: Updated mod for SSC
Post by: gatorengineer on November 11, 2012,
I'm in the process of building 50 SSC, so I'm doing the mod.  I'm certain it will save headaches later down the road.
Title: Re: Updated mod for SSC
Post by: JonB256 on November 11, 2012,
I used a piece of CAT5 wire. Pretty small. All working without problem.
My Square Modules have lead wires over 12inches long and there is no problem. I left them that long just to check. 330 ohm resistor.

Here are 4 SSC V3s running a test pattern with the square metal modules (they have the four 5050 LEDs)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQg05ys_VjM&feature=share&list=UUoXgjzblc2QC9G3nd8mrPuA

Some of my strings from Ray (20 pixels per string) had a single bad pixel. Those got cut out before assembling the whole string.
Title: Re: Updated mod for SSC
Post by: sittinguphigh on November 20, 2012,
So is it 220 ohm or 330 ohm. The instruction says if new us 330 ohm.

Mort
Title: Re: Updated mod for SSC
Post by: chrisatpsu on November 20, 2012,
If you have.something laying around in that range, go ahead and use it. If you're going to place an order, get 330.
Title: Re: Updated mod for SSC
Post by: mitch09 on November 20, 2012,
A quick question. I have 16 Ver1 SSC that already have a 330ohm as the top resistor. I had soldered another 330 onto the bottom as per earlier instructions. With the Ver. 3 mod do I just unsolder or cut off the 330 that I soldered onto the bottom?

Thanks,

Ryan
Title: Re: Updated mod for SSC
Post by: chrisatpsu on November 20, 2012,
if you have 2 330ohm resistors on the same spot of the board (usually one on top, and one added later on bottom), remove one
Title: Updated mod for SSC
Post by: mitch09 on November 21, 2012,
Will do. Thanks
Title: Re: Updated mod for SSC
Post by: mokeefe on November 21, 2012,
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If you have.something laying around in that range, go ahead and use it. If you're going to place an order, get 330.

Chris,

Just curious on what criteria you are basing your recommendation of 330 ohms over 220?

-Mike
Title: Re: Updated mod for SSC
Post by: chrisatpsu on November 21, 2012,
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Chris,

Just curious on what criteria you are basing your recommendation of 330 ohms over 220?

-Mike

from page 2 of the document in the first post of this thread.

Quote
Once this is complete you may want to change the top resistor to in the range of 220 - 330 ohms. It will work with others that we have used but you will find this to be the best area to use.  330ohm is the one to use if you are building new.
Title: Re: Updated mod for SSC
Post by: tbone321 on November 21, 2012,
Either resistor will work but since they are actually current limiter resistors, the 330 ohm resistor will be easier on the PIC.
Title: Re: Updated mod for SSC
Post by: hicksjo on November 24, 2012,
I did the mod on 4 v2 sscs ... Used dremel cutoff wheel to cut the trace which worked very well, did very little collateral damage to the board

Used 24 ga wire as jumper and 330 ohm resistor

All 4 worked great with v3 test and standard firmware

Thanks RJ for the efforts and continuous improvements
Title: Re: Updated mod for SSC
Post by: davron12 on November 26, 2012,
I used one of the diamond engraving bits on the dremel. It was more precise and worked great without accidentally nicking other traces. Took a couple of seconds per board.
Title: Re: Updated mod for SSC
Post by: loveroflife96 on December 07, 2012,
If I knew how to, I would, but could someone please put the updated software SSC utility link in the wiki?  I built another EtD and programmed my Etd, SSC, and Active HUB probably 20 times in the last two days and couldn't figure out why it wouldn't program with the utility until I remembered reading something about a different utility when doing the v3 modification for SSC....I switched over to that program and it worked like a charm...may help save someone else some headaches....

Thanks...Duane
Title: Re: Updated mod for SSC
Post by: chrisatpsu on December 07, 2012,
the software is already in the wiki.

first, you install the software in the red circle.

then, you overwrite the file you download in the blue circle

(http://i1059.photobucket.com/albums/t438/chrisatpsu/sscv3.jpg)