Flag Dash Compact - SimHub firmware fix
BuilderLab 3DP
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PLEASE DON'T RE-FLASH OR MODIFY THE FIRMWARE ON YOUR FLAG DASH

Your Flag Dash ships with firmware that's been through a one-hour break-in test on
that exact unit. It includes a power limit that keeps the panel inside what a USB port
can safely supply. SimHub's standard firmware doesn't have that limit. If the panel
is re-flashed with standard firmware, bright flags can pull the USB power down until
the panel freezes. That isn't a fault with your panel, and it doesn't void
your warranty: get in touch and we'll happily help you put it right. If you think
your panel needs new firmware, get in touch first and we'll sort it out with you.

If you do have to upload firmware from SimHub, follow the steps below so the limit
goes back on.

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Your Flag Dash comes with its firmware already on it. You don't need anything in
this folder unless you upload firmware to it again from SimHub, for example after
reinstalling SimHub or if the panel isn't recognised.

WHY THIS EXISTS

The Flag Dash runs entirely from one USB cable. Our firmware limits the panel to
350 mA so it always stays within what a USB port can supply. SimHub's standard
firmware doesn't have that limit. Without it, a bright flag (white or yellow) at high
brightness can pull the USB power down until the panel freezes on the last flag.
Unplugging and replugging it recovers it.

The fix is one line in one of SimHub's files. Nothing here runs by itself; you make
the change, and you can see exactly what it is.

WHERE THE FILE IS

In SimHub's install folder, usually C:\Program Files (x86)\SimHub, find:

    SHRGBMatrixNeoPixelFastLed.h

(Open the SimHub folder in File Explorer and type the name into the search box.)

OPTION A - ADD THE LINE YOURSELF (works with any SimHub version)

1. Close SimHub.
2. Copy SHRGBMatrixNeoPixelFastLed.h to your Desktop as a backup.
3. Open Notepad as administrator: Start menu, type Notepad, right-click it, "Run as
   administrator". (SimHub's files are in Program Files, which needs this to save.)
4. In Notepad, File > Open, and open the SHRGBMatrixNeoPixelFastLed.h in SimHub's
   folder. Set the file type box to "All Files" if you can't see it.
5. Find this line:

       FastLED.addLeds<NEOPIXEL, WS2812B_MATRIX_DATAPIN>(SHRGBMatrixNeoPixelFastLeds_leds, maxLeds);

6. Directly under it, add this line:

       FastLED.setMaxPowerInVoltsAndMilliamps(5, 350);

7. Save and close Notepad.
8. Open SimHub and upload the firmware to the Flag Dash with SimHub's Arduino setup
   tool, the same way as usual. The fix only takes effect after this upload.

OPTION B - REPLACE THE FILE

This folder has an already-edited SHRGBMatrixNeoPixelFastLed.h. It matches the
SimHub version current when it was made (September 2026). If your SimHub is newer,
use option A instead.

1. Close SimHub.
2. Rename SimHub's SHRGBMatrixNeoPixelFastLed.h to SHRGBMatrixNeoPixelFastLed.h.original.
   Windows will ask for administrator permission. Click Continue.
3. Copy the SHRGBMatrixNeoPixelFastLed.h from this folder into the same place.
4. Open SimHub and upload the firmware to the Flag Dash as usual.

AFTER A SIMHUB UPDATE

A SimHub update can put the original file back. If you update SimHub AND upload
firmware afterwards, check the line is still there first, and add it again if not.

TO UNDO IT

Put your backup (or the .original file) back in place of the edited file.

Questions: builderlab3dp.com
