Raspberry Pi Virtual Reality Arcade -- Episode 364

Hey,

Is der any document that explains the circuit connection for the overall setup?

not really a doc, basically the video is the documentation.

in short form:

Video:

connect the composite video testpoint and gnd to the 5,8ghz sender module

Head tracker:

The mpu6050 is connected to an atmega 32u4 base MCU (arduino micro) via I2C (default pins)

connect the Head tracking unit  via USB cable to the pi

Controller:

controller is another Arduino micro that reads buttons and is also connected via usb to the pi

the rest is code and configuration available in the download section /seen in the video.

not really a doc, basically the video is the documentation.

in short form:

Video:

connect the composite video testpoint and gnd to the 5,8ghz sender module

Head tracker:

The mpu6050 is connected to an atmega 32u4 base MCU (arduino micro) via I2C (default pins)

connect the Head tracking unit  via USB cable to the pi

Controller:

controller is another Arduino micro that reads buttons and is also connected via usb to the pi

the rest is code and configuration available in the download section /seen in the video.

I shall drop you a text if I am lost during the process.

Thanks

If I may....!!! Why have you used "2465 -  PowerBoost 1000 LiPo Charger 5V 1A Boost"

Wanted to understand the reason

Can't power a pi from 3,7V directly without boost and protection.
that was the module that was available at the time.

but as you see i nthe video i replaced it with a BEC salvaged from a model aircraft and a 2s lipo to get more juice out of it.
You can make this work with two powerboost 1000 as well and 2 1s lipos.

on most projects the  reason for a particular module is : I nned to solve X challenge--> that module is available and gets it done fast.
on other porjects I design such a circuit  from scratch to fit certain specifiactaions like size and power, but not on this one.

Hi Clem,

Can you elaborate on the connection of the Adafruit stereo amplifier module. You mentioned that it is connected to the test points of the audio left and right. It is a bit confusing.

Which PINs from the Adafruit go to the Rpi

here is a list of the testpoints

PP24 COMPOSITE VIDEO

PP25 AUDIO_L

PP26 AUDIO_R

PP27 VBUS (USB 5V power)

PP34 GND

you just connect them to corresponding pins on your other modules  (audio L to audio L and so on)each also need a common gnd and volatage supply, I advise against sniffing the power off the pi but taking it from the PSU/BEC to avoid overloading the pis pins.

If the game runs you must see an output on these points with an oszilloscope or by feeding the signla into a capable device (I used an old portable tv).
if not then you need to activate Composite and audio output first in the OS. back the ni had to adapt a file, but I think in the current version of RPI-OS you can do it in the GUI.
default all signals go to hdmi0 but we want them on Conmposite and analog audio.

Thank you...!!!
Additionally the power boost that you've used is different from the one you had listed in your product listing table.

the BEC that I eventually ended up using came from my stockpile of old project parts, it once belonged to a nrc plane. but you should get by if doubling up ont hte powerboost or just use any other means of supply that allows for 5V @3A

Hi Clem,

This is to inform that I am new to Rpi and have just started to work with it. This project is a very big kick for me and I would like to give it a try. If you can help me understand it better, It'd be really helpful. Couple of questions might be a very basic, but I would like to get more clarity on the following items : -

1) Purpose of header used in PCB

2) Purpose of RKZC switch on the 5.8 video module and where does the grey wire from the module get's connected?

3) Where does the other end of the lithium battery go? 2 wires are connected to the power booster. I can infer it from the diagram. Where does the other 2 go?

If I can get clarity on these items first, I can complete the circuit.

Thanks for understanding. I hereby await your response.

Hi,

first this is not a typical beginner project and its not as well documented as a beginner needs, so be aware that things can go poof when mistakes are made. I also only recall stuff from memory and this is two years back.

1)the headers are just there to allow me to plug/unplug stuff , just to allwo changing it around without sodering. use headers whenever possible, that a golden rule of making as Ben heck said "build things you can take apart". Some of them may be unused in the final build.

2) the switch selects band and channel of the 5,8ghz module, the particular one is modded to suit the legal requirements of my country of residence so you need to find out what you need to do for your location on your own here is a handy guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nt6kYWbMQIM
its the same circuit for the sender module that I used and the switch is connected the same way. the  grey wire is a coaxial cable (so two wires in one) they connect the output signal and its corresponding gnd to the antenna plug mounted on the side of the decive and that connects to the 5,8ghz antenna.

3) the lipo I used is a 2s (two cell) lipo the battery + and minus lead go to the  BEC that regulates them down to 5V, the other wires of the battery go nowhere. they are the balance wires just used to charge it with an RC-lipopack charger.

the varaint with a power boost1000 requires a single cell lipo (with bigger capacity)-> + and - go to the powerboost1000 (no other wires present).
but to make this work with a pi, you need to make at least two of the power supply assemblies, to double up on deliveryble current, for a Pi1 or 2 you need 2A for pi3 and 4 you will need 3A.therefore 3 assemblies are required.

there are nowadays for sure easier or more convenient ways to do this, keep in mind that project is several years old.

Don't wait for my responses, the number one hack in making stuff is not to ask people but to gather information yourself from the internet and learn to interprete it.
Not every answer you get will be correct (not even mine are guaranteed to be correct), and nobody will write code for you. I recommend starting with tiny easy projects and working your way up building upon stuff you already did.