1. This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Learn More.

Electronics Multiple LCD/VFD Displays One Case?

Discussion in 'Modding' started by randomhero, 26 Sep 2012.

  1. randomhero

    randomhero Minimodder

    Joined:
    6 Nov 2005
    Posts:
    144
    Likes Received:
    3
    Hi

    I'm currently planning a "HTSC" (Home Theater Server Computer).
    I was wondering if anybody knew how/if it's possible to connect multiple LCD/VFD Displays to a computer and have them showing different information? :confused:

    Example:
    Display 1: XBMC(Menu location/Video playing/Track Playing/Etc.)
    Display 2: CPU(Usage/Clockspeed/Etc)
    Display 3: GPU(Usage/Clockspeed/Etc)
    Display 4: HDD(s)(Storage space used/Storagespace free/Etc)

    Also if anyone have a guide to getting a LCD/VFD to work with XBMC please post it here. :thumb:

    I've found pictures like this online, but I'm not sure if they show live data or just static stored text.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Looks like there is at least one of them showing live data (Temperature :(monitor), But I really hope there it is possible to have multiple LCD/VFD displays show different sets of live data.

    I've been looking at these displays Matrix Orbital GX Typhoon » GX24064-TCI-BBI , Anyone know if it works with XBMC?
     
  2. siliconfanatic

    siliconfanatic Johny-come-Lately

    Joined:
    10 Sep 2012
    Posts:
    2,317
    Likes Received:
    344
    showing diff data should not be too gawd awful hard... maybe give the hardware section a quick looksy?
     
  3. Nexxo

    Nexxo * Prefab Sprout – The King of Rock 'n' Roll

    Joined:
    23 Oct 2001
    Posts:
    34,731
    Likes Received:
    2,210
    It's possible; you just have to have an equivalent number of instances of the LCD display interface program (like e.g. LCDC) running, each configured for a different display and set to display different information.
     
  4. mingingbollock

    mingingbollock Minimodder

    Joined:
    15 Mar 2004
    Posts:
    998
    Likes Received:
    29
    Last edited: 30 Sep 2012
  5. fluxtatic

    fluxtatic What's a Dremel?

    Joined:
    25 Aug 2010
    Posts:
    507
    Likes Received:
    5
    The software Crystalfontz uses can handle multiple simultaneous panels. I've had a bit of a love/hate relationship with it, though - after I did a fresh install when I got an SSD, I haven't been able to get it working again. The guy who writes the software is awesome and super-responsive, but the modding community didn't quite take up Crystalfontz in a serious way. Also, their panels don't seem to like any software but their own CrystalControl.

    I guess what I mean by all that is, don't use Crystalfontz displays.
     
  6. randomhero

    randomhero Minimodder

    Joined:
    6 Nov 2005
    Posts:
    144
    Likes Received:
    3
    Thanks for the replies guys, for some strange reason my subscription to this thread didn't notify me when your replied :confused:

    So for 4 displays I'll need 4 diffrent installs of my LCD interface program, and then get each of them to work with each of the displays. Got it :D

    Awesome! The display on your picture looks awesome too :D Do you know if it's possible to connect a USB hub to the internal header on the motherboard and have the displays driven from a single hub?

    I've never played with XMBC either, but it seems to support VFD's :D


    I've been looking at these : Matrix Orbital GX Typhoon » GX24064-TCI-BBI any experience with these?
     
  7. saspro

    saspro IT monkey

    Joined:
    23 Apr 2009
    Posts:
    9,610
    Likes Received:
    401
    It is just make sure it's powered.
     
  8. mingingbollock

    mingingbollock Minimodder

    Joined:
    15 Mar 2004
    Posts:
    998
    Likes Received:
    29


    Nope i have found that one display per usb header is best , you can run multiple displays on one usb header but they tend to fight each other for bandwidth , i know its not suppost to happen but it does , especially if you are using lots of bling ( lcdstudio ) , character lcd/vfds are much more forgiving

    also you can only use one type of controller on one header at one time, so one usb noritake display and say a character usb display using a different contoller will play nice with each other but two controllers of same type is a no go :thumb: least with lcd studio which is my fav

    And the matrix orbitals are top notch, loads of fun , plug and play
    great for a first timer, good luck
     
    Last edited: 4 Oct 2012
  9. randomhero

    randomhero Minimodder

    Joined:
    6 Nov 2005
    Posts:
    144
    Likes Received:
    3
    I thought the displays had a separate power connection. When I said driven by a Hub I meant "getting the information" from one hub. I would love to be able to use only one internal header as I need some for cardreaders etc.

    I'm not planning to run anything "intensive" on it, just xmbc info and hardware info.

    Well that sucks since I was planning on using 4 identical displays. :wallbash:

    Good to hear that the displays are good at least :D
     
  10. mingingbollock

    mingingbollock Minimodder

    Joined:
    15 Mar 2004
    Posts:
    998
    Likes Received:
    29
    I could be wrong :) never had 4 usb displays of the same type to try
    give it a whirl and let us know :thumb:

    what usb screens were you planning on using ?
     
  11. randomhero

    randomhero Minimodder

    Joined:
    6 Nov 2005
    Posts:
    144
    Likes Received:
    3
  12. mingingbollock

    mingingbollock Minimodder

    Joined:
    15 Mar 2004
    Posts:
    998
    Likes Received:
    29
    excellent choice :D give MO a mail i am sure they would be able to answer
    any questions you have , or give their forum a search

    I know you can run multiple displays on lcdstudio , although it isnt officially supported and Ray may have removed the ability in the new build , i will have
    a play and let you know ( but i still have a few old builds that do support it ) so if you get stuck give me a poke

    good luck , and 4x MO in case , we all want to see that :rock:
     
  13. randomhero

    randomhero Minimodder

    Joined:
    6 Nov 2005
    Posts:
    144
    Likes Received:
    3
    Will do! :D

    You will see it as soon as I get started on my build ;)
     

Share This Page