Panelmax click encoder help

[Panyct]

I know this isn't directly a Mendelmax issue but I was hoping someone could help me out. I purchased 2 of the Panelmax kits off TommyC and put everything together. I changed and updated the firmware and the LCD works great. It has the temp info and says Mendel Ready. The only thing is the click encoder is not doing anything when I push or turn it. So I did a basic continuity test from the pins on the encoder to the bottom soldered part of the Ramps where they plug in. All pins match up from the encoder to the ramps board. Still didn't work. So I figured maybe the encoder was busted. I used the one from my second set and hooked everything up and continuity tested... Same thing. Every thing is ran correctly but still dont work. I made sure my pins were configured correctly. I don't know what else to test or try. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Also the other thing I was wondering was.... It seems the LCD is only powered when you plug the ramps into your computer. Doesn't that defeat the whole point of creating a LCD screen with controls if you still need a computer to run it?

Thanks again in advance,
Mike

[Alex]

You can use the barrel connector on the Arduino to keep it powered.  So get a 2.1mm x 5.1mm connector, tip positive plug.  Then wire that to your 12V step down converter. 

If you're lazy and have Amazon prime, they have a 10 Pack with screw terminals for $6 meant for CCTV cameras

http://www.amazon.com/Camera-2-1x5-5mm-Female-Power-Adapter/dp/B005CMP434/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1347568958&sr=8-1&keywords=2.1mm

figured it would be the same with shipping any place else. Maybe I can send some out with stamps?

As for the PanelMax, can't help you there.  I have the reprapdiscount version.  There were quite a bit of changes I had to make.

I did figure some of it out by looking at Tommy's Panelmax blog:

http://tommyc-reprap.blogspot.com/2012/03/panelmax-tutorial.html

[Alex]

Correction:

http://www.amazon.com/Gino-2-1x5-5mm-Power-Adapter-Camera/dp/B0058RLD9C/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&rps=1&ie=UTF8&qid=1347569113&sr=1-1&keywords=2.1mm+male

[Panyct]

Thanks for the info Alex. I forgot all about the barrel connector. Thanks for the link. I have amazon prime so I'll order those now. Only $6. Now if only i can get this encoder working it will be a standalone printer. Thats awsome. I used Tommy's tutorial to assemble and hook everything up. I'm not sure where else to find the information to determine the problem.

Mike

[Alex]

More than likely it is pins.h or config.h missing something.

[Panyct]

Anybody else have a panel max? Desperate here.

Thanks Mike

[temo]

Hello Mike

I have, but I have no problem with it, it scroll's and click!

Have you look'd into this: http://tommyc-reprap.blogspot.no/2012/03/panelmax-tutorial.html

Terje

[Panyct]

Yea that's what I used to put it all together. I even tried using his config files he posted with no success. I was hoping someone here knew how to simply test the encoder to make sure it was functioning correctly or any other tests to try and determine if it is a software issue or hardware. Thanks for the response though. I appreciate it.

Mike

[Alex]

I was thinking you may have a bad encoder.  Is there a way to test these things.  Apply power some where and see if your on screen cursor moves.

[temo]

Hello

I'm sure Tommy will answer your questions, I've mailed him a couple of times before I got mine working: tommy...@gmail.com

What baud rate do you have set in Marlin, I had problem with 115200 but with 250000 com is OK.

I not think it's likely that bout your Panelmax are faulty.

Terje

On Thursday, September 13, 2012 10:34:12 PM UTC+2, Panyct wrote:

[Jim Morris]

I built one from scratch as I had most of the components lying around.

You can test the encoder your self if you have a multimeter. just measure resistance across the two pins which id the button, should be no continuity, then press the button and you should get continuity.

Then test between the middle of the three pins and one of the outer pins, turn the encoder very slowly, you should see momentary contiuity when it turns.
It is just a switch where two contacts close in a particular sequence.

If that all works out you can download a sketch from arduino that are examples of the encoder libraries see if that works.
http://arduino.cc/playground/Main/RotaryEncoders

The last thing I would suggest is to make sure the encoder input pins on the arduino have pullups enabled.

On Friday, September 14, 2012 9:57:04 AM UTC-7, Panyct wrote:

[Denominator]

If you want to power the arduino from the ramps board there is a diode that you have to install

D1 should only be installed if the 5A rail is powered by 12V. It can be omitted and the Arduino will be powered from USB. You will want D1 installed if you add components to print without a PC. To reiterate, D1 MUST be omitted if you are powering the 5A rail by more than 12V, or the power is not absolutely clean, otherwise you may damage your ramps.

 

http://reprap.org/wiki/RAMPS_1.4#D1.2C_D2_-_Diodes

Also make sure the pins on your arduino a set correctly if they all test ok with a multimeter

[Panyct]

Thanks everyone for the advice. I'm going to try those tests now and see if the encoder is good. Also thank you for Tommy's email. I didn't have it before and that will help if I'm still having issues. I'll report back what happens with the tests. Thanks again everyone

[hoani]

Had the same problem, had to reverse polarity of my encoder that I messed up.