How to build your own external VFD / LCD

Howto by richbastard @ 2002-04-30

If you want to show off with your case, you´d better have a funky looking LCD, or even better, a VFD mounted on your case. They´re pretty, 1337 and above all: usefull. You can display your proc temps, date, uptime, latest news on CNN/TomsHW or even get a notice when you receive new email. That´s great, but it´s not that handy when you have to watch at your case if you want to read your display... most ppl watch their monitor only. That´s why I´ve come up with... *tada!* the external LCD/VFD guide
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Intro & Tools/Stuff

Introduction:

If you want to show off with your case, you'd better have a funky looking LCD, or even better, a VFD mounted on your case. They're pretty, 1337 and above all: usefull. You can display your proc temps, date, uptime, latest news on CNN/TomsHW or even get a notice when you receive new email. That's great, but it's not that handy when you have to watch at your case if you want to read your display... most ppl watch their monitor only. That's why I've come up with... *tada!* the external LCD/VFD guide:

Sweet... a 4*20 VFD in action!

Needed tools & stuff:

- A VCD / LCD with a HD44780 compatible controller (requires one free parrallel port) + at least 1m of 16 way cable + 1 parrallel port connector + a USB printer cable (or similar, als long as it is USB).

2 4*20 Noritake VFD's from farnell.com (~ €125 a piece)

16-way flat cable (~ €2 a metre)

Parrallel port connecort (Gender changer: male-male) (~ €3 a piece)

USB cable (~ €3 for 2 metre)

- for the holder: 1 sheet of 2 or 3mm thick plexi glass + 4 long screws

plexi sheet and saw

- tools: soldering iron (fine tip), some shrink sleeve (if you want to do it proper) + for the holder: a gas burner + 4 cramps + saw

A gasburner... be careful!

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