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Should my LCD display show something even if the firmware isn't installed yet? I turned on my machine for the first time, and the display is blank, as if it isn't getting power. I may turn the cables around on the Rambo, even though I'm sure I have them facing the right direction.

Suggestions?

Well, I had it backwards. LCD lights up now!
But, I can't get it to display anything.
I'm a complete NEWB to all this Rambo/Repitier/Marlin stuff.

I did do the Ardunio, and I can control the unit from Repitier host, but I have know idea what to do with Repetier MAX folder and the Marlin folder!

Sorry, but help!

If you have a newer machine you ignore the Marlin firmware files. I only used the Repetier firmware files. If you have used Arduino before, you open the Repetier Firmware files like any other Arduino Project. Make sure that you have the most recent version of the Arduino IDE installed (1.5). It will automatically install drivers if needed.

I then followed SeeMeCNC's video for setup. Very detailed, very clear.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r059aWPsoJ4

Hope that helps.

Steve

Repetier firmware supports the LCD screen out of the box, there are no modifications to make. Just load it and go It uses the newest Arduino software too.

I see the blocks on the LCD on my machine for a second or two on powerup just before the firmware boots. I don't know if the blocks are part of the startup or the default on powerup before the Arduino accesses it. I don't hear the clicking on rotating the encoder (digital potentiometer) until after it has booted up when the display changes. The top cable on the Rambo appears to control the display and the bottom cable, the encoder and reset button.

You can try this test blind to see if it will home through the lcd panel:
1) turn on system and wait a few seconds
2) push in encoder until you hear the click
3)rotate one click clockwise
4)push in encoder
5)rotate one click clockwise
6) push in encoder

now the machine should home.

If your positive all your wiring is right, it might be a bad lcd. I had the same problem.
you might have to send to seemecnc so they can check it, if its bad they'll send you a new one.


http://forum.seemecnc.com/viewtopic.php ... =160#p7856

Update?

I am having a similar issue.

[img]http://forum.seemecnc.com/download/file.php?id=3067&t=1[/img]

Are you both sure you're plugged in correctly? When the plugs are reversed (correct polarity, wrong port), you get power but no display...

I will have to check tonight

The bars are the default "power on" behaviour for the LCD display. If it's not received any commands yet, that's what you get if you just power it.

When plugging in the 2 ribbon cables, make sure the connectors cover both rows of pins and that the connector is centered left/right across all pins. It's VERY easy to plug in only 1 row of pins or offset the connector left/right by a column or more.

As a (very late) followup, I had to send mine back to CNC. It was defective and they promptly replaced it free of charge. New one has been working flawlessly.
Thanks CNC!

I may have to do this. I see this screen and it does not change. USB works fine so far. I click on the scroller thingy and it does nothing. I swapped the cables and the LCD went out. Swapped them back and just got the bars again. Oh, well, wasn't going to use it much anyway.