Electronic – arduino – Need a LED Display

7segmentdisplayarduinoled

PROJECT:

I'm building a Digital Clock controlled by a Arduino micro-controller. I want it to display the hours, minutes and seconds on a LED Digit Display. Therefore, I need to have several digits, preferably 6 that are all linked together meaning as one piece and can be used on a breadboard.

QUESTIONS:

1.) Since there are several models and that I'm just a beginner (student) I need advice on what model I will need that I can put on a breadboard. I can find single digit displays at Radio Shack which i've already used in building a simple counter that goes from 0 to 9. However, I need a display with at least 6 digits. Therefore, what Model# would you suggest and where could I order this online.

2.) I have downloaded the specification sheet to the single digit display I'm using now (Model# ELS-321HDB). I find certain specification sheets hard to understand especially when it comes to the understanding the pin layout for all the anodes and cathodes. Any advice where I could find a educational source on how to read a specifications sheet for a digit display. Also is there any online resources out there that you would suggest I download specification sheets from. That is because some places request a certain fee while others are free.

Best Answer

6-digit 7-segment displays are not very common: Single, 2, 3 and 4 digit modules are much more easily sourced.

Here is one 6-digit 7-segment intelligent display module that can be bought as a kit or fully built - it actually consists of two 3-digit displays on a single PCB, with a serial interface:

6-digit 7-segment display

It uses a serial input, 9600 baud, 8 data bits, 1 start bit, 1 stop bit and no parity.

Alternatively, consider using a 4-digit module with a colon indicator midway (e.g. from SparkFun) and tack on a smaller-sized 2-digit display module for the seconds.

4 Digit 7 Segment

Modules like the one above are more suitable for a clock than regular 7-segment displays anyway, with the hours and minutes separated by the colon.

Using a smaller seconds display module will increase readability of your clock as well.