Example at ...\ncs\v1.4.0\zephyr\samples\drivers\display does not work with SSD1306 wired directly to nRF9160DK

[craig.stephan]

When I program the nrf9160dk with the example, the code detects the SSD1306, but the display looks like:

The image is only using the middle half (16 rows) of the display that has 32 rows and 128 columns. 

And the left side of the image is a random set of pixels.

What can I do to get the example to give me text on the screen?

I am using the SSD1306 OLED at: https://www.amazon.com/Pieces-Display-Module-SSD1306-3-3V-5V/dp/B08CDN5PSJ/ref=sr_1_8?dchild=1&keywords=ssd1306&qid=1606702037&sr=8-8

Do I have to modify any of the files to target the nRF9160 instead of the nRF52 family?

[helsing]

Hi Craig,

I will look into your issue, but to understand it better I need a bit more info:

How is your display wired up to your DK?

Are you able to display text or characters to the middle half?

I am working from home today, however, I plan to visit our office on Thursday. Hopefully be able to find a SSD1306 at the office so that I can test a few things.

Best regards,

Håkon

[craig.stephan]

Hi Håkon,

I have the SSD1306 OLED display wired directly to the nRF9160DK as follows:

1. SDA: P0.30
2. SCL: P0.31
3. GND: GND
4. VCC: VDD (switch on DK is set to make VDD=3.3V)

I have had no success in displaying legible characters on any part of the display with the nRF9160DK. I am interested in reliably displaying series of16-pixel/24-pixel high characters on the display. Scrolling and displaying graphics would be nice, but not essential.

The SSD1306 display that I am using is 128 pixels wide by 32 pixels high.

Regards,

Craig

[helsing]

Thank you for the project files, I will look into them tomorrow morning(CEST).

Best regards,

Håkon

[helsing]

Hi Craig,

I have not yet been able to test anything on the display, but hopefully I will be able to do so on Tuesday.

I have had a look at the datasheet for the SSD1306 OLED driver and found a few things worth investigating.

I will get back to you next week.

Best regards,

Håkon

[helsing]

I have now finally a similar display in front of me and I will try out a few things.

I also found another issue related to this board and this specific display that was very recently solved. The display driver is mentioned in the release notes : Changes in nRF Connect SDK v1.4.99: "Enhanced the SSD1306 driver to support communication via both SPI and I2C."

You may want to check out nRF Connect SDK v1.4.99-dev1. I will look into it myself next week.

[craig.stephan]

I installed v1.4.99-dev1 and the OLED still does not display any legible characters.

Please let me know what you find with your dev kit.

[helsing]

Thank you for the update. I will be checking out a few things today and I will keep you updated with my findings. After installing v1.4.99-dev1, did you see the same/similar image on the display as in the initial image you posted? Or did you notice any new patterns?

[craig.stephan]

The hex file built with v1.4.99-dev1 shows no pixels lighted in the display. The display is all black. Thanks for your help.

[helsing]

Thanks. This could indicate a different error. I will keep you posted on what I find myself.

[craig.stephan]

I wanted to mention...if you don't have an I2C SSD1306 OLED in your possession, they are available on Amazon at really affordable prices. Let me know what you find with your dev kit. Thanks again.

[helsing]

Thanks. I think I will order a few extra OLEDs, however, I have one on my desk now. At the moment I am running into a few hickups when I am trying to build the project.