My screen goes from Blue to Black or says No Signal.

So you have your Piper Computer Kit assembled, but when you try to turn it on the screen either goes from Blue to Black or says No Signal. Let’s go through some steps that could explain why your screen is acting up.

Blue to black screen:

This issue is probably the most common issue people run into with their screens. There are a few things that can be causing this problem. Here are some steps that can help you solve why your screen is on the fritz!

Check your Raspberry Pi for lights.

You can tell a lot about a Pi by looking at its lights. There is a solid red light and a blinking green light.

If you do not see a red light.

This means your Pi is not getting power. This is usually caused by either the Harness Cable or Battery being bad.

Step one:

Try using a personal Micro-USB to plug your Raspberry Pi into your battery.  If the lights come on, the issue was your Harness Cable.

Step two:

If that did not work, the issue may be your battery.  Try plugging directly into the wall with a charging block.  If that works, you have a defective battery.

If you have a red light, but no green light.

This means your Pi is getting power, but doesn’t know what to do with the card! This is usually a sign of a bad SD Card.

First, try pulling your card out and re-inserting it a few times.  This can clear any dust or grime off the connectors.  After this, make sure your SD Card is firmly inserted into its slot.

If that doesn't work, follow this guide (Scroll down to the header titled, “Download and Install Piper SD Card Image”) on how to reflash your card and you should be up and on your way.  If you are unable to flash your card, contact us at [e-mail] to get this issue sorted out.

My Pi has both lights:

This means your Pi is receiving power, but the screen is not getting a connection.

Step one:

Follow this helpful video and make sure all your connections are safe and secure. 

This issue is most commonly caused by the HDMI cable not being inserted all the way.  Here is a handy picture that you can use for a reference:

Step two:

If that doesn’t work, trying switching out your HDMI cable for one that you know works. If it works, you need a new HDMI cable. If not, move to step three.

Step three:

If the HDMI cable did not solve your issue, try hooking your Piper Computer Kit to another display, such as a TV or computer monitor. If you see an image, this means your screen is the issue. If none of that works, it means the HDMI port on your Raspberry Pi is defective and needs to be replaced.

Screen says “No Signal”:

If your screen says no signal, that means a piece of hardware is defective and your screen is not receiving a signal.  

Step one:

Trying switching out the HDMI cable and see if that helps.

Step two:

If switching the HDMI cable does not work, try hooking it up to a different display, such as a computer monitor or a TV.  If this fixes your problem, you are having screen issues. If that does not work you may have a defective port on your Raspberry Pi.

Need a new part?  Visit our Parts Store!

Still stumped?  Reach out to us at [e-mail].