--- Brian Getz <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > Interesting idea, from a purely cost basis you > should > consider using LEDS either discreet or multi > segement. > This would be the biggest expense I think. > > The key is how big and how bright - bigger and > brighter = more cost.
Can't remember what magazine I saw it in, but several years ago I read an article on building a scoreboard. The digits were made to look like large, red "LED" digits similar to what you see on clocks. The trick was to mask off the shapes on the back of a large piece of clear plexiglass then paint it with a couple coats of black paint. To make the red digits it used thin translucent red plastic on the back of the plexiglass. The box was constructed with individual compartments with lightbulbs for each segment. The drive system used was identical to what would be used to operate seven segment LED digit displays but in place of the LEDs it used relays with low voltage switching to operate 110V AC powered lightbulbs. Operating such a setup from a "bare" Duo would require a serial connection. I'd look into a "BASIC Stamp" style micro computer. Parallax Inc. made the original and owns the BASIC Stamp trademark name. One of the mid-level models may have enough output pins to provide all the drive signals needed for the scoreboard display. They all have serial communication capability. Combine a "stamp" with a homebrew driver/interface to operate the AC lamps and you should have a good setup fairly cheap. ===== "When you are wrestling for possession of a sword, the man with the handle always wins." Hiro Protagonist __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! SiteBuilder - Free, easy-to-use web site design software http://sitebuilder.yahoo.com ---------- Duo/2400 List, The friendliest place on the Net! A listserv for users and fans of Mac subportables. FAQ at <http://www.themacintoshguy.com/lists/DuoListFAQ.shtml> Be sure to visit Mac2400! <http://www.sineware.com/mac2400> To unsubscribe, E-mail to: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Need help from a real person? Try. <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> ---------- Dr. Bott | 10/100 Ethernet for your 2400 is finally here! MPC-100 | <http://www.drbott.com/prod/mpc100.html> RoadTools $30 PodiumPad available at Apple retail stores, $20 Traveler CoolPad at Staples. Both in white for iBooks at <http://roadtools.com> Midwest Mac Parts ][ <http://www.midwestmac.com> After-market parts for Macs. ][ 888-356-1104 ][ MacResQ Specials: LaCie SCSI CDR From $99! PowerBook 3400/200 Only $879! Norton AntiVirus 6 Only $19! We Stock PARTS! <http://www.macresq.com>
