charging the FPZ

[TheAngler]

Hi guys new to the forum. I just built my FPZ with the pi zero w. question is that when i go to charge my FPZ the screen turns on but black.  just wondering if that is normal when it is off and charging.  thanks in advance

[Flavor]

Hey TheAngler,

I am wondering if you are powering the Pi direct through its MicroUSB port. Or do you maybe you have the Pi hooked up to a powered hub?

If the Pi itself gets power, the system won't ever truly shut down.

If you are ONLY powering the Pi through the port on our Freeplay Zero circuit board, then I'm a bit confused. You should be able to fully shut it down. If you are sure that there's nothing plugged directly into the Pi Zero, then I'm wondering if the Power button is somehow stuck on.

Did you cut off the little nub on the plastic of the power button slider? That nub makes it so that the momentary power button will act like an on/off switch.

The original GBA has an on/off switch. The DS has more of a momentary button that springs back to off. The Freeplay Zero should be like the DS style.

[TheAngler]

Hey TheAngler,

I am wondering if you are powering the Pi direct through its MicroUSB port.  Or do you maybe you have the Pi hooked up to a powered hub?

If the Pi itself gets power, the system won't ever truly shut down.

If you are ONLY powering the Pi through the port on our Freeplay Zero circuit board, then I'm a bit confused.  You should be able to fully shut it down.  If you are sure that there's nothing plugged directly into the Pi Zero, then I'm wondering if the Power button is somehow stuck on.

Did you cut off the little nub on the plastic of the power button slider?  That nub makes it so that the momentary power button will act like an on/off switch.

The original GBA has an on/off switch.  The DS has more of a momentary button that springs back to off.  The Freeplay Zero should be like the DS style.

Here is what I am experiencing . Hopefully you can view this video

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SH4iTJF...p=drivesdk

Powered with batteries, and charging through the fpz board

[Flavor]

It says I need permission. I requested access. Update. I got permission.

Wow. I don't think I've ever seen that before. I'll try to get Andrew to view it. He might have some ideas, too.

[a-butta]

Does the unit run without the battery? When you plug the charge cable in does a blue LED light up or blue and green LED or what? Does everything else work with the unit?

[a-butta]

Have you tried it with a different USB port like a phone charger?

[TheAngler]

It runs without the battery and it still does that. It does charge the batteries but just the screen stays lit. Just the blue lights up, but then when the batteries are full just the green

[a-butta]

Have you tried a different USB charger?

[Flavor]

The charging light should be blue. The charged light should be green. It sounds like those are functioning properly.

It seems (from your video) that with just the batteries plugged in, the LCD doesn't light up. It only looked like it lit up when you plugged in the MicroUSB.

That's a really weird problem. I feel like we should get you a replacement board and have you send that board back for inspection. Would you be okay with that? If so, let's talk about shipping via email.

I will also talk more about this with Andrew to see if he has any other ideas to try before we ship back and forth.

[TheAngler]

The charging light should be blue.  The charged light should be green.  It sounds like those are functioning properly.

It seems (from your video) that with just the batteries plugged in, the LCD doesn't light up.  It only looked like it lit up when you plugged in the MicroUSB.

That's a really weird problem.  I feel like we should get you a replacement board and have you send that board back for inspection.  Would you be okay with that?  If so, let's talk about shipping via email.

I will also talk more about this with Andrew to see if he has any other ideas to try before we ship back and forth.

Yep that's what happens. Yea I'll be more than happy to send it back if it helps you guys work out the minor bugs.