PreenFM2 with VFD (test)

[pld]

I have a VFD (Noritake GU140x32f-7806) that's been gathering dust forever so I figured I might as well give it a try...
When I checked the datasheet it seemed easy enough, the dimensions and connection appear to be identical to the OLED Xavier is using for the new kits.
Except I had shortened the PCB for another project so I had to *ahem* improvise a bit...

The datasheet claims "LCD compatible" but of course it didn't work
After hacking some timings in the firmware - I guess the LCD/OLED are more tolerant? - it seems to work. The photo isn't great, it looks much better live.
Not sure whether to keep it...

• It does have a bit of noise (high-pitched) but that might be inaudible in a case...
• The top of the display is almost flush with the buttons and ideally, there'd be a color filter or protection, so that might be more involved
• It might be the improvised connection, but I think it flickers occasionally. Or it's just using 10x as much power
• But it's graphics capable so that could be fun (although a lot of work)

[pld]

Purely out of curiosity I tested the graphics mode of the VFD (140x32 pixels).
It's probably too much work to actually support the features in the firmware so this will probably just remain an experiment.
The logo is 32x32 and seemed a good idea, but bitmapped graphics + non-square pixels = blargh 

Yeah, my pictures suck

[recliq]

Looks great anyways...

[Xavier]

Nice 
Interesting display, lots of fun modes.
Too bad it's so expensive.

[pld]

Too bad it's so expensive.

Yes, they are quite pricey... but I think back when I bought it, it was cheaper than an OLED