What is it?

A kit to make an 8 character LED display for the RC2014. The PCB is capable of accepting one of the following Broadcom displays:

• HDSP-21XX
• HDSP-250X
• HDSP-253X

It can be accessed using standard BASIC OUT and IN (for self test) commands and is capable of displaying 128 different ASCII characters as well as 16 programmable symbols.

The HDSP displays are available new from Broadcom stockists, but they tend to cost over £40 in the UK. The ones provided in the kit are fully tested used stock, but the kit can be bought minus display in case a purchaser wishes to go out and buy a new one.

Why did you make it?

The serial equivalent of these got a mention on the excellent Twitter feed @TubeTimeUS. I thought they looked really neat, and found that the parallel version is still available new (although normally expensive), and also as "new old" stock.

What makes it special?

The display. I've designed the PCB so that three different kinds can be fitted (only one at a time, obviously) giving the choice of size and colour.

What's Included?

A PCB and all components required (assuming the display option has not been deselected) are included, including an IC socket. A PDF with full instructions is available at the link below.

What else do I need to know?

I have tested MG013 with an RC2014 running at 7.3728MHz, and more recently at 20MHz, with no issues observed.

The instructions include a simple example BASIC program. I will also upload some sample C code (and COM executables) to my website for CP/M users.

MG013 has been designed for RC2014 with reference to the RC2014 Module Template. All pinouts used and the physical outline are in compliance with the RC2014 Module Template.

RC2014 is a trademark of RFC2795 Ltd.

MG013 has been designed for hobbyist use only and is not to be used for safety or business critical applications. The kit assumes basic through-hole soldering skills.

The payment of any import taxes and duties will be the responsibility of the Buyer.