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Unable to control DC ports
#1
Hello,
I just receive Robo-Tank board and facing an issue to control DC ports

I have a Raspberry PI 2 board with Raspbian installed following the Software Installation Manual document

I successfully connect the temperature sensor and PH probe and can see data.
But when I trying to control DC ports I get nothing
When I checking voltage I didn't get 12 volts on the port
I tried to take pin +12v from the DC port and GND from the Grounds connector - I can see 12v   
It looks like the ports connected to pca9685 not responding
When I checking the I2C bus everything looks OK:


Code:
pi@raspberrypi:~ $ sudo i2cdetect -y 1         
     0  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  a  b  c  d  e  f
00:          -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
10: -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
20: -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
30: -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
40: 40 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
50: -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
60: -- -- -- 63 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
70: 70 -- -- -- -- -- -- --                        
pi@raspberrypi:~ $


This is my configuration in Reef-Pi software:

PCA9685 Driver:
        configured on Address:64 Frequency: 800

DC Port 4:
      configured as Outlets on Pin 12

In Reef-Pi I configured a new Equipment and connected it on Port: DC Port 4
 On/OF is not responding

I will be appreciated for your help to understand what I doing wrong 


Thanks in Advance
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#2
Hi Igorvin, sorry you are having trouble, it's looking like the PCA9685 might be defective but it seems odd it has the correct I2C address. Because the pH is working we know the I2C is sending and receiving data and all the DC ports are independent components so it's not likely them.

The +12v pins on DC ports are always live, the Ground pin is switched.

I circled a few pads on the board, the red is DC 4, pin 12, see if you have any voltage there, that point is coming out of the PCA9685. I circled some ground pins in black that you can use. The blue circles are DC 5, 6 and 7, pins 11, 10 and 9, check those as well.

It's very unlikely, but you could try going to the "admin" tab in reef-pi and press the "reload" button.

Maybe check a few LED ports as well as those are controlled via the PCA9685 as well.

[Image: DC-ports.jpg]
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#3
Hi Rob,

Thank you for your prompt response

  • Reload or Reboot not solving the problem
  • I checked the voltage between red/blue pads and black circled and there is no voltage.
  • Additionally, I checked DC ports 1;2;3;4;5;6;7 and Led Port 1 - the same issue, no response 
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#4
Thanks for trying that, unfortunately it appears something is up with the PCA9685 chip, it's almost like it's in a sleep mode, those points you checked should have read 0-5v when turn on.

I'll send you a replacement board, I'm very sorry for the troubles. I was able to match your forum email so I have your info.
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#5
Thank you very much Rob
[-] The following 1 user Likes igorvin's post:
  • Rob F
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