Are there any USB/RS232 programmable LED signs for me?

Mastiff · 08-26-2007, 04:46 PM

I have an 17" LCD monitor in the rear window, so I can send insults to cars behind me and do some other fun stuff (road rage isn't really that common in Norway, don't think I would do this in Alabama...). But this really only works when it's reasonably dark outside (at least dusk - no point at all in sunlight). Is there a reasonably priced LED sign I can use instead, one that can be read in sunlight? It would need some kind of interface so I could send the messages in realtime, the easiest would probably be some form of RS232 protocol since Girder has a serial driver that probably will be able to send the commands. So any suggestions would be appreciated!

2k1Toaster · 08-26-2007, 05:12 PM

You could probably use something like this: http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?inv...-BADGE&cat=GDT

You can program it over USB. I dont know too many details of it though.

EQNish · 08-26-2007, 05:43 PM

OH man I ahve been dying to do something like this, "Back the **** off!!" for tail gaters, would be my favorit!!!

check out these

http://www.asayo.com/list/led-signs.htm

Mastiff · 08-27-2007, 03:10 AM

2K1Toaster, unfortunately not. That one isn't built for real time programming, only for preprogramming and then running. It has a proprietary programming system that I wouldn't be able to access.

EQNish, those could be used, yes. Thanks! Just gotta save up a bit first, they're quite expensive...

2k1Toaster · 08-27-2007, 03:21 AM

Ah, I figured if you hardwared it to a power source and left the usb cable connected, you could interface with it that way. Program the device each time you send a message, not just stream the data. But if you cant access it then i guess that wont work!

I'll keep my eyes peeled for you. Although most I have seen are the really big ones, and those are expensive!

Mastiff · 08-27-2007, 02:24 PM

Yeah, I know. And many of them are made for indoors use, so they're not powerful enough. I did find one on eBay that looked promising, but I don't think it'll shine through the tinted rear windows.

And thanks, please post to this thread if you find anything, so I get an E-mail about it.

EagleTG · 08-28-2007, 10:16 PM

Keep an eye on eBay. I know a guy who runs tournaments, and was able to find real-time programmable LED scrolling signs on eBay for SUPER cheap. They were RS232. He built a VB app that controls them using the documentation from the manufacturer. I think the signs had some sort of DOS app that you pumped data to, and they would send it to the screen. His VB program controlled this DOS app.

busylee · 09-06-2007, 04:55 AM

I know a lot on LED displays , and I can give you some good suggestions.
You can email to me to know more details .My email address: janeying123@gmail.com