Building an Octoscroller Matrix Display
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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)