Utilizing a Raspberry Pi to Control a Flip Display

July 12, 2024 Hardware

The Raspberry Pi, an affordable, small-sized computer, is renowned for its versatility in the technological realm. Its latest feat, as reported by Tom's Hardware, is its ability to control a flip display, adding another feather to its cap of innumerable applications.

A flip display, also known as a split-flap display or Solari board, is a mechanical display device that presents alphanumeric text, and occasionally fixed graphics. These displays were once popular in airports and railway stations for displaying arrival and departure information. However, with the advent of digital displays, their use has dwindled. Now, the flip display is making a comeback, not in public spaces, but as a charming retro addition to a Raspberry Pi setup.

A user named Scottbez1 on GitHub has developed a flip display that can be controlled by a Raspberry Pi. The display incorporates 3D printed parts and is driven by a stepper motor. The intricate design has 14 character positions, each with 40 characters, resulting in a total of 560 different characters.

The control system of the flip display is run by a Raspberry Pi Zero W, a tiny, wireless-enabled Raspberry Pi. The Raspberry Pi controls the display through a custom Python script. The script communicates with an array of shift registers and stepper motor drivers to control the flip of each character. The display can show the time, weather, and various messages, with the information being updated over Wi-Fi.

Building this flip display is not an easy task, as it involves 3D printing, assembling many small parts, and programming the Raspberry Pi. However, for those with a passion for DIY projects and a love for retro technology, it is an exciting challenge. Scottbez1 has provided comprehensive instructions on GitHub, including the 3D printing files, the Python script, and a detailed assembly guide.

This project showcases the versatility of the Raspberry Pi. Besides its traditional use as a mini-computer, it can also be used to control various hardware devices, from LED lights to mechanical displays. Moreover, this project could inspire other makers to create their own unique displays or other interactive devices using the Raspberry Pi.

In conclusion, the Raspberry Pi's ability to control a flip display reiterates its position as a powerful tool in the world of DIY technology. It is a testament to the infinite possibilities that a Raspberry Pi offers, from creating home automation systems to building retro displays. The flip display project signifies a fusion of technology and creativity, unlocking a whole new universe of potential applications for this pocket-sized computer.

Unveiling the RTX 4090 Prototype GPU

January 8, 2025 Hardware

Discover the groundbreaking features of the RTX 4090 prototype GPU! #RTX4090 #GPU #TechInnovation

Adata Unveils Innovative PC Components for 2025

January 8, 2025 Hardware

Exciting new PC components from Adata are set to revolutionize gaming in 2025! #Adata #PCGaming #CES2025

MSI Unveils Project Zero Motherboards with Concealed Connectors

January 8, 2025 Hardware

Discover MSI's innovative Project Zero motherboards with hidden connectors for a sleek design! #MSI #Motherboards #TechInnovation

InWin Unveils Innovative PC Cases at CES 2025

January 8, 2025 Hardware

Discover InWin's latest PC cases and cooling solutions showcased at CES 2025! #InWin #PCGaming #CES2025

AMD Launches Ryzen 5 9600 Non-X Variant

January 7, 2025 Hardware

Discover the new Ryzen 5 9600 Non-X variant with Wraith Stealth cooler! #AMD #Ryzen #PCGaming

NVIDIA RTX 5090: The Future of GPUs

January 7, 2025 Hardware

Discover the power of NVIDIA's RTX 5090, the ultimate GPU for gamers and creators! #NVIDIA #RTX5090 #Gaming #Tech

AMD's RDNA 4 GPUs: What You Need to Know

January 7, 2025 Hardware

Discover the latest on AMD's RDNA 4 GPUs unveiled at CES 2025! #AMD #GPUs #CES2025

Intel's New Core Ultra 200 Series Processors

January 6, 2025 Hardware

Discover Intel's latest Core Ultra 200 series processors designed for enhanced desktop performance! #Intel #Processors #TechNews

AMD's New Ryzen CPUs Revolutionize Gaming Performance

January 6, 2025 Hardware

Discover how AMD's latest Ryzen CPUs outperform Intel in gaming! #AMD #Ryzen #Gaming #TechNews #Performance

AMD's Strix Halo: Revolutionizing CPU and GPU

January 6, 2025 Hardware

Discover how AMD's Strix Halo transforms gaming performance with cutting-edge technology! #AMD #Gaming #TechInnovation

Intel's Battlemage Arc B Series GPUs Unveiled

January 6, 2025 Hardware

Discover the latest in Intel's Battlemage Arc B Series GPUs! #Intel #GPUs #Gaming #Tech #Hardware

Exploring Intel's New CPU Innovations

January 4, 2025 Hardware

Discover the latest Intel CPU innovations and their impact on Linux systems! #Intel #CPUs #Linux #TechNews

Unleashing Power: The 128-Core ARM PC

January 4, 2025 Hardware

Discover the groundbreaking performance of the 128-core ARM PC in our latest article! #ARM #Cinebench #TechInnovation

ECS Unveils New 14-Inch Laptop Innovations

January 3, 2025 Hardware

Exciting new laptops from ECS featuring AMD and Snapdragon processors! #ECS #Laptops #TechInnovation

RTX 5090 and 5080 Power Draw Revealed

January 3, 2025 Hardware

New power draw figures for RTX 5090 and 5080 reveal significant increases. Are you ready for the upgrade? #RTX5090 #Gaming #TechNews

Revolutionizing Power: Wireless Motherboards Explained

January 2, 2025 Hardware

Discover how wireless motherboards are changing the game in PC design and performance! #WirelessTech #Innovation #PCComponents

Intel's Budget Core Ultra 200 Series Chips

December 31, 2024 Hardware

Discover Intel's new budget CPUs with innovative heat spreaders! #Intel #CPUs #TechNews

China's DDR5 Memory Chips: Size Matters

December 31, 2024 Hardware

Discover how China's DDR5 memory chips compare to Samsung's in size and technology. #DDR5 #MemoryChips #TechNews

New Workstation GPU from Chinese Maker

December 30, 2024 Hardware

Discover the latest workstation GPU from Moore Threads, designed for high performance! #GPU #TechNews #MooreThreads

Intel's Upcoming 24GB Battlemage GPU for AI

December 29, 2024 Hardware

Exciting news! Intel's Battlemage GPU is set to double VRAM for AI workloads. #Intel #GPU #AI #TechNews #Gaming