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Installation
The
VK204-25 is big and will require 2 free 5.25" bays in order to install it on
your case. We installed the unit in our custom flagship case as shown
below:
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**click to enlarge** |
**click to enlarge** |
Matrix Orbital has optional Double Bay Inserts that can be used to install a 4
line VFD or LCD in 2 free 5.25" bays.
Here's a sample picture. Black also available.
Software
All
Matrix Orbital modules ship with a CD which includes downloads and links to
various third-party software applications required to drive them.
For testing purposes, we will be using our
preferred application.
LCDStats
LCDStats is an easy to use, stable software
application with plug-in support for Motherboard Monitor. It will allow
you to display information such as CPU Temperature, System Temperature, Hard
Drive space, Net Stats and many other readings from Motherboard Monitor as
well.
Setup is simple. Just select the COM port
you wish to connect your display to. Next, set COM speed to 19200 and select the type of
display and display size. VFD brightness can be adjusted as well.
You can then select the information you would like to appear on the VFD. Once you have selected the screens, they should appear on your VFD.
Let's have a look at it in action!
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**click to enlarge** |
**click to enlarge** |
LCDStats has pre-configured screens that will
display information such as Uptime, Time and Net Stats.
**click to enlarge**
Hard Drive information can also be configured.
It's nice to have 4 lines of text. You can
display much more on one screen. Above is a shot of a screen we
configured displaying Motherboard Monitor Information.
LCDStats does not have the cool transition
effects that LCDC has but, we find it to be much more stable and easier
to use.
Most Matrix Orbital displays allow you to
permanently change the start-up screen. There is a small utility called
"Change" which will allow you to do so. It is great if you want to
customize the display without having any LCD/VFD application running.
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