So instead of having around 80 pins to control (each for its individual segment), I just have 18 (10 for the common anode control and 8 for the segments). I did want to do "matrixing" or "multiplexing" (however that is called) to drive the digits on the display one by one very fast, but I ended up having the segments lighting up very dimly. And now I think that this setup is wanting too much current. Can you do some calculations for me, or suggest some kind of transistor? I really do not know how these things work, so thank you in advance.
thank you in advance.
Unfortunately ,it's not in advance, but rather after the fact. You could have saved yourself a lot of grief if you had consulted us at the first sign of trouble ..
Crossroads has helped a lot of members with LED 7-segment multiplexing circuits and he could have steered you back on track.
Which reminds me...
@Crossroads,
Whatever happened with CancunManny (and his son) ? Did he ever get the circuit working ? I'm been holding my breath for so long I'm turning blue in the face....