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Programmable Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD)

Posted by timothy on from the dashboard-toy dept.

An anonymous reader writes "There is a review of a programmable Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD). It is used to monitor computer related stats e.g. temperture, voltages, uptime etc. The article can be found here. Looks like an interesting toy!"

3 of 149 comments (clear)

  1. Something a bit cheaper... by tchuladdiass · · Score: 4, Informative

    Pick up any HD44780 compatible LCD, and hook it up to your parallel port. There's a driver for linux that controls this using the same commands that Matrix Orbital uses. However, a 20x4 LCD will run less than $10.00 at many on-line parts houses. I use one for my digital jukebox project.

  2. Re:how much is it? by Gudlyf · · Score: 4, Informative

    $123 direct from their site. Not worth it, IMO.

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  3. Re:Odd.... by cybermace5 · · Score: 4, Informative

    Apparently, you understand neither technology.

    CRT: Fluorescent material glows when struck by electrons from a cathode in a vacuum tube.

    VFD: Fluorescent material glows when struck by electrons from a cathode in a vacuum tube.

    The only difference is that the CRT electrons are steered across the surface of the display with coils. The VFD simply places cathodes near a corresponding phosphorescent element.

    So...not quite as different as you believe.

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