PU-2: adding a display

The fcb1010 has a numerical display made of 3 digits. It also utilizes a series of LEDs to give more info about its current state. At best, this is an arcane way of doing things, like trying to program a computer using a old rotary telephone. At its worst, it does make you hate the FCB1010.

I will be writing a Mac/PC/Linux interface as I go along, but certain functions are better accomplished on the device itself (very few!)

During prototyping, I will be using an alphanumeric display, made of 2 lines by 16 characters each. I’m debating whether to add a numerical display, either a simple one similar to the one used now on the FCB1010, or a useful one like the one below. Adding the display is trivial, but expensive.

This display, form an old Digitech GNX3000, is ideal: 8 alpha-numeric 14-segments digits and 2 contrasting numerical digits. The entire display can be run from a single chip… but that chip costs 20$, in quantities of 25! Add 15$ for the set of digits…

Driving a 3 digit display, directly from the Arduino using a serial interface and one digital pin can be done for 13$.

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7 Responses to PU-2: adding a display

  1. Paul says:

    I would love a large easy to read alpha- numeric display. I would love to ba able to name the patches

    • rt says:

      It’s coming. Although I think that the large display will be an option. I will build one during the Beta period. It will be similar to the GNX3000 described here.

  2. Mick Emery says:

    I want an alpha-numeric display too! Please post/contact when it’s done(?)

  3. Amazed says:

    The lack of display is the reason i don’t use the fcb too much. Same goes for my gt8 and pod. Ive had a zoom pedal or two in the past that had nice big displays on them. That’s what I’m talking about.

    • rt says:

      I understand the importance of a multi-character display on the PU-2. There is already one in the Beta version announced on September 4. The problem is choosing the size of the display. I have experimented with large alpha-numeric digits and besides being quite expensive, putting more than 10 is impractical. The display of the Beta version is 16 characters X 2 lines. The problem here is size. It is hard to read from a distance (when standing up). I am also testing a graphical display (4 X 7 cm) where characters can be any size. I am also testing other ideas for displays. Keep following the PU series development.
      Thank you for your feedback, Robert.

  4. Gee Wilikers says:

    I’ve always thought the best way for any complicated pedal style device, is to have a detachable display that can be clipped to a mic stand at eye level, where you can actually see what is going on.

    The alternative is a usb camera or similiar device that can be pointed at the device on the floor and locked to it with a clamp, and a cabled display attached to the mic stand so you can see what the camera sees.

    • rt says:

      That’s why I will soon publish an article on my new MRd (Midi Remote display), a version which has a Midi Processor and a multiline alpha-numeric display, or optionally a graphical display. Powered by a JeeNode, it receives various info from the FCB1010 (or other midi equipment) and is small enough to be attached to a musical instrument, mic stand, keyboard, or directly to your wrist.
      I have a working prototype from a modification to the MP-1 (http://practicalusage.com/?p=751), but there a more flexible version in the works. I also have plans to make a remote display with 20 cm high LED array than can be installed in front of a band for common use.

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