Matrix Orbital Corp

Hi all,

Im a noob to LCDs and the like, but ive just got an MX222 and hooked it up and its very pretty!

But i would like to use the PWM GPOS to control my internal lighting LEDs, can i set them to be low powered (5V) and still use the fan control functions? I want to be able to dim the LEDs, so PWM control would be great, otherwise i suppose 12V and a large resistor would be in order!

Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks,

RoB

You can set the PWM outputs to be 5v or 12v, but I wouldn't reccommend driving anything in the way of lighting. The PWM frequency is in the order of 30Hz. This is fine for fans as it keeps the noise at or below what humans can hear, but 30Hz is awful to stare at. If you drive lighting you will notice a VERY annoying flicker. Bottom line: You can but it won't look nice.

It would be really cool to get more control over the PWM stuff, tho. I have some RGB LEDs laying around.

I was planning on hooking one up to three normal GPO outputs, and getting the seven colors, but with high-speed PWM, could get lots of colors. Could that be a feature request for a future release?

Also, are there any programming level docs on the MX2 boards so that I can bang on the board directly? Mostly, I want to replace the RS232 to Dallas One-Wire converters in my current design with the One-Wire converters right on the LCD display. I'm using the one-wire for iButtons for user authentication, not temperature montoring, so I'll be writing my own software..

Henry and I have discussed it and controlling the PWM frequency will be an option in the next firmware rev. We really never saw controlling anything optical as an option. Oh well I guess that is what upgrades are for

The only catch will be that as you increase the PWM frequency, you decrease the number of PWM levels available to you. Eg if you set a 4x faster PWM frequency, you will get 4 times fewer levels. I'll announce details as I work them out.

To head off the hord of questions that this will lead to:

Q) Are you going to do upgrades?
A) Yes we are planning an upgrade options since this is only a change to the code in the processor and the units are reprogramable

Q) What cost?
A) You will have to pay for shipping to us and back. There will not be a cost for the actual upgrade.

Q) Can I upgrade my XXX to get this?
A) Only the following

MX2/LK202-24-USB with PCB rev 1.3 or 1.4
MX3/VK202-24-USB with PCB rev 1.3 or 1.4
MX4/LK204-24-USB with PCB rev 1.0
MX5/LK204-24-USB with PCB rev 1.0

Q) When will new units be offering this?
A) Our code should be updated by the end of the week, beyond that it depends on your distributor.

hi thanks for the replies!

The firmware upgrade sounds great as i bought the lcd to control my lighting! im in the UK though so where would i need to ship to?

(crosses fingers its not too expensive....)

RoB

Well you would need to ship to Matrix Orbital Calgary. We're discussing the details right now. Expect an announcement from Henry once we have figured it out. In the mean time I actually have to implement/test the feature.

Bernadine said this might be available by today for new units.

I'm looking to buy a MX222. If I order it today, will it have this new firmware?

Thanks,
Haplo

haplo888 wrote:Bernadine said this might be available by today for new units.

I'm looking to buy a MX222. If I order it today, will it have this new firmware?

Thanks,
Haplo

I'm not sure why you would have been told this, but I would not expect the new firmware for 1-2 weeks minimum for Engineering to approve it, and then on top of it some time for it propagate into production units. It can be arranged that I will make sure you one of the new firmware ones when they are released if you let me know when you purchase it.

Hi!

I was just wondering if there was any word on the firmware upgrade?

thanks,

RoB

Funny story. It's still being worked on. We had a few other things to work on, and we're actually cramming more featuers into the new upgrade. No timeline on when this would be complete, but not too far off. So unfortunately all I can say is wait a little bit.

thats fine by me!

its great customer service whenever its ready!

keep up the good work!

RoB

hi again!

Sorry to keep bothering you about this, but i was just wondering if there was any news on the update? I know its my fault for not checking before i bought the LCD but im really looking forward to get some lights going!

thanks again,

RoB

Check out this post.

aha! Youre clearly a hero!! Many thanks, im in germany at the moment so not at home till the 20th of december

What do i need to do to go about getting this sorted?

Please feel free to email me if its easier?

needsahaircut (at) hotmail.com

Thanks again!

RoB

Hello...

You can contact me at myero@matrixorbital.com and I'll be more than happy to help you. In your email, if you can give me a brief description that would be very beneficial!

Thanks