Flickering video output (might be init)

Store Forums Video Experimenter Bugs/Problems Flickering video output (might be init)

Viewing 15 posts - 1 through 15 (of 16 total)
  • Author
    Posts
  • #9797
    EReish
    Participant

    I get no video output from the example code unless i remove the line TCCR1A = 0; and TIMSK1 = _BV(ICIE1); from the init code. Only then can i get a flicker from the screen.

    please help!

    #9802
    Michael
    Keymaster

    You have to provide more information. I don’t even know what program you are trying to run.

    What kind of Arduino are you using? Please be specific.
    Do you have a video source connected to the input? What are the settings for the sync select jumper and the output select switch?

    With the output select switch in the right position (“overlay”), the input signal is connected directly to the output signal so you should have the original video going through no matter what.

    #9803
    EReish
    Participant

    Sorry about that. I am trying to run overlayDemo, the switch is set to overlay and the jumper is set to v-input. Running an Arduino uno. Thought the problem might be the Arduino uno since the initOverlay gave it problems, but I tried my second Arduino to no avail. I already found a bad capacitor on the Video shield and replaced it (tested it with a volt meter reading for ohms of resistance, no connection was found between the capacitor’s leads) it still does not work. I am giving it video input from a VCR that is playing a video. If I put the switch in sync only mode, the jumper in the D9 position AND remove initOverlay, I can get a nice clear signal. Any other setting and the screen flickers and the TV looses connection.

    I would like to apologise for the first post. It lacked a bunch of information. Your kit is exactly what I need for my project, but I just need to figure out what’s wrong with it…

    #9805
    Michael
    Keymaster

    Ok, thanks for that info. I have found that the header pins that mate with the Arduino are a bit thin and sometimes make a poor connection, so you might try bending the pins a bit and seeing if that helps.

    With the switch in overlay position, and jumper in V INPUT position, the VCR signal should be passed through to the output. Are you saying that the Video Experimenter interferes with the ability for the signal to pass straight through?

    Regarding the capacitor, you should not find connectivity across a capacitor’s leads. Current does not flow through a capacitor once it is charged. So, you may find connectivity for a split second but once a cap is charged, current does not flow.

    #9806
    EReish
    Participant

    Yes, the signal does not pass from input to output with the switch in overlay and the jumper set to input.

    #9807
    Michael
    Keymaster

    Ok, that means there must be a short on the video signal somewhere. Even with the Video Experimenter unpowered and unconnected to an Arduino, the video signal should go from input to output when the switch is in the overlay position. Does the signal go through with no power? That is, have you ever seen the VCR content on the output?

    #9810
    EReish
    Participant

    Yes, the VCR does have output. Which connections should I check first?

    #9813
    Michael
    Keymaster

    I would reflow as many solder connections as you can and try to ensure that the header pins make good contact with the Arduino. At this point, I think I should just send you a pre-built, tested replacement.

    #9814
    EReish
    Participant

    I checked all the solder connections, still nothing. I double checked the VCR to make sure it was outputting video and made sure the Arduino was working. Both checked out fine. I can only assume it’s the board.

    #9815
    Michael
    Keymaster

    One thing I’m still not clear on: when you connect the VCR to board input, and board output to TV, and set switch to overlay, does the video signal pass through the board to the TV? Even with no Arduino, the signal should go through the board with no problem when the switch is in overlay position.

    Sorry to keep asking, but this is a key question.

    #9816
    EReish
    Participant

    That’s fine. The board’s input never seems to make it to the board’s. No matter what position I have the switch and jumper in, I get no signal out. Even with no arduino connected.
    Just to be sure, the switch is in overlay, and the jumper is set to v-input.

    #9817
    Michael
    Keymaster

    Ok, that means that the connections of the RCA jacks themselves or the switch has a soldering problem. With the switch in overlay position, the input is just connected directly to the output. So check to see that the two contacts of an RCA jack are not shorted together somehow (check each one).
    That is, the outside of the jack (ground) should not be shorted to the inside of the jack where the plug inserts (this is the signal).

    And with the switch in overlay, check to see if the signal connections on the RCA jacks (the insides) have continuity. When you move the switch to “sync only”, that should break the connection.

    If the ground and signal of an RCA jack are shorted, try reflowing the RCA jack connections. Also check the 6 connections on your switch to make sure nothing is shorted. You can send me a picture of the bottom of the board so I can see the soldering.

    If all else fails, I will send you a working Video Experimenter, but I want to give you a chance to solve this.

    #9819
    EReish
    Participant


    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kdj3XmeSw9CiRifunpx8CkH4v_gWDRNk/view?usp=drivesdk

    It’s a little crispy but the pads are all there and nothing is crossed

    • This reply was modified 6 years, 4 months ago by EReish.
    #9821
    Michael
    Keymaster

    I’m gonna send you a known good VE board to get you up and running.

    #9822
    EReish
    Participant

    Thank you very much. I appreciate a company that cares about their customers and their product.

Viewing 15 posts - 1 through 15 (of 16 total)
  • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.