Whereas trendy pc displays are unbelievable for basic utilization, there’s nonetheless one thing charming a couple of glowing crimson seven-segment character output. If you happen to’d like a approach to translate data from a pc into this format, then Davide Gironi’s AVR serial to eight digits seven-segment numeric show could possibly be a superb answer.
The aptly named “avr_serial7segment8bitdisplay” exhibits two rows of eight seven-segment characters, that are managed by way of UART out of your pc. The gadget takes enter over USB utilizing a easy protocol defined within the gadget’s weblog publish, and after CRC verification, exhibits the anticipated numbers on-screen. It additionally saves the final set of numbers on show in EEPROM, so for those who cycle the ability it would preserve its earlier state.
{Hardware}-wise, the system employs an ATmega8 MCU for management, together with a pair of MAX7219CWG drivers to interface with the LEDs. A CP2102 chip is embedded for UART-to-USB conversion by means of a micro USB port. Gironi even 3D-printed a pleasant enclosure for it in PLA to complete issues off.
The unit was examined by way of a PowerShell script, and you may see it in motion within the video beneath. Given its easy operation, it ought to be attainable to make use of it with a wide range of different setups relying in your system and most popular programming surroundings. One might see the avr_serial7segment8bitdisplay applied to trace foreign money alternate charges, inventory costs, or the rest the place the simultaneous show of two numbers can be useful.
