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Case display, and IR remotes

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Data888

Jan 1, 1970
0
Hi.
Basically what I'm doing is building a patch panel/AV switch, and I want
a way to display what input is currently selected. I'm considering a
piece of plastic with letters/words such as "DVD" cut out/made
transperant, and putting a LED behind them. But I can't think of a way
to take opaque material and make the displays transparent, or take a
transparent material and mack the background opaque. Any suggestions? Or
an alternate display idea?
Also, I'd like a way replaying pre-recorded infrared remote control
signals. I know I'll probably need a microcontroller/PIC to accomplish
this, but I don't have any programming hardware. The AVR series looks
good because a programmer can easily be built. Any pointers on
accomplishing this?
Thanks

Nick.
 
C

Costas Vlachos

Jan 1, 1970
0
Data888 said:
Hi.
Basically what I'm doing is building a patch panel/AV switch, and I want
a way to display what input is currently selected. I'm considering a
piece of plastic with letters/words such as "DVD" cut out/made
transperant, and putting a LED behind them. But I can't think of a way
to take opaque material and make the displays transparent, or take a
transparent material and mack the background opaque. Any suggestions? Or
an alternate display idea?



If you have access to an ink-jet colour printer, use a drawing program (or
even MS Word or Paint) to draw the labels and background in whatever colour
you like (white = transparent). Then use the ink-jet to print on transparent
sheets (like the ones used in overhead projectors). Cut the little pieces
out, place them on your panel and use LEDs to illuminate them. You can also
use a laser printer with laser transparencies and let the LEDs generate the
colours.

Just an idea.

Costas
 
M

Mike Harrison

Jan 1, 1970
0
Hi.
Basically what I'm doing is building a patch panel/AV switch, and I want
a way to display what input is currently selected. I'm considering a
piece of plastic with letters/words such as "DVD" cut out/made
transperant, and putting a LED behind them. But I can't think of a way
to take opaque material and make the displays transparent, or take a
transparent material and mack the background opaque. Any suggestions? Or
an alternate display idea?
Also, I'd like a way replaying pre-recorded infrared remote control
signals. I know I'll probably need a microcontroller/PIC to accomplish
this, but I don't have any programming hardware. The AVR series looks
good because a programmer can easily be built. Any pointers on
accomplishing this?
Thanks

Nick.
For a highly professional appearence, use typesetting film. Imagesetting places will do you an A4
(letter) sized film for typically US$10 or so. Check your local Yellow Pages under 'desktop
publishing' or 'typoesetting'
They will normally take most common formats - Corel, PDF etc.

This film is like thick overhead projector film, crystal clear with ABSOLUTELY opaque black, even
for large areas, which is where laser printers usually fall down.
Resolution is typically 2400DPI or higher so lettering is razor sharp.

Print your legends as white-on-black (which will come out clear on black), and put a small
rectangular LED bar behind it. a tinted filter over the top also helps make a 'secret til lit' style
display. Looks superb, and you can also include clear 'cutouts' as required for things like
7-segment displays.
 
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