DLPDLCR2000EVM Focus Key Issue

Sridhar Jonnalagadda

Other Parts Discussed in Thread: DLPDLCR2000EVM, DLP2000

Hi,

I recently ordered "DLPDLCR2000EVM-DLP® LightCrafter™ Display 2000 Evaluation Module". I was able to get it working out of the box and was also able to hook up BBB and run a video too.

That said, i am finding it very difficult to focus the image. The focus key seems to move laterally and while it helps with focus - it is hard to "lock" to a position where i get the required focus. Because the focus key cannot be locked, it seems to move out of focus often. Hence i was wondering if the the focus key is defective? Is anyone else experiencing this issue or am i doing something incorrect?

Please support.

Best Regards,
Sridhar

over 7 years ago

0 Simone Falsini over 7 years ago

Prodigy 90 points

me too, but also I was unable to run a video with BBB .. what Debian distro are you using??

0 user4200705 over 7 years ago

Prodigy 50 points

Me too. It's ridiculously floppy so the slightest movement takes it out of focus.

twitter.com/.../895979734672257025 shows me lightly touching the focus key and how enthusiastically it shifts.

Is this a widespread flaw or is there something we can do?

Thanks in advance

Dj

0 Philippe Dollo over 7 years ago in reply to Simone Falsini

TI__Mastermind 28005 points

Sridhar and Simone,

The design of the optical engine (along with the focus lever) is provided by the optical engine manufacturer, Young Optics. In our experience the focus lever was not stiff, but also not as loose as you may be describing. If you are concerned that your optical engine is defective, it may be a good idea to contact Young Optics to ask for assistance.

As for Debian, there is a development release available for download at e2e.ti.com/.../615806 with built-in support for the DLPDLCR2000EVM. This support will be wrapped into the official build available on Beagleboard.org in coming releases.

I hope this helps!

Best Regards,

Philippe Dollo

0 user4200705 over 7 years ago in reply to Philippe Dollo

Prodigy 50 points

Shouldn't someone at Ti be concerned with this? This is three reports of loose focus keys. I mean we can't even name the optical engine part number and have no relationship with Young Optics.

0 Philippe Dollo over 7 years ago in reply to user4200705

TI__Mastermind 28005 points

DJ,

Thanks for your concern and for bringing this issue to light. We've reached out to Young Optics in order to address this on a broader scale and get advice from their mechanical team.

Regards,

Philippe Dollo

0 Sridhar Jonnalagadda over 7 years ago in reply to Philippe Dollo

Prodigy 45 points

Hi Simone, I used the distro that Philippe refers to in this thread. Please try it and if you are facing any issues i will be happy to help.

@ Philippe, I saw your note regarding contacting the young optics manufacturer - shall await their response.

Thanks

Best Regards,
Sridhar

0 Simone Falsini over 7 years ago in reply to Sridhar Jonnalagadda

Prodigy 90 points

Hi Sridhar,

Thank you very much for your availability!
My system still does not work ....

I open a discussion here : e2e.ti.com/.../618632
Have you make any change to /boot/uEnv.txt ?

thank you for any HELP!!

Best Regards
Simone

0 Philippe Dollo over 7 years ago in reply to Simone Falsini

TI__Mastermind 28005 points

Hi Mr. Sridhar et al,

Thank you for all your feedback about the DLP2000 EVM. We wanted to provide guidance on the focus adjustment softness referenced in the thread. Typically, the focus pin that is being moved is augmented with a mechanical system in the end product that results in an external knob or slider. The issue you may be experiencing could be the normal softness on the pin itself. The DLP2000 evaluation module is designed to be an evaluation module for developers to experiment with new display solutions.

We are working on an off-the-shelf solution for our early adopters over the next few weeks and will keep you posted.

If you feel that your EVM is not operating properly (electronics and/or optical engine), please submit a TI store customer support form and we can offer you an exchange (as long as the form is submitted within 10 business days of delivery of the EVM to your address).

Thanks again for being an early adopter of our most affordable EVM ever.

Best Regards,

Philippe

0 user4200705 over 7 years ago in reply to Philippe Dollo

Prodigy 50 points

Thanks Phillipe,

So we should continue as is, and in the meantime there may be something we can retrofit to the focus key so we can safely manually adjust it?

Any recommendations for the interim for fixing the key in position? It's a compact space around it.

0 Sridhar Jonnalagadda over 7 years ago in reply to Philippe Dollo

Prodigy 45 points

Hi Mr. Philippe,

Thank you. I would rather wait for the off-the-shelf solution that you refer to in your response below.

Best Regards,
Sridhar

0 Rei Vilo over 7 years ago in reply to Philippe Dollo

Guru 23925 points

The TI DLP® LightCrafterTM Display 2000 EVM User's Guide (dlpu049).pdf is very short of explanations about how to set the focus.

4. The focus of the image can be adjusted with the focus switch on the optical engine.

Same remark for header J3, LEDs D2 and D3, mentioned in the text but pictured nowhere.

I'd suggest adding a picture of the module with comments about the hardware components.

Thank you!

0 Philippe Dollo over 6 years ago in reply to Rei Vilo

TI__Mastermind 28005 points

All,

We would like to present a straightforward modification to the DLPDLCR2000EVM’s optical engine that will result in a focus lever that is more resistant to adjustment. To implement this you will need:

1x Steel Phillips Rounded Head Screw, M1.6 x 0.35mm Thread, 4 mm Long

(Part number 92005A003 on https://www.mcmaster.com/)

1x 18-8 Stainless Steel Single-Wave Washer for Number 0 Screw Size, 0.072” ID, 0.017” OD

(Part number 99842A101 on https://www.mcmaster.com/)

Phillips Screwdriver (PH00 x 40) or equivalent

Wiha Precision Slotted Screwdriver (1,5 x 40) or equivalent

The focus lever can be removed by unscrewing it with the small flathead screwdriver. The optical engine does not need to be disassembled to do this.

After removing the focus lever screw, simply replace it with the Phillips screw using an appropriate Phillips screwdriver. While doing this, ensure that the single-wave washer is seated between the screw and the optical engine.

After completing this modification, the Phillips screw can be adjusted to loosen or tighten the new focus lever as desired. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

Best Regards,

Philippe Dollo

0 Rei Vilo over 6 years ago in reply to Philippe Dollo

Guru 23925 points

Hi!

Thank you for posting an off-the-shelf solution.

However, I'm facing some issues:

The Steel Phillips Rounded Head Screw comes in pack of 25.
The 18-8 Stainless Steel Single-Wave Washer comes in pack of 10.
McMaster-Carr does not provide a freight estimate for Europe.

Wouldn't be easier to add the two items on the EVM package and send them to the already customers?

Thank you and best regards,

0 user4200705 over 6 years ago in reply to Rei Vilo

Prodigy 50 points

I face the same issue. I've looked at sourcing in Europe and the screw can be found singly, but with a huge shipping cost and I can't find the washers anywhere.

0 Philippe Dollo over 6 years ago in reply to user4200705

TI__Mastermind 28005 points

Rei and DJ,

Thanks for bringing this to our attention. We're taking a look at sourcing options so we can figure out the best route for you and other customers to take. Expect to hear back from us soon.

Best Regards,
Philippe Dollo

0 Philippe Dollo over 6 years ago in reply to Philippe Dollo

TI__Mastermind 28005 points

All,

We are offering a free washer and screw for the DLPDLCR2000EVM. To take advantage of this offer, send an email to dlpdlcr2000evm-inquiry@list.ti.com and include your name, address, phone number, and date of purchase of the DLPDLCLR2000EVM. Please note that you will not get a confirmation message after we receive your inquiry. We anticipate that your screw and washer will arrive within 2 weeks of submitting your request.

Thanks for your patience. Let me know if you have any further questions.

Best Regards,

Philippe Dollo

0 user4200705 over 6 years ago in reply to Philippe Dollo

Prodigy 50 points

Hi,

Got the screw and washer. Had some trouble getting the screw to take with the washer in place (screw would not catch like it was way too short).

Thanks though for the functionality fix. Now I can work on the board without worrying that a cough will defocus it :)

0 Philippe Dollo over 6 years ago in reply to user4200705

TI__Mastermind 28005 points

DJ,

Glad to be of assistance. As a note to other E2E users, we are planning to pack-in these additional components to our DLPDLCR2000EVM kits down the road to make this focus lever modification more accessible out of the box.

Best Regards,
Philippe Dollo

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DLPDLCR2000EVM Focus Key Issue