Hi Dean
I did the test, and a segment lights up on the first(far left digit) with 5v to pin 12 and ground to pin 1( 5v to pin 1 and ground to pin 12 does nothing). So I guess it is a Common anode, very strange why the datasheet is wrong, who knows maybe its old.
You are right in that I did change up the wiring, to make it a bit simpler for me to wire up to the bread board I changed it to light up the bottom bar and the middle bar. Which is pin 2 and 5 respectably.
I am still working on getting different numbers to show up. Then I wanted to use a 595 shift chip to control it, tho from what I understand it cant handle the amps to power that many LEDs. So I will need to wire up a different transistor(TIP-122 or 2n2222) for each digit to switch the power on and use the 595 to control the ground or will that will pull too much current?
Thanks
Chris