Replace a VFD display with the Adafruit LED modules?

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R0bert1942
 
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Replace a VFD display with the Adafruit LED modules?

Post by R0bert1942 »

I am restoring a heathkit SS9000 Amateur radio madein 1982 a rare animal I worked in Heath engineering and helped develop this unit so I bought an old one out of sentiment . I have it working great BUT the VFD tube is broken . the tube is not available . I am thinking the little 4 digit Adafruit modules may work connecting them to the VFD driver chips in this tranceiver . I have ZERO experience with display electronics my expertice is in RF design so I am seeking advice ? what do you think ? THANKS Bob W9RAS

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adafruit_support_bill
 
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Re: Replace a VFD display with the Adafruit LED modules?

Post by adafruit_support_bill »

I don't know what your VFD drivers are putting out. But if it is a constant voltage you should be able to calculate a resistor value to keep the led segment current under 20mA. Most likely, there are some logic-level signals controlling the VFD driver. It might be easier to work with those. Keep in mind that these are common anode units so some signal inversion might be necessary as well.

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