Practical Usage

PU-2: adding a display

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by

rt
in , ,

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$.

Comments

7 responses to “PU-2: adding a display”

  1. Paul Avatar
    Paul

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

    Reply
    1. rt Avatar
      rt

      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.

      Reply
  2. Mick Emery Avatar
    Mick Emery

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

    Reply
  3. Amazed Avatar
    Amazed

    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.

    Reply
    1. rt Avatar
      rt

      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.

      Reply
  4. Gee Wilikers Avatar
    Gee Wilikers

    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.

    Reply
    1. rt Avatar
      rt

      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.

      Reply

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