aim: splitflap display
free project, 2022
A split-flap display is a device that uses halved letters on moving cards to display characters. Formerly used at airports and train stations, they are now more commonly found in museums and installation art.
Fascinated by the technology, excited by the analog and motivated by the challenge, I began this project and was able to acquire knowledge in a number of areas on the way to the result.
handling
Various modes are possible:
time, date and individual messages. The message is entered via a locally hosted website that can be accessed via a QR code.
layout
The housing consists of CNC-cut Forex panels, held together by 14 screws, which are secured with nuts. The 41 flaps are made of polystyrene, labeled with white adhesive film. Letters, numbers and selected punctuation marks can be displayed.
The display unit is driven by a stepper motor inside the axis, controlled by an ESP32 microcontroller, which in turn receives the message to be displayed wirelessly from a master control unit.
conclusion
Over the course of the project, I was constantly faced with new challenges. After an initial lack of interest, I was soon enthusiastic about writing the code for the individual modules and was able to draw on the extensive knowledge of this community. I was also constantly dealing with tolerances, torques and wireless connections of various components until everything worked together as it should.
