I have had a simple 8-LED CPU meter for years.
For almost as long I've been planning
on making a much fancier, alphanumeric replacement. Unfortunately despite obtaining
lots of parts, doing lots of plans, and even having most of a prototype going I still
have yet to finish this.
The original prototype was planned to use entirely 7400 series logic and point-to-point
soldering. I think I am going to update the plans to use a PIC instead and possibly
get a pre-fab circuit board made.
The plan is to have 6 Alphanumeric characters, 2 bar-graphs, and 8 multi-colored LEDs.
I have all of the parts, just need to find some time :(.
Here are some pictures from the old prototype...
It is displaying a "W" on the alphanumeric LED. It is programmed via the
parallel port into a 16-bit shift register.
Here some register-set RAM is hooked up.
It is displaying an "M".
Multiplexing and lighting up 2
digits at once. It's hard to see but it is saying "OK".
Back to VMW productions page...