Difference between revisions of "Building an Octoscroller Matrix Display"

From diychristmas.org wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
Line 1: Line 1:
Overview
+
== Overview ==
 +
:An "octoscroller" is simply a message display that happens to use a BeagleBoneBlack microcomputer (abbreviated BBB in this document), an 8-port "octoscroller" daughter card that plugs onto the BBB, and inexpensive RGB LED panels of the P-10 type. Powered by low-voltage DC power supplies (5vdc), these units are connected together by short ribbon cables with plug-in IDC connectors and controlled by the same marvelous Falcon Player that runs on the Raspberry Pi. The P-10 panels are particularly well suited for displaying moving text but can also display low-definition pictures and video. The budget for the project outlined here was a very affordable $200.
  
Skills you'll need to have
+
== Skills you'll need to have ==
  
Materials/Components you'll need
 
  
Places to get more information
+
 
 +
== Materials/Components you'll need ==
 +
:* BeagleBone Black microcomputer and suitable A/C power supply
 +
:* Octoscroller daughter card
 +
:* 4 P-10 RGB LED panels
 +
:* Assorted ribbon cables (purchased with the panels)
 +
:* 5amp 5vdc power supply (for the panels)
 +
:* Angled aluminum stock
 +
:* 3M VHB tape
 +
 
 +
== Software tools you'll need ==
 +
:* XLights/Nutcracker
 +
:* Falcon Player
 +
:* Appropriate version of Linux for the Falcon Player
 +
:* Internet browser (to connect to the BBB and control the Falcon Player)
 +
 
 +
 
 +
== Places to get more information ==

Revision as of 19:14, 28 December 2015

Overview

An "octoscroller" is simply a message display that happens to use a BeagleBoneBlack microcomputer (abbreviated BBB in this document), an 8-port "octoscroller" daughter card that plugs onto the BBB, and inexpensive RGB LED panels of the P-10 type. Powered by low-voltage DC power supplies (5vdc), these units are connected together by short ribbon cables with plug-in IDC connectors and controlled by the same marvelous Falcon Player that runs on the Raspberry Pi. The P-10 panels are particularly well suited for displaying moving text but can also display low-definition pictures and video. The budget for the project outlined here was a very affordable $200.

Skills you'll need to have

Materials/Components you'll need

  • BeagleBone Black microcomputer and suitable A/C power supply
  • Octoscroller daughter card
  • 4 P-10 RGB LED panels
  • Assorted ribbon cables (purchased with the panels)
  • 5amp 5vdc power supply (for the panels)
  • Angled aluminum stock
  • 3M VHB tape

Software tools you'll need

  • XLights/Nutcracker
  • Falcon Player
  • Appropriate version of Linux for the Falcon Player
  • Internet browser (to connect to the BBB and control the Falcon Player)


Places to get more information