I have used the 5832 (high current 32 bit shift register).  You could shift in data for each bulb.  I'm imagining that you will use low voltage incandescents.  This driver chip can handle up to 24v (or there abouts).

Depending on number of lamps driven at any given time, you may need to drive the lamps using TIP30/31 or triacs if using AC.

John Mullan


-----Original Message-----
From:   Jack Shidemantle [SMTP:JShidemantle@YSI.COM]
Sent:   Friday, November 12, 1999 9:36 AM
To:     PICLIST@MITVMA.MIT.EDU
Subject:        High Current Serial Display Driver

I would like to make a 9 (maybe 12) character display using incandescent
bulbs arranged in 7 segment format, so I could have 6 inch high characters.
This would of course be driven by a PIC providing RS232 output to the
display. Does anyone know of serial to parallel, or whatever it is I need,
drivers for this type application. Something that would take the serial
input and drive the appropriate segments of each character. I'm not
necessarily looking for a moving display just able to flash a few  words
one after another.

Thanks
Jack