Edge Lit Display

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Calg5



Joined: 06 Apr 2010
Posts: 176
Location: Calgary Canada

PostPosted: Fri Dec 10, 2010 6:09 pm    Post subject: Edge Lit Display Reply with quote

Prior to the Nixie Tube, displays such as DVMs used this device called an edge lit display. The numbers are stacked and each lit number is at a different depth. This one was made by NLS and dated 1959. Edge lit devices were invented in 1951 but in the early 60's gave way to nixie tubes. I found a board with this device today.
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kosmokrator



Joined: 03 Jul 2008
Posts: 4085
Location: Athens-GR

PostPosted: Sat Dec 11, 2010 2:52 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Cool!!!
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naked1300



Joined: 26 Jul 2007
Posts: 837
Location: Austria,

PostPosted: Sat Dec 11, 2010 5:57 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

very nice!! never seen such a display.are u able to run it? i want to see how it works. Very Happy
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Calg5



Joined: 06 Apr 2010
Posts: 176
Location: Calgary Canada

PostPosted: Sat Dec 11, 2010 6:18 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I have not tried to run it yet. I am looking for a wiring diagram. The only information I know about it so far is that unlike a nixie, it uses low voltages across the terminals to light up the numerals and there is one plate for the decimal point. As soon as I can light it up, I will post a pic on here.
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JAC



Joined: 24 Jul 2005
Posts: 3469

PostPosted: Mon Dec 13, 2010 11:13 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Yeah, nice displays. I made some years ago, quite easy to make but I got distracted with other things.

Not at all complicated to make ( google search), I used RGB LED's and it was pretty awesome. I think the reason why I also never continued with it was because I needed to use a CNC or similar accurate machine to mark out the numerals ( doing it by hand looks ghetto ). I just didnt have the time to do it and they guy in the machine shop where I work was being a cock. Infact he still is.
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Calg5



Joined: 06 Apr 2010
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Location: Calgary Canada

PostPosted: Mon Dec 13, 2010 1:55 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks Jac. Would you happen to know what is a safe voltage to try and run it at?
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JAC



Joined: 24 Jul 2005
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PostPosted: Mon Dec 13, 2010 5:51 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Calg5 wrote:
Thanks Jac. Would you happen to know what is a safe voltage to try and run it at?


I'd approach it in the following way.. probably.

1) Internet search to try find datasheet or pin-outs for the filament lamps.

2) Failing (1), do you have the equipment it came out of? - backtrace the connections to get and idea of what goes where.

3) a)Use a multimeter to black box the connecting pins. .. erm.. draw a diagram and mark the pins 1,2,3,4, etc.. then write down what you get between the pins. I expect a one or more common connections to at least 11 others through the filaments.

or

3) b) open the damn thing, it should be servicable to replace lamps. Smile
The lamps inside may have their voltages printed on them.. it could be almost anything.

4) No voltages? then hook up power to the common and bring the voltage up slow.. start with a variable bench supply, ideally with current reading and current limit set low. Start at about 0.5V and bring it up slow.
Where to stop? .. assuming something is lit.. depends.. just so it is bright enough.

Good luck. Post pictures and info if you get anywhere with this.
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JAC



Joined: 24 Jul 2005
Posts: 3469

PostPosted: Mon Dec 13, 2010 5:53 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

This is the link I was looking for - re. homebrew edgelit.


http://users.rcn.com/ted.johnson/Scratchitti.htm
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