2 Digit LED counter design help needed

A customer is asking for a product that I am having trouble finding. I also might rather build it if I knew what was needed. Best way to explain is this: We've all been at a service desk where we've had to "take a number" to mark our place in line. Then they may also have a good sized digital display for the public to see which number is being served so you know your position "in queue".

Well a customer (business) would like something like this where the employee can increase or decrease the displayed value (max of two digits) with the push of an up or down button . A clear or reset button would also be helpful.

Another feature desired would be to "light up" another indicator, maybe the decimal point, on the display to indicate another condition that may become involved. Also it would be desirable to have a smaller LED display at the operator's desk to see and confirm the value being sent to the larger display which may not be easily seen from their location.

I'm hoping someone here may have the knowledge to help me with a diagram and parts needed (maybe a source as well for the LED displays) With a schematic and any comments regarding the design, I think I could construct the project.

Many thanks in advance !

Reply to
Harlan
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It's pretty much an off the shelf item, I'm not sure why you would want to build it.

A different system I have seen here (in Israel) at my HMO is a system where the numbers are displayed on an LCD computer screen. The system behind it is Windows (occasional BSOD), and they use some sort of screen multiplier device to get several of them.

The post office uses the large LED dot matrix displays with an arrow to point to the open teller and a flashing light at the window. Very similar to a bank. It ALWAYS is out of sync with reality, it's impossible to tell if a person is just slow getting out of their chairs and getting to the window or they went home, or the numbers are out of sync, so the tellers go through them too quickly. :-(

Geoff.

--
Geoffrey S. Mendelson N3OWJ/4X1GM
Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to misquote it.
Reply to
Geoffrey S. Mendelson

Google:

"take a number" display

Decide how much of your/his time/money you want to throw at the various solutions offered, there.

Reply to
D Yuniskis

"Harlan" schreef in bericht news: snipped-for-privacy@j9g2000prj.googlegroups.com...

Guess there are plenty of businesses selling shop- and couter furniture that can provide this type of equipment. You just have to find the right companies in your area.

In my experience it is seldom worth the trouble to design a product that can be bought on the market. Nevertheless it can be done. You need a small box for the small display, the pushbuttons and a transmitter. Then a large box for a receiver and the large display. Plus a two or more wire cable between them. The electronics can be build using TTL or CMOS logic though I'd prefer microcontrollers. All the stuff you need can be bought on the internet. Farnell, Mouser and Digikey are only some of the providers.

Of course I can build you a prototype for the friendly price of $400,- :)

petrus bitbyter

Reply to
petrus bitbyter

These systems are available pre-built, of course. For the displays, just buy a big bag of LEDs and connect series to make seven-segment displays of any size you want (it's relatively easy to find drivers for such things). For the 'other indicator' just pull more LEDs from the big bag. Prebuilt displays aren't anything more complex than that, just molded into a plastic block.

And if a desk doesn't have easy view of the main display, consider the truck-mirror-addon convex mirrors at the local auto-parts store; hang a few in appropriate locations, and anyone's desk can have line-of-sight to the big numbers (though, mirror-reversed).

If you want to get elaborate, you could put a CCTV camera on the main display and plop a few repeater screens around the office (or even in the restrooms and other places patrons might wander).

Reply to
whit3rd

Almost all that you want

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Reply to
Herman

-DN-Counter-4-Digits...

Thanks for all the input. I had Googled a lot for "2 digit LED counter display" trying to be more direct but only came up with vaguely related forums, partial items... ie... no real help. Since "take a number" didn't seem quite what I was looking for, I never really Googled it till now. And.... came up with 2-3 manufacturers that make just about exactly what I'm looking for. The price may be quite a bit more than hoped but then it is a lot of hassle to build the circuitry, the enclosures, etc and have it look "professional". So... again thanks and now we have some options. Best regards to all.

Reply to
Harlan

Don't go away yet!!! As we speak, there's a DEAL!! for exactly what you're looking for from Electronic Goldmine. I'll bet you can't find a better price, either. Look at

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and see if it's to your liking. Heck, for the price, get one to use and a couple more for spares.

Cheers,

--
David
dgminala at mediacombb dot net
Reply to
Dave M

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