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Display Test & Trouble Shooting

Note: If not noted otherwise: All texts in this page relate to 3.5 inch display.

Display or Firmware Problem?

In case the display doesn't work (white screen) the following is suggested to find out if it is a SW or HW problem:

In case of a suspected HW problem: check all connections for potential short-cuts e.g. to ground, or possible interruptions. Also check the flexible cable (flexible PCB) of the LCD. This may be damaged and defective.

Possible reasons for "white screen"

  1. bad soldering points or shurtcuts on the LCD's FPC connector
  2. bad soldering points or short cuts at IC103
  3. forgot to insert jumper at R10

The soldering points on the FPC connector or the connector itself may be damaged by excessive soldering time or heat. To check contact problems on FPC connector: pull flatband cable out of connector sufficiently so that a measurement tip can just about touch the copper contact noses, then check for short cuts and continuity. Especially check for short-circuits to the next contact left or right of the one you actually check with the tip.

There are exactly 3 places where it is correct to have short circuits (please also refer to schematics):

Any other short-cuts need to be repaired and removed.

Firmware now adapts dynamically to LCD size and type

Starting with firmware 2.7.74 the FW contains drivers both for ILI932x LCDs (old 2.8“ LCD, 3.2„ LCD) @320×240 as well as ILI9486 (for new 3.5“ LCDs) @480×320. The firmware now automatically detects which controller is present and auto-configures respectivelly. The 480×320 LCDs will give a much sharper display - important for waterfall and spectrum display - over the whole display area.

Test if U103 is OK

This can be used to exclude a defective U103 (or one that has been soldered in in wrong orientation).

LCD interface and display controller

For information and trouble shooting:

LCD interface usage (DF8OE)
LCD controller assignement (DL8EBD)

Note: ToDo move jpgs into correct name space