LED volume display

thegingerkid · 07-14-2004, 11:05 AM

Hi, ok so im designing my display and interface at the moment..
im building a little display (hitachi 4*20 lcd module) and a control keypad mounted in a free double dim enclosure (currently in very rough prototype stage)..

anyhow but had this idea to make it look cool and provide the user with more feedback..

basically i want to use a row of different coloured leds mounted in a vertical row to create a volume level display..
(much like in the way windows volume control displays the level of currently playing wav files, master volume etc.. )

now im sure something like this has been done before but i cant seem to find a good link..
anyone any ideas..?

Grayscale · 07-14-2004, 11:13 AM

you could do it by using resistors...the "loudest" led would get the biggest resistor. There are little project boards or whatever you can buy to "learn about electronics"...try googling for "LED VU Meter Kit" I had an alphanumeric LCD with custom keypad once. Those were the days... *cries*

MatrixPC · 07-14-2004, 11:22 AM

Or you can look up information on this chip LM3914. I use that chip for Air/Fuel monitor and yes, you can use it for VU meter.

Enforcer · 07-14-2004, 11:33 AM

MatrixPC I did that for my Mark III Capri about 15 years ago. Although I used the LM3916. Moulded it into the dash, got quite a few looks back then

thegingerkid · 07-14-2004, 12:38 PM

nice greyscale, i suppose everyone starts out like me with some spare hardware lying around and intention to get it up and running for 100 bucks.. and spend no more... then ends up pumping loadsa cash into it..
oh well, sure ill keep kidding myself for a while

must admit for a total rookie at soldering it was a nice moment when the lcd module lit up as intended..

will check out those links lads cheers..