BUG Hyperion.ng: random flickering because of webcam?

Hi,

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

Original post here: https://hyperion-project.org/threads/wireless-setup-controlled-by-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

 

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:

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:

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?

 

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.

 

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

 

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/threads/nodemcu-with-apa102-leds-flicker.177/

 

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.

 

Yes, I did this tutorial: https://hyperion-project.org/thread...tension-with-esp8266-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?

 

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.

 

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

 

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?

 

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

 

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?

 

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

 

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).

 

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).

 

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?