Gigatek DSP840 VFD Display Case

About

A custom display case I designed for this 20x2 character VFD module found in point-of-sales / cash register retail hardware.

For information about this display see technical documentation I made during the reverse engineering process. There is also a demonstration video of the display running over regular serial.

Printing

No supports or brims required. PLA is sufficient, 3 wall loops, 4 top layers, 3 bottom layers, 15% infill. Fits on 220x220mm build surface (when oriented diagonally). The top/bottom case parts are designed for a tight fit around the lip, and over-extrusion can make it hard to snap these together.

Assembly

Required hardware for assembly of included STLs:

• Case: 5x M3 4mm brass heat inserts

• Case: 5x M3 20mm BHCS screws (up to 25mm)

• Stand: 2x M3 4mm brass heat inserts

• Stand: 2x M3 6mm BHCS screws

Parametric CAD included that contains designs for the electronics (simplified), case, and stand for easy customization.

Remote Control

Included is an alternative stand with mounting holes and enclosure to put a microcontroller for remote control. Remote control Firmware source for ESP32 is also provided.

Required hardware for assembly of included controller enclosure:

• Stand: 2x M3 4mm brass heat insert

• Enclosure: 2x M3 4mm BHCS screws

• PCB: 4x M2 5mm self tapping screws

• Cover: 2x M2 8mm self tapping screws

And this is the electronics I used:

• 1x WeAct ESP32C Core Development Board

• 1x TTL to RS232 Converter Board

• 1x Power Supply

  • 1x L7805CV linear regulator

  • 1x 0.33 µF capactior (on input)

  • 1x 0.1 µF capacitor (on output)

  • 1x 100 µF electrolytic capacitor (on output in parallel)

• 1x Female 5.5mm Barrel Jack Power Plug

• 1x Standard 50x70mm PCB Prototype Board