Difference between revisions of "Building an Octoscroller Matrix Display"
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| − | 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 == |
| − | |||
| − | 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 18:14, 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)