3 replies to this topic

[Gutworks]

I just received my shiny new Seven Segment Display module for the Netduino Go. The module's hardware and easy to use drivers were created by our community member extraordinaire, Matt Isenhower, who is the Chief Hacker and Owner of Komodex Systems. I must say I was very excited to get my hands on this module and eagerly checked my mailbox every day, impatiently awaiting its arrival. Not only is this module well thought out and packed full of great features, but I felt somewhat like a proud Uncle witnessing the module's birth. Sounds corny, I know, but it's true! That's the beauty of this tight-knit community of Netduino enthusiasts; through the forums and the Netduino Chat room, I was able to see Matt's idea start from conception and come to fruition, and all the steps in between, as he regularly shared with us. Not only were we able to witness the creation of this amazing module, but we also were able to see firsthand the laborious processes involved in hardware pre-production and fabrication. From Matt's experience, and a few other brave builders like Arron Chapman and ItsDan with their ProtoModule, we were able to see from start to finish what it takes to make a module. So, yes, I do feel like a proud Uncle when I see these modules come to market. And I thank these pioneering module builders for sharing those experiences and including the rest of us in their journeys. Now on to my project!

After running the provided demos that Matt created for his display over and over again, with rave reviews from my wife and kids I might add, I started to think of some projects that I could use this module for. My mind immediately jumped over to the fantastic article that Fabien Royer, another superstar module builder from [nwazet, recently published on Channel 9 on using Arduino shields with the Netduino / Plus. This article really opened my mind and taught me a lot about driver development and provided me with the necessary tools and knowledge for my project. Not only have I been able to recreate Fabien's project and use the [nwazet Touch Display module on my Netduino Plus, but it has provided me the ability modify the Open-source Komodex drivers and use the Seven Segment Display on my Netduino Plus!

For someone like me, who is relatively new to the wonderful world of Netduino, I don’t have a lot of shields or fun parts to play with. Nor do I have a money tree, so the ability to use Netduino Go modules and shields across multiple platforms is a huge benefit. Fabien’s article shows the versatility of the Netduino platform, and I highly recommend that you read it and create your own custom Netduino go!bus shield. For instructions on how to do so, please see this forum post: "What Is an Arduino Shield and Why Should My Netduino Care?"

If you are one of the few that do not have the Netduino Go yet, but you want to use the highly recommended Seven Segment Display, then you can try out the wiring diagram I have included below and use this unofficial and experimental Netduino Plus Seven Segment Display driver. Do keep in mind this is not the official driver and it may not always be up-to-date with the latest changes from Komodex. Perhaps if there is enough interest we could ask Komodex make an official driver.
Note: You will need to compile the new driver and include it into your own display project.

 Komodex.NETMF.SevenSegmentDisplayNPlus.zip   111.84KB   13 downloads

Here is the sample project I used to test the driver.
 NetduinoPlus_Komodex7SegDisplayDemo.zip   78.03KB   15 downloads

 gobus_shield.png   63.8KB   122 downloads
 Komodex_Seven_Segment_Display_Netduino_Plus.jpg   129.18KB   133 downloads

Cheers,
Uncle Steve

[carb]

Good Job Steve, At first I was going to say it was better to be an Uncle than a Grandfather (your oldest is still young) . But then I read your message. I will have to try it when I get home for more than 1 day. Can you use the Komodex breakout module to drive the 7 segment? Chuck

[Fabien Royer]

Nice work Steve Cheers, -Fabien.

[Matt Isenhower]

Steve, that's awesome! Thanks for the project write-up and drivers, I'll have to check that out with my Netduino Plus!

Can you use the Komodex breakout module to drive the 7 segment?

Yep, that should definitely work. Just make sure you hook up both the 3.3V and 5V lines as the display module uses both voltages.

Awesome stuff, thanks for the post!
Matt