Large digit driver random flashing

Hi all,

Just getting familiar here. I fitted 2 digits trough Arduino board to run the sample code from GitHub “”…Digit_Driver_Basic_Example.ino or other multiplexing samples by Arduino… to eventually drive a 6 digits scoreboard for our Lawn bowling club.

I am using an old PC’s Power supply for both 5.2V and 12.2V fairly stable.

But when downloading the sketch, the digits goes into a random cycle of display, without a chance to recognize any digits between 0-9. Double checked all wrings on an MEGA 2560 (and even on a LEONARDO) but changed the out pins in the code to:

int latchPin = 8;

int clockPin = 12;

int dataPin = 11;

Thanks in advance for any input.

Random flickering could suggest that some pins are floating. So I would double check ground paths. But without seeing any code you used or how it is hooked up it can be anything. Post the schematic of how you have it wired up. And the code you used WITH any changes you made in it. As Google doesn’t know where to find that “Digit_Driver_Basic_Example.ino”-something.

Thank you Valen, you put me in right direction. I think the issue was related to leaving the computer’s USB to provide the power to the board. different GND ?!

Downloaded a more appropriate file from GitHub and it is now counting beautifully.

Thanks again

Ozista

Well, those two ‘solutions’ are unrelated. So you still can’t be sure what the problem was.

It could have been several issues Valen, I reviewed my temporary setup, changed some connections and somewhere (without knowing), I got it working. That’s all it counts to me at this stage. It could be great to have time reevaluate in hind site I agree. I am tying to attach a photo (~4Mb) but not sure what makes it not happening. Right now I am running with the intended software which has its own glitches:-)

Thanks for caring

Ozista