I need a resonse to this QUICK...!

King_Xerxes · 04-02-2002, 07:52 PM

This is a picture of a VFD that sold on eBay a little while back. On the right hand side is the connector that I'm assuming is the i/o connector. I;ve seen this same looking connector on other modules and I'm wondering if there is a simple ribbon cable you plug into that that goes to the serial port. If not, is this a standard connector? The reason I ask is because I have no experience with soldering and the more technical side of electronics but I'd like to get a deal on a VFD if I can, to avoid paying retail. Basically, if I had this display, what would I need to do to get it working?

smashr2k · 04-02-2002, 07:59 PM

making an educated guess, i would have to say that you would have to solder this to a DB25 port. Without a model number on the VFD, I cant say for sure, but i dont know if many VFDs come ready to run on the serial.

milesg · 04-02-2002, 08:19 PM

If I remember correctly, the auction mentioned compatibility with serial and Parallel data... basically, you'll have to find the proper pinout for that model. Try the Manufacturer's website and look for a data sheet on that product.

Then you can use one of the many available printerport pinout diagrams used for connecting this to the PC.

King_Xerxes · 04-02-2002, 08:21 PM

OKay, I did some checking and based on some preliminary reading, it seems that this 8x2 pin connector is called an IDC connector and is used in medial eqipment. This particular connector is a 16-way ICD connector. Noritake, which makes VFD's for medical equipment carried a 10-way IDC to RS232 serial cable which seems like it would be perfect. However, they do not carry a 16-way IDC to RS232. Does anyone know af any other solutions to this problem?

ODYSSEY · 04-03-2002, 03:53 AM

Make your own cable. That is about the only option you have. Ratshack has all the parts you need to make one. I've had to do it for all my VFD's from Noritake. It is also cheaper than any premade cable you might find.

King_Xerxes · 04-03-2002, 07:45 AM

How?

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