cheaper large instrument displays - mast mount

Shaun,
This all sounds really good. I'm definitely still interested. Personally I would prefer a display with three lines, though. But not necessarily, would also be interested if it turns out at two lines. Digit size: would plead for something between 30-40mm.
Michael
 
Just had a thought...instead of making the displays integral...how about having a processor for below decks which can drive x number of displays (maybe 4) and then have the display heads connect to the processor.

Might reduce cabling, connections and make it easier on the looks and waterproofing front

Any thoughts...not sure if is even possible...if is is it might allow a more off the shelf LCD and housing to be used.. I reckon a 7" 240 x 128 waterproof housed graphic LCD must be available...maybe ;)
 
ShaunG said:
I have been looking further at the 128x56 pixel LCD's which seem to come in any flavour of backlight (selectable) i am struggling to find the right size though

an example of what i have been looking at/for
http://adafruit.com/products/438
Click to expand...

This is the basic problem i had when I last looked, sourcing a suitability sized display, the one above is about 2" x 3" which is why I reverted to 7 seg LEDs.

It may be worth you talking to sparkfun as they seem to have the knack of sourcing oddball parts.
 
ShaunG said:
Just had a thought...instead of making the displays integral...how about having a processor for below decks which can drive x number of displays (maybe 4) and then have the display heads connect to the processor.

Might reduce cabling, connections and make it easier on the looks and waterproofing front

Any thoughts...not sure if is even possible...if is is it might allow a more off the shelf LCD and housing to be used.. I reckon a 7" 240 x 128 waterproof housed graphic LCD must be available...maybe ;)
Click to expand...

Take a look at xbee and the cheaper xrf.. Means you can do away with loads of cabling aka tacktick.

http://shop.ciseco.co.uk/xrf-wireless-rf-radio-uart-rs232-serial-data-module-xbee-shape-arduino-pic-etc/
 
Wireless would be great..maybe v2? After we have the basics working...although we then have to power it from solar etc, establish connection routines etc

The spark fun LCD looks good and well priced...if only it was an inch wider......


I think we are on the right track with the LCD...which along with the housing seems to be the tough bits of this project, although I am sure Angus will be blue to put a damper on my enthusiasm and I will have totally the wrong type of screens.

Any thoughts on the general principle of a processor? My thoughts longer term is may allow for software updates...displays in differing places, easier connections...he'll maybe even a nmea 2000 and seatalk interface in the longer term
 
ShaunG said:
Wireless would be great..maybe v2? After we have the basics working...although we then have to power it from solar etc, establish connection routines etc

The spark fun LCD looks good and well priced...if only it was an inch wider......


I think we are on the right track with the LCD...which along with the housing seems to be the tough bits of this project, although I am sure Angus will be blue to put a damper on my enthusiasm and I will have totally the wrong type of screens.

Any thoughts on the general principle of a processor? My thoughts longer term is may allow for software updates...displays in differing places, easier connections...he'll maybe even a nmea 2000 and seatalk interface in the longer term
Click to expand...

Wireless is cheap, and saves interconnections. You just have to supply 12v which is easy as most people have lighting or similar already going to the mast. Nmea is basically a serial protocol, and these wireless modems use serial. Dead simple. (ok nmea uses rs-232 and xrf uses ttl, but a max232 chip will handle that conversion for you).

I've done most of what you describe using arduino, as it's well supported and relatively cheap (ok Angus not as cheap as pic, but at £3 for a chip it's relatively cheap!)
 
ShaunG said:
Wireless would be great..maybe v2? After we have the basics working...although we then have to power it from solar etc, establish connection routines etc
Click to expand...

You don't need solar :-)

Connection is so simple, You chuck serial data into one device and it comes out on the other.

You can program the modems with unique ids, to prevent you picking up another boats signals. :D
 
In that case...wireless sounds cool :)

What's the consensus on this?


Are we heading towards starting something here...quite happy to order some parts if needed, maybe we need some cheap proof of concept parts first (small screen etc) or do we need to go straight to the 'real' equipment?

Still looking for a nice looking housing
 
ShaunG said:
In that case...wireless sounds cool :)

What's the consensus on this?


Are we heading towards starting something here...quite happy to order some parts if needed, maybe we need some cheap proof of concept parts first (small screen etc) or do we need to go straight to the 'real' equipment?

Still looking for a nice looking housing
Click to expand...

I have loads of bits, and can demo the wireless. I've got the nuts and bolts of this working using arduino, and Angus has done the same using pic.

Without wishing to sound like a scratched record, if we can source the display we can knock up a demo in a couple of hours.

Just one nut to crack, and the rest of the project is plain sailing :-)
 
Wow....in that case....time to focus on the display

This one is massive learning curve for me, how about the following to progress..if we can answer some of these then we might be able to focus on the screen

7" x 4" graphic LCD or smaller/bigger??
Single colour or multicolour backlight?
Negative - colour on black or positive black on colour ??
240 x 128 or 320 x 240 resolution??
What interface...serial, CMOS etc???
Sunlight viewable
Wide viewing angle
Adjustable brightness
Power 5v or 3.3 v
Current..as low as possible
Mounting type..

Target price?? £50 ish???
 
Here you go... My prototype so far.


7932496926_ffc1118fd7_n.jpg
 
ShaunG said:
Wow....in that case....time to focus on the display

This one is massive learning curve for me, how about the following to progress..if we can answer some of these then we might be able to focus on the screen

7" x 4" graphic LCD or smaller/bigger??
Single colour or multicolour backlight?
Negative - colour on black or positive black on colour ??
240 x 128 or 320 x 240 resolution??
What interface...serial, CMOS etc???
Sunlight viewable
Wide viewing angle
Adjustable brightness
Power 5v or 3.3 v
Current..as low as possible
Mounting type..

Target price?? £50 ish???
Click to expand...

I'd suggest going back to basics first...

What do we want to display?

Gps Speed
Wind Speed
Wind direction
Heading

Is the agreement that we want to display numerical values only?
 
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