Hyperion.ng: random flickering because of webcam?

bigbossfr · Apr 26th 2019

Hi,

So I built a setup based on Hyperion.ng + ESP32 + Pi Camera:

[MEDIA=googledrive]1FrkTOLvQ0xAVKE_ufErxC_CLmBWwgXdk[/MEDIA]
Original post here: https://hyperion-project.org/t…y-camera.3267/#post-14295

The thing is, the leds are not stable: I have some random leds that do some random colors.
I was thinking that it was a hardware problem, but this is not. When I start the ESP32/leds without the RPI Zero, I have the CONFIG_LED_STANDARD_MODE set to RAINBOW: leds are stables, no flickering at all.

So this is something that happen with Hyperion.ng.

1) I am thinking that this is because of the quality of the Pi Camera. Here an image:

As we can see, the image is very grainy. So perhaps this is the grain that give us random flickering.

2) The original resolution is 640x480. If I set the sizeDecimation to 4, the CPU of the Pi Zero is 80%. If I set to 2, this is 100%. If I set to 1, this is completely crashing the RPI Zero.
Is it normal?

3) When I use the effect configurator/custom effects, I set the effect "flag" for example, I have some random flickering. Here this is not using the camera, isn't it? So I guess this is not the camera.

I have no idea what is wrong.

I have attached my Hyperion.ng config.

Thank you

bigbossfr · May 9th 2019

So, after few tests, I know that this is not a hardware problem but software ( ? ).
Here a test I did: when I turn off the RPI 0, so the esp32 is connected to nothing and this is showing the default color:
Here a video:
[MEDIA=googledrive]1whaHCECnqdubt3Pj-SG7R2H-W-0Eexab[/MEDIA]

As we can see, this is stable.

When I turn on the RPI0, the esp32 is connected, and I ask Hyperion.ng to show an effect (flag). Here a video:
[MEDIA=googledrive]1rcyTIvgrRD7z7GbB43no97DIXo5S4Ior[/MEDIA]

This is not stable.
This is not the webcam also because like I said, this is an effect (flag).

Any idea what is wrong please?

Arakon · May 9th 2019

More likely to be a signal issue. Default color is never updated, so it just sticks to that one color settings. Once updates are sent, you get junk data. Try to keep all cables as short as possible and away from power sources.

bigbossfr · May 10th 2019

Cable from ESP32 to leds is 1 foot or less...

Arakon · May 10th 2019

The ESP likely needs a level shifter, otherwise you get false signals due to too high voltage difference between power and signal.. Read here: https://hyperion-project.org/t…-apa102-leds-flicker.177/

bigbossfr · May 14th 2019

I tried with a 74AHCT125, and this is worse. Also, this is not explaining why this is flickering only when Hyperion is controlling, and this is stable without Hyperion.

TPmodding · May 15th 2019

just to be right: pi zero w + a camera connected to the pi, is just grabbing and sends its data over wifi to an esp32, right?

bigbossfr · May 15th 2019

Yes, I did this tutorial: https://hyperion-project.org/t…-esp32-for-hyperion.3004/
But even without the canera, as we can see in my previous message on videos, the engine effect has flickering. The esp32 alone doesn't have flickering.
What is the difference between using the engine effects (and showing a flag) and the esp32 alone showing a flag?

TPmodding · May 16th 2019

engine -> you get data and it has to be received processed and then send data to leds
esp alone -> just send data to leds (less load)

but i use this on my esps https://github.com/forkineye/ESPixelStick ...amazing peace of software...but with the esp8266...i'm not sure if it works with esp32 too

may you can give it a try...

@penfold42 : may you know if espixel works with esp32...

bigbossfr · May 16th 2019

I use this code: https://github.com/SciLor/Hyperion_LED-Controller

I will do a test with Hyperion first (no Ng) and see what going on.

bigbossfr · May 17th 2019

Ok, tested with Hyperion (no Ng), I have the same thing (flickering). Any idea what I can try next please?

TPmodding · May 18th 2019

did you try espixelstick?

bigbossfr · May 18th 2019

Nop, I don't really know where to start..
I see:

Pixel Protocols

WS2811 / WS2812 / WS2812b
GE Color Effects

I have APA102. I guess it will not work, will it?

bigbossfr · May 18th 2019

If testing this lib would be a good test: https://github.com/jasoncoon/esp32-fastled-webserver
Or not?

TPmodding · May 18th 2019

1.no will not work with apa102....
2. sorry i dont know the fastled webserver...but sounds like you can just controll it with the built in webinterface...

bigbossfr · May 23rd 2019

So, I tried with the same setup as the tutorial: esp8266 + regular Hyperion....and same flickering.
So I guess the problem doesn't come from the esp8266/esp32 or hyperion.ng/hyperion (good new for hyperion.ng).
I did multiple tests to understand what is wrong.
Here the wiring:

The only difference with this image is that I connect the red line (+5v) to the VIN of the esp8266/esp32 (the board I use can take 5v as input):

So here what I found: if I disconnect the +5v from the leds and connect an usb cable from my computer to the esp, I don't have any flickering (the leds are less bright but this is too test)!!!
So I don't understand. When the esp is powering the leds through the usd, no flickering. Why? Any ideas please?

Arakon · May 23rd 2019

Your power supply may be junk then. If you can, try a different one.

bigbossfr · May 24th 2019

Any idea how I can check if the power supply is junk please?
I mean, it is brand new, and I want to be sure before to buy a new one (I already bought so many things because of this flickering).

Arakon · May 24th 2019

You can probably test with a PC power supply if you have nothing else available. Alternatively, try disconnecting i.e. half of your LED strips and see if it persists (it may only have trouble at high loads).

bigbossfr · May 24th 2019

Quick question: if the esp is not connected to the Rpi and the leds shows the default startup effect, everything is not flickering at all (see the video on my previous messages). So if the power supply is bad, how this is possible that I don't have any flickering here?

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