Fozz writes – “This is sort of an expansion & howto on my previous post of scroll a message on my cable box. I finally got around to building a new 8 digit display and mounting the whole thing in place of my floppy drive. The total cost for this project was less than $20. The most expensive parts were the 7 segment displays and the ICM7218 chip. I used 0.56″ tall digits. It took 4 of the LED packages to get 8 characters.” – Link.
0 thoughts on “HOW TO – Put a scrolling LED display in your computer for less than $20”
An interesting kit, the video on the site is really cool, and this is definitely something I’d like to work on with my 8yo son or my 6 and 5yo daughters. But hold on… $49.99USD? That’s a bit much! Honestly, we’re looking at maybe 4 or 5 USD in parts (especially when bulk ordered), plus 1 minute of labor cost to have SheekGeek pre-solder the sockets onto the PCB. $15-$20? Sure. $50? I think not. For that price (or less) I can go to Edmund Scientific and get lots of much cooler bot kits. Yay for having a Permeire Maker Subscription with access to the MouseBot plans from Vol2! I’ll just have to pre-assemble all the conenctions using the various plugs and headers I have from cooked motherboards and whatnot around my shop.
Hi Dirkus! I am glad that our kit design has inspired you to modify your own kits to involve your children even more with robotics. I understand your apprehension with the prices; however, SheekGeek is a very small business and is unable to afford to make large bulk orders and consequently, our kit may be more expensive than other kits from our larger competitors. In addition, this specific type of kit is actually cheaper or just as much as other photovore kits that other larger companies sell. Even better, SheekGeek’s summer sale has just started today. Be sure to have a look around and thank you for your interest! ~Jessica …. “Wow, I love Make!”