Scott Horton wrote:
>
> I have a project where I need a BIG scrolling-type display.  Big meaning
> with text about 4-6" tall and 20 or so characters (or more) wide, ideally
> with two lines possible.  It has to be bright (for viewing in very bright
> ambient light).  I thought of building one with discreet LED's and
> controlling with PIC's but what a chore that will be.  Does anyone know
> where/who sells these already built?  OR anyone ever made one of these
> using PIC's?
>
> Thanks
>
> Scott

I don't have mfgr's names ready to hand, but they can be found in the
Thomas Register on the web.

If you're talking about viewing in direct sunlight, your best bet  is
probably the mechanical 'flip-disc' type of display or similar that one
sees in stadiums and on traffic alert marquees.  Big bucks!  However,
they don't consume any power except during display changes.

The only way to make LEDs reasonably discriminable in strong sunlight is
to provide each of them with a black baffle or equivalent (e.g., 3M LCF
products), which restricts viewing angle.   And, you will need a lot of
current to drive a big display.
--
NOTE: remove asterisks from email address to reply directly

Paul Mathews, consulting engineer
AEngineering Co.

email: optoeng@whidbey.com
non-contact sensing and optoelectronics specialists