DIY Color DMD

Discussion:

DIY Color DMD

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LexingtonVAPin

2020-11-05 17:18:09 UTC

Now that I have some spare time....

I am looking to play around with the DIY Color DMD.
The resources seem scattered out there. Can anyone steer me to info on
Pin2DMD, ColorDMD, SmartDMD, etc.
I would like to figure out which one is better for me to start out with.

--
http://orcalcoast.com/

Gabriel Koen

2020-11-05 20:00:04 UTC

Permalink

Post by LexingtonVAPin
Now that I have some spare time....
I am looking to play around with the DIY Color DMD.
The resources seem scattered out there. Can anyone steer me to info on
Pin2DMD, ColorDMD, SmartDMD, etc.
I would like to figure out which one is better for me to start out with.
--
http://orcalcoast.com/

I've only used ColorDMD and have no complaints about it - I used the LCD version and the LED version, and personally prefer the LED version (easier to install, looks more like an actual DMD but in colour).

Gabriel

LexingtonVAPin

2020-11-06 16:09:16 UTC

Permalink

Post by Gabriel Koen

ColorDMD makes nice product. But I should not have included them in my
list. They are definitely not DIY, but nice finished commercial product.

Since I have time to kill, I am trying to investigate how to make my
own. But I am way out of my comfort zone when it comes to the hardware.

Here is a link to the Pin2DMD process.

https://pin2dmd.com/hardware/

But this is the one that I am interested in.

http://vpuniverse.com/forums/topic/3831-pin2dmd-for-125-diy/

On 1c) he orders custom made PCB from China. This is where I am out of
my league. It looks like he orders using the files on github?

https://github.com/lucky01/PIN2DMD/tree/master/hardware/V4%20NUCLEO-144

He says that he did not 'need to populate all of the PCB' since he was
doing this for virtual pinball. I would need all these parts. So what
file do I use to insure that I get all the parts?

Plus I would like to have the PCB fully populated with the parts that he
did not have to add because he already had them.

If anyone has any experience with something similar, I would appreciate it.

--
http://orcalcoast.com/

Wharhed

2020-11-11 00:12:28 UTC

Permalink

Post by Gabriel Koen

ColorDMD makes nice product. But I should not have included them in my
list. They are definitely not DIY, but nice finished commercial product.
Since I have time to kill, I am trying to investigate how to make my
own. But I am way out of my comfort zone when it comes to the hardware.
Here is a link to the Pin2DMD process.
https://pin2dmd.com/hardware/
But this is the one that I am interested in.
http://vpuniverse.com/forums/topic/3831-pin2dmd-for-125-diy/
On 1c) he orders custom made PCB from China. This is where I am out of
my league. It looks like he orders using the files on github?
https://github.com/lucky01/PIN2DMD/tree/master/hardware/V4%20NUCLEO-144
He says that he did not 'need to populate all of the PCB' since he was
doing this for virtual pinball. I would need all these parts. So what
file do I use to insure that I get all the parts?
Plus I would like to have the PCB fully populated with the parts that he
did not have to add because he already had them.
If anyone has any experience with something similar, I would appreciate it.
--
http://orcalcoast.com/

I went through the process a couple months ago. Just buy it here and request that they provide assembly service - https://www.pcbway.com/project/shareproject/PIN2DMD_EVO128x32_RGB_LED_Dotmatrix_Pinball_Display_Controller.html

Justin

LexingtonVAPin

2020-11-11 15:55:59 UTC

Permalink

Post by Wharhed

Post by Gabriel Koen

ColorDMD makes nice product. But I should not have included them in my
list. They are definitely not DIY, but nice finished commercial product.
Since I have time to kill, I am trying to investigate how to make my
own. But I am way out of my comfort zone when it comes to the hardware.
Here is a link to the Pin2DMD process.
https://pin2dmd.com/hardware/
But this is the one that I am interested in.
http://vpuniverse.com/forums/topic/3831-pin2dmd-for-125-diy/
On 1c) he orders custom made PCB from China. This is where I am out of
my league. It looks like he orders using the files on github?
https://github.com/lucky01/PIN2DMD/tree/master/hardware/V4%20NUCLEO-144
He says that he did not 'need to populate all of the PCB' since he was
doing this for virtual pinball. I would need all these parts. So what
file do I use to insure that I get all the parts?
Plus I would like to have the PCB fully populated with the parts that he
did not have to add because he already had them.
If anyone has any experience with something similar, I would appreciate it.
--
http://orcalcoast.com/

Thanks Justin.

'and request that they provide assembly service'

If I click on 'add to cart', I get a price. How do I get a fully
populated board? And the price?

Thanks.

--
http://orcalcoast.com/

Wharhed

2020-11-11 19:40:19 UTC

Permalink

There’s going to be two prices from pcb way. One for the minimum board order (5), and then a quote for assembly. Once you have the first price, there’s a spot to ask for a quote for assembly. Click on that and it usually take a day or two for them to get back to you. From there, you’ll have your second price. The total for me ended up being around $290 plus shipping for the 5 boards assembled.

You’ll still need to our the actual led panels separately from someplace like Ali express. I found the item below is the panel you want to buy. You’ll need 10 total. I paid about $190 shipped for mine.

Display Module HUB75,160mm x80mm, 64*32 Pixels,SMD RGB P2.5 LED Panel Matrix, Compatible With PIN2DMD https://a.aliexpress.com/_mtUNJSt

You’ll also need to go to your hardware store and pickup screws and washers. You’ll need 8 sets per display. I can’t recall the size off the top of my head at this time.

After that, you’ll receive all the parts, solder the led panel power harness to the evo board, and then attach the panels, hook up to a 5v source and flash the firmware onto the panel. Once it boots up, you’ll be presented with a serial number that you need to provide Lucky1 so that you can activate the panel with a key file.

One word of caution - do not actually power up the display using the 5v connector. Only power it up with the 12v connector otherwise you risk damaging the led panels. I still don’t know why he actually put that 5v connector on the panel if there is only 1-2 use cases for it. The 12v connection has regulators and protection on it. I used a 2a 5v wall wart to connect to it and didn’t have any issues.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or problems.

Justin

Post by LexingtonVAPin

Post by Gabriel Koen

ColorDMD makes nice product. But I should not have included them in my
list. They are definitely not DIY, but nice finished commercial product.
Since I have time to kill, I am trying to investigate how to make my
own. But I am way out of my comfort zone when it comes to the hardware.
Here is a link to the Pin2DMD process.
https://pin2dmd.com/hardware/
But this is the one that I am interested in.
http://vpuniverse.com/forums/topic/3831-pin2dmd-for-125-diy/
On 1c) he orders custom made PCB from China. This is where I am out of
my league. It looks like he orders using the files on github?
https://github.com/lucky01/PIN2DMD/tree/master/hardware/V4%20NUCLEO-144
He says that he did not 'need to populate all of the PCB' since he was
doing this for virtual pinball. I would need all these parts. So what
file do I use to insure that I get all the parts?
Plus I would like to have the PCB fully populated with the parts that he
did not have to add because he already had them.
If anyone has any experience with something similar, I would appreciate it.
--
http://orcalcoast.com/

Thanks Justin.
'and request that they provide assembly service'
If I click on 'add to cart', I get a price. How do I get a fully
populated board? And the price?
Thanks.
--
http://orcalcoast.com/

LexingtonVAPin

2020-11-12 01:54:43 UTC

Permalink

Post by Wharhed

Post by LexingtonVAPin

Post by Gabriel Koen

ColorDMD makes nice product. But I should not have included them in my
list. They are definitely not DIY, but nice finished commercial product.
Since I have time to kill, I am trying to investigate how to make my
own. But I am way out of my comfort zone when it comes to the hardware..
Here is a link to the Pin2DMD process.
https://pin2dmd.com/hardware/
But this is the one that I am interested in.
http://vpuniverse.com/forums/topic/3831-pin2dmd-for-125-diy/
On 1c) he orders custom made PCB from China. This is where I am out of
my league. It looks like he orders using the files on github?
https://github.com/lucky01/PIN2DMD/tree/master/hardware/V4%20NUCLEO-144
He says that he did not 'need to populate all of the PCB' since he was
doing this for virtual pinball. I would need all these parts. So what
file do I use to insure that I get all the parts?
Plus I would like to have the PCB fully populated with the parts that he
did not have to add because he already had them.
If anyone has any experience with something similar, I would appreciate it.
--
http://orcalcoast.com/

Thanks Justin.
'and request that they provide assembly service'
If I click on 'add to cart', I get a price. How do I get a fully
populated board? And the price?
Thanks.
--
http://orcalcoast.com/

There’s going to be two prices from pcb way. One for the minimum

board order (5), and then a quote for assembly. Once you have the first
price, there’s a spot to ask for a quote for assembly. Click on that
and it usually take a day or two for them to get back to you. From
there, you’ll have your second price. The total for me ended up being
around $290 plus shipping for the 5 boards assembled.

Post by Wharhed
You’ll still need to our the actual led panels separately from

someplace like Ali express. I found the item below is the panel you
want to buy. You’ll need 10 total. I paid about $190 shipped for mine.

Post by Wharhed
Display Module HUB75,160mm x80mm, 64*32 Pixels,SMD RGB P2.5 LED Panel

Matrix, Compatible With PIN2DMD https://a.aliexpress.com/_mtUNJSt

Post by Wharhed
You’ll also need to go to your hardware store and pickup screws and

washers. You’ll need 8 sets per display. I can’t recall the size off
the top of my head at this time.

Post by Wharhed
After that, you’ll receive all the parts, solder the led panel power

harness to the evo board, and then attach the panels, hook up to a 5v
source and flash the firmware onto the panel. Once it boots up, you’ll
be presented with a serial number that you need to provide Lucky1 so
that you can activate the panel with a key file.

Post by Wharhed
One word of caution - do not actually power up the display using the

5v connector. Only power it up with the 12v connector otherwise you
risk damaging the led panels. I still don’t know why he actually put
that 5v connector on the panel if there is only 1-2 use cases for it.
The 12v connection has regulators and protection on it. I used a 2a 5v
wall wart to connect to it and didn’t have any issues.

Post by Wharhed
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or problems.
Justin

Thanks Justin.

There is the STM32F429ZI or STM32F439ZI, also required. Where did you
get it?

https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/STMicroelectronics/NUCLEO-F429ZI?qs=mKNKSX85ZJcE6FU0UkiXTA%3D%3D

Mouser is out of stock at the moment of the 29, but have the 39 in stock.

NUCLEO-F429ZI at Newark but the 39 is out of stock.

https://www.newark.com/stmicroelectronics/nucleo-f429zi/dev-board-arduino-mbed-nucleo/dp/75Y1896?scope=partnumberlookahead&ost=NUCLEO-F429ZI&searchref=searchlookahead&exaMfpn=true

I have seen specified 'V4 shield' but cannot find that in the specs for
any of these parts. Do you know what that is?

--
http://orcalcoast.com/

LexingtonVAPin

2020-11-15 18:46:07 UTC

Permalink

Post by LexingtonVAPin

Post by Gabriel Koen

I've only used ColorDMD and have no complaints about it - I used
the LCD version and the LED version, and personally prefer the LED
version (easier to install, looks more like an actual DMD but in
colour).
Gabriel

ColorDMD makes nice product. But I should not have included them in my
list. They are definitely not DIY, but nice finished commercial product.
Since I have time to kill, I am trying to investigate how to make my
own. But I am way out of my comfort zone when it comes to the hardware..
Here is a link to the Pin2DMD process.
https://pin2dmd.com/hardware/
But this is the one that I am interested in.
http://vpuniverse.com/forums/topic/3831-pin2dmd-for-125-diy/
On 1c) he orders custom made PCB from China. This is where I am out of
my league. It looks like he orders using the files on github?
https://github.com/lucky01/PIN2DMD/tree/master/hardware/V4%20NUCLEO-144
He says that he did not 'need to populate all of the PCB' since he was
doing this for virtual pinball. I would need all these parts. So what
file do I use to insure that I get all the parts?
Plus I would like to have the PCB fully populated with the parts that he
did not have to add because he already had them.
If anyone has any experience with something similar, I would appreciate it.
--
http://orcalcoast.com/

I went through the process a couple months ago. Just buy it here and
request that they provide assembly service -
https://www.pcbway.com/project/shareproject/PIN2DMD_EVO128x32_RGB_LED_Dotmatrix_Pinball_Display_Controller.html
Justin

Thanks Justin.
'and request that they provide assembly service'
If I click on 'add to cart', I get a price. How do I get a fully
populated board? And the price?
Thanks.
--
http://orcalcoast.com/

There’s going to be two prices from pcb way. One for the minimum

You’ll still need to our the actual led panels separately from

someplace like Ali express. I found the item below is the panel you
want to buy. You’ll need 10 total. I paid about $190 shipped for mine.

Display Module HUB75,160mm x80mm, 64*32 Pixels,SMD RGB P2.5 LED Panel

Matrix, Compatible With PIN2DMD https://a.aliexpress.com/_mtUNJSt

You’ll also need to go to your hardware store and pickup screws and

washers. You’ll need 8 sets per display. I can’t recall the size off
the top of my head at this time.

After that, you’ll receive all the parts, solder the led panel power

One word of caution - do not actually power up the display using the

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or problems.
Justin

Thanks Justin.
There is the STM32F429ZI or STM32F439ZI, also required. Where did you
get it?
https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/STMicroelectronics/NUCLEO-F429ZI?qs=mKNKSX85ZJcE6FU0UkiXTA%3D%3D
Mouser is out of stock at the moment of the 29, but have the 39 in stock.
NUCLEO-F429ZI at Newark but the 39 is out of stock.
https://www.newark.com/stmicroelectronics/nucleo-f429zi/dev-board-arduino-mbed-nucleo/dp/75Y1896?scope=partnumberlookahead&ost=NUCLEO-F429ZI&searchref=searchlookahead&exaMfpn=true
I have seen specified 'V4 shield' but cannot find that in the specs for
any of these parts. Do you know what that is?

Now I see my mistake. The Pin2DMD comes with the microcontroller built in.

--
http://orcalcoast.com/

Pinball Postal

2020-12-15 06:01:08 UTC

Permalink

Have you had any luck with this project ? Don't forget that after you have the hardware you need to obtain colorization files for a real pinball machine.

Thanks.