Help:RGB LCD Shield Kit w/ 16x2 Character Display

[EVRE]

I'm having terrible luck lately..
my "RGB LCD Shield Kit w/ 16x2 Character Display" wont even power up, no back light, nothing.

followed instructions for panel mounting, but I chose the ground next to the 5v. (easier drilling for pin spacing) no go, so soldered on the rest of the analog side pins, no go..
I have checked all solder joints, no cold joints or bridged.
how do I go about testing what is not working?

[adafruit_support_bill]

I chose the ground next to the 5v

Unfortunately, that ground pin is not connected on the shield. Use the one next to it.

[EVRE]

I'm having terrible luck lately..
my "RGB LCD Shield Kit w/ 16x2 Character Display" wont even power up, no back light, nothing.

followed instructions for panel mounting, but I chose the ground next to the 5v. (easier drilling for pin spacing) no go, so soldered on the rest of the analog side pins, no go..
I have checked all solder joints, no cold joints or bridged.
how do I go about testing what is not working?

I put it on my spare arduino to power it like a shield would have, and still nothing.
I double checked that I installed the chip in the correct orientation too.

P.S. I'm not going to ask for a replacement. This is my second piece of flakey/dead hardware. I'm thinking I'm static cursed. The air is so dry here right now.

[adafruit_support_rick]

Post some clear, detailed pictures, and we'll see if we can spot any assembly problems!

[EVRE]

2013-03-08 13-39-53.389.jpg (213.17 KiB) Viewed 167 times

2013-03-08 13-41-32.759.jpg (451.01 KiB) Viewed 167 times

2013-03-08 13-46-18.389.jpg (353.93 KiB) Viewed 167 times

[EVRE]

Even if I killed the display, the back light should light up right?
I do not have the adafruit test program loaded, it doesn't tell it to turn on the back light or anything does it?

My best guess is I somehow killed the expansion board. Accidental reverse polarity?.. It was very early in the morning when I was working on this.. =\

Good thing is its only a $2.95 part, guess I'll have to tag something onto the order to justify the $3.80 shipping

Side note.. I already have so many displays!
White on black 16x2
two 128x64 amber graphic displays
and recently, but still unassembled a MONOCHRON KS0108 Graphic LCD with JP backpack.

[adafruit_support_bill]

I do not have the adafruit test program loaded, it doesn't tell it to turn on the back light or anything does it?

The backlight is software controlled. You do need to run the sketch to turn it on.

Otherwise, the soldering looks good.

[EVRE]

Thanks a bunch. I guess my trouble was when I expected something to happen by just by being powered up.
Sorry for the hastle.

2013-03-08 14-43-29.398.jpg (86.35 KiB) Viewed 161 times

Today is going to be a good day. "Hello world!"