Used GUARANTEED Futaba M202SD08GL
Standard Character Display Modules
(vacuum fluorescent displays - VFDs)
$15.00 each with free U.S. shipping

08/04/2003 NOTE: We are temporarily out of stock. Please check back later.

NOTE: NEW, unused VFDs are now available for $25.00 each + S&H - e-mail for info file

• see my eBay ratings

• download current "GL" version instruction manual & data sheet
  (opens in new window)
  (requires free Adobe Acrobat)

• more info from Futaba
  (opens in new window)

• driver software

• VFD hookup
  - serial
  - parallel
  - BASIC Stamp hookup

• connecting the VFD to a BASIC stamp
  (with BASIC code sample)
  (opens in new window)

Some Cool Uses for these VFDs

What some of my buyers have done with these VFDs

click on any VFD photo to see a large,
full-sized view in a new window

click on any VFD photo to see a large,
full-sized view in a new window

• Other people's VFD sites - links open in new windows

• MP3 Sidekick: http://www.spmicro.com/mp3sidekick/

• Linux MP3 Players Page: http://www.ccs.neu.edu/home/bchafy/mp3.html

• DAMP - MP3 Player in DOS: http://www.damp-mp3.co.uk/

• The MP3Mobile: http://utter.chaos.org.uk/~altman/mp3mobile/

• CAJUN Car Audio Jukebox: http://cajun.sourceforge.net/
  (CAJUN = car audio jukebox using Unix)

• OCsoft's MP3 Car: http://ocsoft.com/projects/

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Specifications

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Features

• Can be used in a variety of applications such as BASIC STAMPS, 80C52-BASIC controllers, PCs, robotics, PICs, PLCs, digital dashboards, and miscellaneous projects for the electronics hobbyist and experimenter. BASIC Stamp®, Domino®, OOPic®, PicStic®, 8051, 68HC11, RS-232 or I2C capable embedded system, including PCs.
• Vacuum flourescent display (VFD).
• High quality, reliability and long life.
• Easy display control is achieved using a one chip microcomputer on the module. This reduces the work of the host system.
• Parallel input/Serial input as standard.
• Display using over 200 fonts with a range of alphabetic characters, numbers Katakana, symbols, etc.
• Dimming (luminous intensity control) function allows simple adjustment of luminosity.
• Built-in power supply circuit (DC/DC converter) enable operation with the single power supply.
• The compact, lightweight and slim design using SMART (Surface Mount And Reflow Technology) provides excellent design modularity.

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Software

Software (a Winamp MP3 player plugin) to drive the Futaba VFD can be found here: http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Peaks/9546/player/LCDisplayer.html
(opens in new window)

If the above URL doesn't work, e-mail me and I will send you a copy of them, which I have saved to my hard drive.

BASIC code to drive the VFD with a BASIC Stamp is here: stampIIsx.bs2

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Connection Notes

Power-On Reset

NOTE: It is necessary to utilize a power-up reset which will hold pin 8 low for at least 4 microseconds after the device is powered up, similar to the schematic shown at right.

Values can vary, but these will give you a time contstant of 100uS.

Pin 8 must NOT be tied to ground despite what the older (GK) version documentation says.

Connecting to a BASIC Stamp

WARNING: Current drain is around 350 mA, which is more than a BASIC Stamp can provide with its on-chip regulator. DO NOT use the BASIC Stamp's on-chip regulator to power the VFD display!

For complete details on connecting the VFD to a BASIC Stamp, see vfdstamp.htm.

Download current "GL" version instruction manual & data sheet
(opens in new window - requires free Adobe Acrobat)

Download older "GK" version instruction manual & data sheet also very handy to have!
(opens in new window) (requires free Adobe Acrobat)

Parallel Use

WARNING: While you may connect your VFD to your PC's parallel prot, this VFD draws too much current for it to get its power from your parallel port. Connecting the VFD's +5V leads to the parallel port will almost certainlty damage your PC's motherboard- probably beyond repair!

Some code in "C" for a PIC using parallel mode submitted by cdb, bodgy1@optusnet.com.au on 03/03/2002: vfd0_3.c

Here is a diagram for connecting this model VFD to a PC parallel port.

(diagram coming soon)

An excellent collection of links with information on the parallel port and on interfacing to the PC's parallel port can be found at http://www.lvr.com/parport.htm.

Serial Use

The VFD would require an extra crystal modification (as described in futabavfdmods.htm) only if you need to use standard serial data rates such as 9600 bps.

Fortunately, a BASIC stamp can generate serial data at all of the rates supported by the unmodified VFD. Remember to set the VFD jumpers and BASIC serial baud rate in agreement with each other.

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Guarantee

These VFDs are guaranteed for 30 days: If the VFD fails within 30 days - not due to physical damage or other outside causes - it will be replaced if returned with your sales receipt. You must pay shipping to return the VFD, then a replacement will be sent to you at no charge.

This guarantee does not apply to - and I assume no liability for - any other equipment or incidental damage. You use this VFD at your own risk, and your purchase of any of these VFDs is taken as your agreement to the terms on this page.