Big Dot-Matrix LEDs / Mechanical Flip-Flop Signs
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Posts: 46,084
Hello,
We're planning out our booth for the Embedded Systems Conference in April
(San Francisco). The Parallax booth is *entirely* BASIC Stamp-controlled.
Everything from the 25 demos to the lighting, air circulation, and display.
In the land of 32-bit DSPs and expensive compilers it's great to find that
there's a place where you can press buttons, drive robots, and program
microcontrollers without needing a team of engineers. If you have ever
wanted to
talk to Parallax people or see the new stuff, this is the place. Plus, we're
there to see you. Free tickets will be available from our web site. That's
the marketing part of my message.
The reason I write is that our logo sign will be BASIC Stamp-controlled.
We've thought about using large Liteon LEDs, but unless we build an entire
array with every possible dot occupied we'd only build our logo which limits
what we could show on such a sign. The total dimensions of this illuminated
sign is about 1' x 6'. Before we commit to such a design, I'd like to know
if you have any better ideas and sources for the LED part.
For example, where can I find big dot-matrix LEDs that are intended to be
stacked to be a bigger size (we'd use Max 7219s to control them)? What about
huge Hitachi-compatible LED signs - like the type you've seen in banks or
airports. Or, how about a mechanical gizmo that flip-flops between red and
black dots -- sorta like the old airport or train station signs that show
departure info?
I've seen some panels from Noritake, but they are very expensive.
Sources, ideas?
Thanks!
Ken Gracey, Parallax
In January we'll introduce two ideas to put your BASIC Stamp
"on the net" to send/receive e-mail and data for web pages
Keep watch at www.parallaxinc.com for details
(916) 624-8333 ~ fax (916) 624-8003
We're planning out our booth for the Embedded Systems Conference in April
(San Francisco). The Parallax booth is *entirely* BASIC Stamp-controlled.
Everything from the 25 demos to the lighting, air circulation, and display.
In the land of 32-bit DSPs and expensive compilers it's great to find that
there's a place where you can press buttons, drive robots, and program
microcontrollers without needing a team of engineers. If you have ever
wanted to
talk to Parallax people or see the new stuff, this is the place. Plus, we're
there to see you. Free tickets will be available from our web site. That's
the marketing part of my message.
The reason I write is that our logo sign will be BASIC Stamp-controlled.
We've thought about using large Liteon LEDs, but unless we build an entire
array with every possible dot occupied we'd only build our logo which limits
what we could show on such a sign. The total dimensions of this illuminated
sign is about 1' x 6'. Before we commit to such a design, I'd like to know
if you have any better ideas and sources for the LED part.
For example, where can I find big dot-matrix LEDs that are intended to be
stacked to be a bigger size (we'd use Max 7219s to control them)? What about
huge Hitachi-compatible LED signs - like the type you've seen in banks or
airports. Or, how about a mechanical gizmo that flip-flops between red and
black dots -- sorta like the old airport or train station signs that show
departure info?
I've seen some panels from Noritake, but they are very expensive.
Sources, ideas?
Thanks!
Ken Gracey, Parallax
In January we'll introduce two ideas to put your BASIC Stamp
"on the net" to send/receive e-mail and data for web pages
Keep watch at www.parallaxinc.com for details
(916) 624-8333 ~ fax (916) 624-8003
Comments
I have had great luck with the folks at Marktech
Optoelectronics http://www.marktechopto.com/
They have been very generous with their time and samples for large array
project we have done in the past.
Good luck.
Mike
At 11:30 AM 1/25/2001 -0800, you wrote:
>Hello,
>
>We're planning out our booth for the Embedded Systems Conference in April
>(San Francisco). The Parallax booth is *entirely* BASIC Stamp-controlled.
>Everything from the 25 demos to the lighting, air circulation, and display.
>In the land of 32-bit DSPs and expensive compilers it's great to find that
>there's a place where you can press buttons, drive robots, and program
>microcontrollers without needing a team of engineers. If you have ever
>wanted to
>talk to Parallax people or see the new stuff, this is the place. Plus, we're
>there to see you. Free tickets will be available from our web site. That's
>the marketing part of my message.
>
>The reason I write is that our logo sign will be BASIC Stamp-controlled.
>We've thought about using large Liteon LEDs, but unless we build an entire
>array with every possible dot occupied we'd only build our logo which limits
>what we could show on such a sign. The total dimensions of this illuminated
>sign is about 1' x 6'. Before we commit to such a design, I'd like to know
>if you have any better ideas and sources for the LED part.
>
>For example, where can I find big dot-matrix LEDs that are intended to be
>stacked to be a bigger size (we'd use Max 7219s to control them)? What about
>huge Hitachi-compatible LED signs - like the type you've seen in banks or
>airports. Or, how about a mechanical gizmo that flip-flops between red and
>black dots -- sorta like the old airport or train station signs that show
>departure info?
>
>I've seen some panels from Noritake, but they are very expensive.
>
>Sources, ideas?
>
>Thanks!
>
>Ken Gracey, Parallax
>
>In January we'll introduce two ideas to put your BASIC Stamp
>"on the net" to send/receive e-mail and data for web pages
>Keep watch at www.parallaxinc.com for details
>(916) 624-8333 ~ fax (916) 624-8003
>
_________________________________
Mike Walsh
walsh@i...
>For example, where can I find big dot-matrix LEDs that are intended to be
>stacked to be a bigger size (we'd use Max 7219s to control them)? What about
>huge Hitachi-compatible LED signs - like the type you've seen in banks or
>airports. Or, how about a mechanical gizmo that flip-flops between red and
>black dots -- sorta like the old airport or train station signs that show
>departure info?
Several people make the flip dot sign modules - Ferranti Packard makes the
ones we used to use but the patents expired a while back and now there are
several other manufacturers. You will also need row and column drivers
appropriate for the electrical requirements of the modules which in turn
depend upon the physical size of the modules.
The modules we used to use are 18" tall and consist of 35 dots (5 columns x
7 rows) addressed in a X-Y-Y arrangement. Each coil has 2 diodes
associated with it, with each diode going to a separate Y buss - one buss
for flipping the coil one way, the other buss for flipping the coil the
other way. Its pretty easy to drive - I used plus and minus 18 Vdc feeding
the drivers. F-P says to pulse each coil for a specific amount of time,
but my driver controller board just monitored coil current and terminated
the pulse once the current exceeded 6 Amps (F-P's recommended minimum
current was 5A). Worked like a charm - the controller was all CMOS 4XXX
stuff and the micro (in a separate box) was a RCA 1802. But a stamp would
have no problems talking to my controller card - all you need is 3 bits for
the row address, 6 or 7 bits for the column address, and 1 bit for the dot
polarity (on or off). I'm pretty sure that other driver / controller cards
are similar.
I still have some of that stuff kicking around - we haven't built it for 10
years or so but still get asked to service it once in a while (yep - some
it is still out there working!). But there are probably US suppliers that
might be closer to you.
Let me know if I can help in any way.
dwayne
Dwayne Reid <dwayner@p...>
Trinity Electronics Systems Ltd Edmonton, AB, CANADA
(780) 489-3199 voice (780) 487-6397 fax
Celebrating 17 years of Engineering Innovation (1984 - 2001)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Do NOT send unsolicited commercial email to this email address.
This message neither grants consent to receive unsolicited
commercial email nor is intended to solicit commercial email.
Engineering in Bozeman, MT. R.E. fabricates the huge LED Video panels that
are used in places like Las Vegas & NY's Times Square. I have stood in front
of a 10 or 12 ft high by what seemed like 30 ft. wide panel while it was
being tested, and it is awesome! Steve, et al, have probably become familiar
with every type of light emitting device on the planet in the development of
their product. They are friendly folks and seem willing to share info.
Sorry, but I don't know their web site or Email.
>
Original Message
> From: MIKE WALSH [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=7_bUjM1Klkz919QDtMBdV5G_3zKvPet_STzmtlsapaCFTlwXTjfXdU2rIR1fKS-FnA_7HQTnuA]walsh@c...[/url
> Sent: Thursday, January 25, 2001 2:54 PM
> To: basicstamps@egroups.com
> Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Big Dot-Matrix LEDs / Mechanical Flip-Flop
> Signs
>
>
> Ken,
> I have had great luck with the folks at Marktech
> Optoelectronics http://www.marktechopto.com/
> They have been very generous with their time and samples for
> large array
> project we have done in the past.
> Good luck.
> Mike
>
> At 11:30 AM 1/25/2001 -0800, you wrote:
> >Hello,
> >
> >We're planning out our booth for the Embedded Systems
> Conference in April
> >(San Francisco). The Parallax booth is *entirely* BASIC
> Stamp-controlled.
> >Everything from the 25 demos to the lighting, air
> circulation, and display.
> >In the land of 32-bit DSPs and expensive compilers it's
> great to find that
> >there's a place where you can press buttons, drive robots,
> and program
> >microcontrollers without needing a team of engineers. If you
> have ever
> >wanted to
> >talk to Parallax people or see the new stuff, this is the
> place. Plus, we're
> >there to see you. Free tickets will be available from our
> web site. That's
> >the marketing part of my message.
> >
> >The reason I write is that our logo sign will be BASIC
> Stamp-controlled.
> >We've thought about using large Liteon LEDs, but unless we
> build an entire
> >array with every possible dot occupied we'd only build our
> logo which limits
> >what we could show on such a sign. The total dimensions of
> this illuminated
> >sign is about 1' x 6'. Before we commit to such a design,
> I'd like to know
> >if you have any better ideas and sources for the LED part.
> >
> >For example, where can I find big dot-matrix LEDs that are
> intended to be
> >stacked to be a bigger size (we'd use Max 7219s to control
> them)? What about
> >huge Hitachi-compatible LED signs - like the type you've
> seen in banks or
> >airports. Or, how about a mechanical gizmo that flip-flops
> between red and
> >black dots -- sorta like the old airport or train station
> signs that show
> >departure info?
> >
> >I've seen some panels from Noritake, but they are very expensive.
> >
> >Sources, ideas?
> >
> >Thanks!
> >
> >Ken Gracey, Parallax
> >
> >In January we'll introduce two ideas to put your BASIC Stamp
> >"on the net" to send/receive e-mail and data for web pages
> >Keep watch at www.parallaxinc.com for details
> >(916) 624-8333 ~ fax (916) 624-8003
> >
>
> _________________________________
> Mike Walsh
> walsh@i...
>
>
>
>
>
How about a full-size lighted Parallax message blimp floating around the
exhibit hall?
Dennis
Original Message
From: Ken Gracey [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=FsP-EduE81rrdW-20CcSVsB3O4VBteQcxsJc60YeAmuDNbIMbsJkX5XtM1xgoKtqnOil8jJtiN-Q2JV2jhY0]kgracey@p...[/url
Sent: Thursday, January 25, 2001 11:30 AM
To: basicstamps@egroups.com
Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Big Dot-Matrix LEDs / Mechanical Flip-Flop Signs
We're planning out our booth for the Embedded Systems Conference in April
(San Francisco). The Parallax booth is *entirely* BASIC Stamp-controlled.
Everything from the 25 demos to the lighting, air circulation, and display.
<deleted>
Sources, ideas?
Ken Gracey, Parallax
exhibit hall?"
That sounds awesome!!!!!
Original Message
From: Dennis P. O'Leary <doleary@h...>
To: basicstamps@egroups.com <basicstamps@egroups.com>
Date: Thursday, January 25, 2001 4:36 PM
Subject: RE: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Big Dot-Matrix LEDs / Mechanical Flip-Flop Signs
>Ken,
>How about a full-size lighted Parallax message blimp floating around the
>exhibit hall?
>Dennis
>
>
Original Message
>From: Ken Gracey [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=VY2vKAevV-E06XtSrIccPc6chPowdSnZmrDm0ZSHgvooU6OKufs7OEvkt0h3_1gZcz9b22vGrlZpNiAwBw]kgracey@p...[/url
>Sent: Thursday, January 25, 2001 11:30 AM
>To: basicstamps@egroups.com
>Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Big Dot-Matrix LEDs / Mechanical Flip-Flop Signs
>
>We're planning out our booth for the Embedded Systems Conference in April
>(San Francisco). The Parallax booth is *entirely* BASIC Stamp-controlled.
>Everything from the 25 demos to the lighting, air circulation, and display.
><deleted>
>Sources, ideas?
>Ken Gracey, Parallax
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>stacked to be a bigger size (we'd use Max 7219s to control them)?
>Sources, ideas?
Hi Ken,
I've picked up surplus matrix displays for experimentation in the
past from Electronic Goldmine. <http://www.goldmine-elec.com>.
Looking at their current catalog... I see they have an 8x8
red-green-orange matrix 1.5" square (Liteon LTP14188A-01, Goldmine
part#G1597) at $2.49 each, or 100 of them for $200. Let's see, a 1
foot by 6 foot sign would take 8x8x6=384 of them. (And keep an
intern busy for weeks, wiring it up!) The catalog has several other
types too. They will surely not look quite as impressive as the new
generation displays, but hey, it's what you say on it that counts!
There is also the light-stick idea, like the project Scott Edwards
did for a N&V article a few years back. The message is displayed by
a time-muxed PIC (SX) chip as the light-stick swings around,
appearing to be floating in mid-air. It could be brighter, 3-color,
with today's leds.
-- Tracy Allen
http://www.emesystems.com
I've Emailed Photos outside the group as I don't know if atachments
work in the
group.
If just spent the last 6 months working on and building my own large
LED
displays.
If this is what your looking for let me now and I'll give more
details.
PS item 1, is also a scrolling display with a few effects- (this is
all done with 1 BS2sx controlling) - TIME/TEMP/Graphics/20
messages/user input via radio
Item 1
240mm(9.5") x 240mm(9.5") PCB - DOTMATRIX
holds 256 LEDS driven from 1 MAX7219 on board
Supply 6v to 15v AC or DC
Board can also hold
BS2/BSsx
DS1302 with super cap
Radio Reciever
Keyboard interface
Temperature
Atomic Clock Reciever
Boards can be diasy chained together without showing a gap in the
array
The idea was to have 1 PCB housing a BS2sx and RTC etc, then X number
of PCB
chained together with only the MAX on board.
We have a display using 2 rows of 7 PCBs -(19" high x 6' 8" long) -
16 dots
x 56 dots - 3584 LEDS - about 4Amps @ 6 vdc
We also had a 4 row of 7 PCBs -(3' 2" high x 6' 8" long) - 32 x 56
dots -
7168 LEDS
Each LED was 4200 mcd, (very bright for sunlight viewing)
Item 2
150mm (6") x 200mm (8") - STARBURST
holds 64 LEDS driven from 1 MAX7219 on board
Supply 6v to 15v AC or DC
Board can also hold
BS2/BSsx
Boards can be diasy chained together without showing a gap in the
array
The idea was to have 1 PCB housing a BS2sx , then X number of PCB
chained
together with only the MAX on board.
We have a display using 1 rows of 16 PCBs - 16 characters - 1024 LEDS
Item 3
Various 7 Segment PCB's
Upto 420mm (16" high)
Holding doulbe rows of LEDS
Kind Regards
Chris Hill BEng
Director
Instrument Installations Ltd
--- In basicstamps@y..., "Ken Gracey" <kgracey@p...> wrote:
> Hello,
>
> We're planning out our booth for the Embedded Systems Conference in
April
> (San Francisco). The Parallax booth is *entirely* BASIC Stamp-
controlled.
> Everything from the 25 demos to the lighting, air circulation, and
display.
> In the land of 32-bit DSPs and expensive compilers it's great to
find that
> there's a place where you can press buttons, drive robots, and
program
> microcontrollers without needing a team of engineers. If you have
ever
> wanted to
> talk to Parallax people or see the new stuff, this is the place.
Plus, we're
> there to see you. Free tickets will be available from our web site.
That's
> the marketing part of my message.
>
> The reason I write is that our logo sign will be BASIC Stamp-
controlled.
> We've thought about using large Liteon LEDs, but unless we build an
entire
> array with every possible dot occupied we'd only build our logo
which limits
> what we could show on such a sign. The total dimensions of this
illuminated
> sign is about 1' x 6'. Before we commit to such a design, I'd like
to know
> if you have any better ideas and sources for the LED part.
>
> For example, where can I find big dot-matrix LEDs that are intended
to be
> stacked to be a bigger size (we'd use Max 7219s to control them)?
What about
> huge Hitachi-compatible LED signs - like the type you've seen in
banks or
> airports. Or, how about a mechanical gizmo that flip-flops between
red and
> black dots -- sorta like the old airport or train station signs
that show
> departure info?
>
> I've seen some panels from Noritake, but they are very expensive.
>
> Sources, ideas?
>
> Thanks!
>
> Ken Gracey, Parallax
>
> In January we'll introduce two ideas to put your BASIC Stamp
> "on the net" to send/receive e-mail and data for web pages
> Keep watch at www.parallaxinc.com for details
> (916) 624-8333 ~ fax (916) 624-8003
>