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Replacement: None. We are no longer selling this board. This page is for reference only.
This is a 7-segment display master controller, designed to be used with the slave controller kit. A combination of the two kits can control up to 10 digits via a variety of input signals. These kits are very useful for controlling larger 7-segment displays, such as our 6.5" display.
The 7-Segment Master Controller is mounted to the back of the first digit. The controller includes a microcontroller, constant current LED driver shift register and all circuitry needed to connect the various input signals. The microcontroller reads in the input signals and scales them according to the user settings and then sends out the data to the shift register, which controls the data displayed on the 7-segment digit.
A wide variety of input signals can be used to control the displays, these signals include: 0-5V or 0-20mA scaled analog input, digital input (up/down counters, tachometer RPM, frequency), and serial input (ASCII or MODBUS over TTL or RS485).
This kit is based around an ATmega168 which is programmed to control a TLC5916 8-bit LED driver, or a number of other slave controller kits.
Setup of the display mode and parameters is achieved using the configuration software linked below.
We welcome your comments and suggestions below. However, if you are looking for solutions to technical questions please see our Technical Assistance page.
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Seems like it'd be cheaper to buy an Arduino per digit.
you could also just one of these per digit... http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=734
So to run 4 7-segment units is $59.95 (master) & 3X $27.95 (slaves) for a total of $143.80? Not including the displays themselves. Well, that's not thousands but it is approaching hundreds. Not complaining but not very cost effective either. I guess I need to finally roll my own.
At least I already have the displays! :)
One of my biggest gripes about the 6.5" display was the lack of an easy way to hook up headers to it. I see the right angle headers soldered directly to the board, what a simple solution! Thanks SparkFun!