Will we get a USB VFD2041

ManSoNN · Post by **ManSoNN** » Sun Mar 30, 2003 9:10 am

From what I can tell, there are no USB VFDs. Any on the way soon? Serial is getting pretty tired in my book...

jar · Post by **jar** » Mon Mar 31, 2003 8:35 am

I think maybe the VFD USB version will never come.
VFD use much more power than LCD, a 20x2 VFD will draw about 200-300 mA. 20x4 VFD will consume more than 400 mA i guess. The usb standard only allow 500mA per device in bus power mode. So, a 20x4 vfd with some GPO should over the limitation. And the device may kill your USB interface.

WildRice · Post by **WildRice** » Mon Mar 31, 2003 10:56 am

ManSoNN wrote:From what I can tell, there are no USB VFDs. Any on the way soon? Serial is getting pretty tired in my book...

Just use a keyspan serial to USB adapter.

http://www.keyspan.com/products/usb/pdaadapter/

Should plug and go. -Chuck-

ManSoNN · Post by **ManSoNN** » Mon Mar 31, 2003 10:16 pm

Thanks for the replys folks...
Anyone official care to comment on this?

Pheonix · Post by **Pheonix** » Tue Apr 01, 2003 5:48 pm

I think there will be, but not for a while.

VFDs are mostly used in industrial style situations, where high visibility and high tolerance of abnormal operating conditions are required. This market doesn't really need USB displays.

Post by **Cheese** » Wed Apr 02, 2003 3:27 am

As jar says the main issue is power, I thinkt he 20x4 might even use more than the 500mA USB max

So MO will probably have to make drawing power from a separate power connector mandatory for the vk204 USB controller... though I'm sure they'll make one (eventually).

Rob.

Post by **Henry** » Wed Apr 02, 2003 9:48 am

I doubt we will make a VFD2041-USB... but we do have "prototypes" of the VK204-25-USB....

Pheonix · Post by **Pheonix** » Wed Apr 02, 2003 9:55 am

Now your just being pedantic

JeffPh · Post by **JeffPh** » Wed Apr 02, 2003 10:01 pm

hhows the prototype doing henry? any news when is it coming out?

jar · Post by **jar** » Fri Apr 04, 2003 9:44 am

Henry wrote:I doubt we will make a VFD2041-USB... but we do have "prototypes" of the VK204-25-USB....

Sound great. Can't waiting to see how your guys to solve the power issue.
(No need external power source)