Hanson Electronics rPi-28D User manual
rPi-28D
USER MANUAL
Features
-Suits Raspberry Pi 2, 3 and Zero
-2 WS281x compatible outputs (WS2811, 2812, 2813, INK1003 etc)
-1 WS2801 compatible output
-1 DMX output. Can be software configured for DMX, Renard, LOR
-1 GPIO input that can be configured in software for triggers
-Real time clock to allow standalone scheduled playback
-5V or 12V power (12V is 12-24V tolerant)
-3 unfused power inputs for 3 pixel outputs
-PCB size is 67mm x 56mm
Revision 1.0
Suits PCB revision 1.1
18 January, 2018
The rPi-28D is a cape/hat that is designed to add pixel and DMX (RS485) capability to the
Raspberry Pi series of single board computers. The hat mounts to the 40 way male header of
the Raspberry Pi 2, Raspberry Pi 3 or Raspberry Pi Zero and attaches via the supplied nylon
M2.5 screws, nuts and standoffs. The rPi-28D powers the Raspberry Pi so there is no need to
supply power to the Pi separately.
Using the WS2811 outputs disables the onboard audio and external usb audio must be
plugged in and configured if needed.
The DMX output is designed for the RJ45 connector to be placed along the same axis as the
Ethernet connector for the Pi.
The power and pixel data connectors are located on the same side as the Pi audio and video
output connectors.
Note:- The rPi-28D is supplied as a board only with mounting hardware. The Raspberry Pi,
USB thumbdrive and SD storage device and any cables are not supplied.
rPi-28D mounted to a Pi.
M2.5 nuts not installed
Underside of rPi-28D.
RTC uses CR2032 battery (not
installed)
Power
The rPi-28D can be powered from either 5V DC or 12V DC although the 12V is actually
tolerant of any voltage in the range of 9V to 24V. The connected Raspberry Pi is powered
from the same power source. You can power the rPi-28D off the Raspberry Pi’s power input
if absolutely necessary or desired.
If running the rPi-28D from 5V then connect the power to the 0V and 5V terminals of CN5
the 3 pin PWR terminal block. A 2A fuse is recommended in series.
If running off 12V (see range above) then connect the power to the 0V and 12V terminals of
CN5. A 1A fuse is recommended in series.
The 3 pixel outputs can be powered from the same or different voltage power supplies. The
pluggable pixel connectors are rated at 7.5A so a fuse of no higher than 7.5A should be in
series with the power input.
Connecting 12V to the 5V power input will damage components on the pcb and may
damage the Raspberry Pi. Connecting 5V to the 12V input will cause the board to not
work due to insufficient voltage.
Power supply
Fuse (max 7.5A)
Power supply
Fuse (max 7.5A)
Power supply
Fuse (max 7.5A)
Power supply
Fuse
2801 pixel string
2811 pixel string 1
2811 pixel string 2
Powering pixels through rPi-28D
Power supply connections showing how the board and pixels are connected if powering pixels
through the rPi-28D. If this method is used then up to 150 pixels (at 100% brightness) can be
powered through the board. Power injection may be required depending on pixel wiring.
The 0V/Ground connection isn’t shown for image clarity but is required. Four power supplies are
shown but depending on the pixel voltage/s only 1 may be required.
The power for the pcb is not shown connected to the 5V or 12V input. It connects to the 1 that
matches the power supply voltage. If 5V then a 2A fuse should be used. If 12V then a 1A fuse should
be used.
The pixel strings require
0V, +ve and data all
connected. 2801 also
requires clock.
Power supply
Fuse
Power supply
Fuse
2811 pixel string 1
Powering pixels external to rPi-28D
One pixel power supply is shown but depending on the pixel voltage/s more than 1 may be
required. It is possible to mix between powering through the rPi-28D and powering external to it.
The power for the pcb is not shown connected to the 5V or 12V input. It connects to the 1 that
matches the power supply voltage. If 5V then a 2A fuse should be used. If 12V then a 1A fuse should
be used.
Power supply
Fuse
Fuse
2811 pixel string 1
Powering rPi-28D from pixels
One pixel power supply and string is shown. This method of powering the rPi-28D can be used on
any 1 of the 3 pixel outputs. The power wiring between pixel string and rPi-28D needs to be
sufficient to handle the 1A for 12V or 2A for 5V that the board requires. For 5V extra care in cable
size needs to be taken as a voltage drop of more than about 100mV may render Pi inoperable.
The power for the pcb is not shown connected to the 5V or 12V input. It connects to the 1 that
matches the power supply voltage. If 5V then a 2A fuse should be used. If 12V then a 1A fuse should
be used.
Falcon Player (FPP) configuration
The 3 types of output from the rPi-28D are configured on the “Other” tab under the
“Input/Output Setup”. The channels used have to setup in the E1.31 tab. The screenshot
below shows the configuration of the 3 types of outputs. Any of the 4 outputs (3 types) can
be left disabled if not needed.
The “Act” checkbox must be ticked to enable the output.
As of FPP Version 1.9 the 3 pixel outputs are each limited to 1000 pixels (3000 channels).
The WS2801 output CN1 (Pwr CN7) is configured as type “SPI-WS2801” and the port is
“spidev0.1”
The 1st WS2811 output CN2 (Pwr CN8) is configured as type “RPIWS281X” . The port is
automatically assigned to GPIO18.
The 2nd WS2811 output CN3 (PWR CN9) is configured via the same setting as the 1st.
The FPP start channel and total channel count spans both string #1 and string #2.
There is a GPIO input available on CN10 which connects to Pi GPIO25 (pin 37 of header)
Enquiries/Repairs :-
Hanson Electronics
Alan Hanson
16 York St
Eaglehawk Victoria 3556
Mobile 0408 463295
email hanselec @ gmail.com web www.hansonelectronics.com.au
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