Description
Octoscrolla MK2B with Real Time Clock (RTC) fitted
The octocrolla is a clone of the original Octoscroller design and is pin compatible (with the exception of the real time clock)
The octoscrolla is a pcb that is designed to plug into a Beaglebone Black (BBB) running Falcon Player (FPP) to allow you to run up to 64 P10 led pixel panels. Each of the 8 16 pin connectors can control up to 8 P10 panels.
The octoscrolla has a power connector to power the BBB from 1 of the power supplies running the P10 panels rather than using the BBB power connection or USB powering option.
Octoscroller
The original Octoscroller was developed by Trammel Hudson and some background information on it can be found at http://www.nycresistor.com/2013/09/12/octoscroller/
Connecting
When connecting between an octoscrolla and a P10 panel ensure that the notch on the 16 way IDC connector is around the correct way. Do not connect or disconnect connectors to the octoscrolla while either the BBB or P10 panels are powered.
Improvements
This is an improved version of the octoscroller and improved over the original octoscrolla.
-It has a 5mm screw terminal for powering the BBB.
-It has the ability to have a real time clock fitted. (See RTC versions of Octoscrolla. The RTC is mounted under the PCB)
-The labels for JP1-JP8 are enlarged and made so that they are visible when the IDC16 header is in place
The Mk2B has the following changes in addition
-A mini fuse to better protect the Octoscrolla/Beaglebone Black combination. A 3A fuse is recommended
-5V power led (red) to indicate that there is power to the Octoscrolla and BBB
-Run led (green) to indicate that the BBB has powered up
-A jumper to allow an external switch or relay to be fitted to power up or power down the BBB
For information on the octoscrolla, octoscroller, P10 panels visit http://auschristmaslighting.com and/or http://www.falconchristmas.com
Note:-
If using the 5V connector to power the BBB from the Octoscrolla then some/all BBB variants require a fast voltage rise of the 5V for the power circuitry in the BBB to be happy. Some power supplies don’t meet the 500us (?) rise time so a switch to turn on the 5V after the power supply has been turned on is recommended.
Quick setup
There is a basic setup guide at https://www.hansonelectronics.com.au/octoscrolla-setup/
Video guides
There’s a number of video guides and online guides on how to setup the BBB and octoscrolla. Below are 2 from Jeff at Canispater Christmas
