board testing

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gillandro
Posts: 23
Joined: 17 Apr 2019, 15:57

board testing

Post by gillandro »

hi all i am assembling my kit...all the tests were going as expected till i soldered in the chips....i power the board, the power light comes on and the first led lights fully and the other 3 dimly....i know the manual says to check solder joints....but not sure which chips to focus on or if there is a specific section of the board to focus on...thanks
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marcelk
Posts: 488
Joined: 13 May 2018, 08:26

Re: board testing

Post by marcelk »

There are tips and tricks on the Troubleshooting page. Specifically focus on these two sections:
  • No test pattern after build step 7
  • System doesn't start
Hope this helps to find the culprit without too much hassle.
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marcelk
Posts: 488
Joined: 13 May 2018, 08:26

Re: board testing

Post by marcelk »

If LEDs are of different brightness, that's a possible sign of a reversed component. I would first check that R8 is in the correct orientation: the dot must be down. However, if that's the issue, I expect the last (D8) is brightest, not the first.

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gillandro
Posts: 23
Joined: 17 Apr 2019, 15:57

Re: board testing

Post by gillandro »

and the other 5 pin resistor packs? thanks
gillandro
Posts: 23
Joined: 17 Apr 2019, 15:57

Re: board testing

Post by gillandro »

marcelk wrote: 17 Apr 2019, 18:03 If LEDs are of different brightness, that's a possible sign of a reversed component. I would first check that R8 is in the correct orientation: the dot must be down. However, if that's the case, I expect the last (D8) is brightest, not the first.


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yes that is the case....i mispoke...when i said first i meant to say d8 or one closest to power ok led thanks
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marcelk
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Joined: 13 May 2018, 08:26

Re: board testing

Post by marcelk »

It's all in the manual and in the Troubleshooting page:

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From the Troubleshooting page:
If the “Power OK” LED is lit and stable, double-check that all components are placed in the correct orientation: the ICs, resistor arrays, LEDs/diodes and electrolytic capacitor have a polarity that matters. Start by checking the ICs and diodes. Don’t forget to check the orientation of the resistor arrays: R4, R5 and R8.
R4, R5 and R8 all have the marking/dot down.
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marcelk
Posts: 488
Joined: 13 May 2018, 08:26

Re: board testing

Post by marcelk »

gillandro wrote: 17 Apr 2019, 19:30 yes that is the case....i mispoke...when i said first i meant to say d8 or one closest to power ok led thanks
Ok. Note that just reversal of R8 doesn't explain the computer isn't running yet. It only explains the differences in brightness for the blinkenklights (and that is harmless by itself). So there must be some other issue. Either a solder joint or a reversed component. Once you've found it, feel free to drop us an e-mail if we need to send a replacement component.
gillandro
Posts: 23
Joined: 17 Apr 2019, 15:57

Re: board testing

Post by gillandro »

i think r4,r5, and r8 are all backwards but ill let you know thanks
gillandro
Posts: 23
Joined: 17 Apr 2019, 15:57

Re: board testing

Post by gillandro »

yes i will need another new r4,r5 and r8 just let me know what is needed to get those sent to me thank you for your help
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marcelk
Posts: 488
Joined: 13 May 2018, 08:26

Re: board testing

Post by marcelk »

Please e-mail us at support@gigatron.io and we get it arranged
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