I have now finally taken the time to give Arduino, a name I have up until now only heard in fleeting references, a fair look. It seems quite sexy, to be honest. I'm not much of a hardware guy (I'm not that great at software either) but the Arduino platform really seems to abstract some of the horrors away nicely.
I have this odd idea that might be a cool gift for my girlfriend but I'm not at all sure of its feasibility. I was thinking about building two neon scrolling signs (like these neon-nites.com, pardon the sketchy website) and having them connect to a streaming node.js (homepage url, nodejs.org) server, allowing us to leave messages most likely via a website (part of the node server) on each other's neon sign.
Bearing in mind that this would be my first Arduino project, how difficult (if it's even possible) do you think it would prove to be? If it's feasible, I'd also be very open to implementation suggestions.
Also if you have any suggestions on improving the "system" I'd be very interested in hearing them!
how difficult (if it's even possible) do you think it would prove to be?
That would all depend on willing you are to change this:
I'm not much of a hardware guy (I'm not that great at software either)
Having the Arduino periodically check a web site for data to display is pretty easy, with an Ethernet shield, if you know anything about web programming and client/server programming. It can be a real challenge it you don't.
Extracting one character at a time from the text is simple. Determining which LEDs to light up to form that character is non-trivial, but it needs to be done only once. Making those specific LEDs light up is a combination of programming and engineering (software and hardware). Moving that character along (scrolling) is not too difficult. Adding a second character, once the first one is displayed and moves correctly will be simple. Once you can do two, any number is then quite easy.
runaway_pancake:
How many "pixels" (bulbs) for this matrix?
Any suggestions? I'm looking to display around 10 characters at a time, without scrolling.
runaway_pancake:
Know much about AC (120/220)?
Sadly I do not. Do I need anything out of the ordinary in terms of power for my project?
PaulS:
Having the Arduino periodically check a web site for data to display is pretty easy, with an Ethernet shield, if you know anything about web programming and client/server programming. It can be a real challenge it you don't.
Thankfully I have reasonable experience with client/server web programming so this shouldn't be too difficult, as far as I know. Does the Wi-Fi shield (http://www.cutedigi.com/product_info.php?ref=3&products_id=4361&affiliate_banner_id=1) drop any features that the Ethernet shield has? I'd prefer this system to connect to the internet wirelessly.
PaulS:
Extracting one character at a time from the text is simple. Determining which LEDs to light up to form that character is non-trivial, but it needs to be done only once. Making those specific LEDs light up is a combination of programming and engineering (software and hardware). Moving that character along (scrolling) is not too difficult. Adding a second character, once the first one is displayed and moves correctly will be simple. Once you can do two, any number is then quite easy.
Okay, because I'll have to essentially create a simple pixellated typeface, right? I guess scrolling them shouldn't be too difficult, yeah.
And where do I pick up these LEDs? Is the Ethernet (possibly the Wi-Fi) shield, an Uno Board, and the LEDs really all I need?
qcom,
I figured that a "neon scrolling sign" would be all about neon bulbs and all.
Well, there's nothing "neon" about that display but its name - it's just an LED matrix.
[I'm done.]
I have this odd idea that might be a cool gift for my girlfriend but I'm not at all sure of its feasibility.
Well, it might could be done, but from the contents of your post it will probably not be possible for you to complete this project in the near future. Your acknlowledged lack of experience in critical parts of the project make it currently a non starter for you. Just straight feedback. Something more possible would be to get a Betabright LED scrolling sign and make something similar to your description.