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Extras
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Matrix Orbital VK204-25 Review - Introduction & Specs |
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Model: VK204-25
Manufacturer:
Matrix Orbital
Reviewed By:
Miguel
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 A few months ago we looked at one of Matrix Orbital's LCD's;
the LK202-25. We were impressed with it's ease of use, looks, and
performance. Today, we look at yet another display by Matrix Orbital.
This time, it's the big, beautiful VK204-25 Vacuum Florescent Display (VFD).
VFDs have a few distinct advantages over LCDs. They are brighter, much more
legible, clearer, and more responsive over a wide range of temperatures. They
also have a wider viewing range than LCDs. Also, you
have the ability to add colored filters to easily change the color of the
characters.
The VK204-25 VFD is a 4x20 character display
thus; it has the ability to display much more information on its screen
compared to its 2 line sibling. As with all Matrix Orbital displays, the
VK204-25 is high in quality and is well supported by a wide variety of
third-party applications. Let's take a closer look shall we? |
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Contents: |
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**click to enlarge**
The display comes with a CD
containing a variety of 3rd party software for use with the VFD and a
letter indicating the package's contents as well as a notice warning the
user not to connect the display improperly. A "special" 5Volt power
connector & a serial cable (DB9 to DB9) are required and can be purchased
directly from Matrix Orbital as well.
We decided to go with a
round serial cable. This display will be mounted in our
Flagship Case therefore; we needed a serial
cable that was long enough to accommodate this. I recommend you purchase
the power cable from Matrix Orbital to prevent damage to your display. |
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The Display:
**click to enlarge**
**click to enlarge**
Above we have shots of the
front and back of the module. The picture for the front was taken
without any color filters attached. They are optional and there are
many colors to choose from. We will be using a blue filter which we
will show you a bit later. One the back, you will find the RS232 serial
port and your power connector. The display is very simple to
install. No soldering required! Just plug in the cables and you're
ready to go. |
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Specs: |
Appearance
- 20 characters x 4 lines
- Module size: 98.0mm(L) x 60.0mm(W)
x 24.4mm(T)
- Display size: 70.8mm(L) x 20.9(W)
- Character size: 2.4 x 4.7mm
- Bluish green illumination
- Four software controlled
brightness settings
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Interfaces
- Interface with up to a 25-key
keypad
- Use 6 - General Purpose Output
- Communicate over RS232 or I2C
(Connect up to 16 displays over I2C)
Speed
- RS232 mode : Five baud rates to
19.2 Kbps
- I2C mode: Serial transfers of up
to 100 Kbps
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Functional Capabilities
- Display text, large digits, and
bar graphs
- Software controlled line wrapping,
scrolling, brightness, and time-out setting (up to 180 minutes)
- Easily add a
filter for outdoor use
- Available in a
PC
drive bay insert
- Software and manual on CDROM
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Power Requirements (Ta =
25°C, Vin = 5.0V)
- Operates at -20ºC to +70ºC
- Extended Temp. -40ºC to +85ºC
- Supply Voltage: +4.75 to +5.25Vdc
- Wide Voltage Option: +7 to +15Vdc
- Supply Current (Power off): 25mA
typical
- Supply Current (Power up): up to
550mA inrush
- Supply Current (Power on): 290mA
typical
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Next: Setup & Software |
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