Discussion Backlighting the Display of an X9303 and DX7

[hilgert]

I am going to post the NEW mod here over the next few days - been very busy refining it based on feedback from others (mostly refining the instructions).

Attached are some pix of the new version...

-Hilgert

[gwh]

It's good to see that you'll be better prepared at our next night fly.

[hilgert]

...

[hilgert]

Also, gwh, Adam came over to the house today and we did the same thing with his TX - he now has a backlighted display on his DX7. I did not take pix of it, but he might post it later.

-Hilgert

[TheSteve]

Awesome! If I still had my x9303 I'd be doing this ASAP.

[gwh]

Hilgert,

I hope you find time over the holiday weekend to replace that toggle switch with a light sensitive switch so the backlighting will come on automatically as it gets dark or when you place a finger over the sensor.

[hilgert]

Originally Posted by gwh

Hilgert,

I hope you find time over the holiday weekend to replace that toggle switch with a light sensitive switch so the backlighting will come on automatically as it gets dark or when you place a finger over the sensor.

Oooooooooo, that's a good idea!!! Another "Why did I do it? Because I CAN!!!" thing...

Actually, what I am going to look into next is having a small circuit (likely an AVR chip or something) to detect beeps from the beeper (which occur any time a trim is used or the buttons/roller selector is used), which would turn the display on (when the switch is on) with a 10-second timer or something.

-Hilgert

[HobbyCNC]

Part cost is just under $30USD PLUS shipping as I just ordered 2 sets of everything. Yeah I agree, the switch is kinda lame. I'm SURE hilgert can and will do better! I'm thinking a simple momentray on push button to start a timer type thing for say 30 seconds (adjustable of course). IMO I'm not liking the beeper idea. Otherwise a great job hilgert!

Dave

[hilgert]

HobbyCNC, what don't you like about the beeper idea? The reason I like the beeper is that really most of the times (IMO) that you need the display backlight on is when you are using trims, the buttons or the roller selecter. However, I do think that you might also want a button (in addition to the beeper) to momentarily turn the backlight on so you can look at the timer.

So, for Version 1.1, I would suggest the following:

• Keep the switch (I just like the ability to turn off backlighting altogether).
• Have a momentary button to turn on the backlight for a few seconds (to look at timer, etc.).
• Have the backlight come on for a few seconds (5 or 10?) when the beeper goes off - this will happen when trims are used, roller selector is used or the enter/list buttons are used, etc.

I may not get to this anytime soon...for now this works for me.

-Hilgert

[HobbyCNC]

Originally Posted by hilgert

HobbyCNC, what don't you like about the beeper idea? The reason I like the beeper is that really most of the times (IMO) that you need the display backlight on is when you are using trims, the buttons or the roller selecter. However, I do think that you might also want a button (in addition to the beeper) to momentarily turn the backlight on so you can look at the timer.

So, for Version 1.1, I would suggest the following:

• Keep the switch (I just like the ability to turn off backlighting altogether).
• Have a momentary button to turn on the backlight for a few seconds (to look at timer, etc.).
• Have the backlight come on for a few seconds (5 or 10?) when the beeper goes off - this will happen when trims are used, roller selector is used or the enter/list buttons are used, etc.

I may not get to this anytime soon...for now this works for me.

-Hilgert

I'd prefer to have the light go on when I say so, not when it "thinks" it should. Thus the push button with an adjustable timer delay for auto off. Of course all this wired into the TX on/off switch.

Dave

[hilgert]

Originally Posted by HobbyCNC

I'd prefer to have the light go on when I say so, not when it "thinks" it should. Thus the push button with an adjustable timer delay for auto off. Of course all this wired into the TX on/off switch.

Dave

You do see the toggle switch I have installed? It allows you to turn the backlight on or off at will, as long as the master TX power is on.

-Hilgert

[HobbyCNC]

Originally Posted by hilgert

You do see the toggle switch I have installed? It allows you to turn the backlight on or off at will, as long as the master TX power is on.

-Hilgert

Yup I do. I still think it's kinda lame. OK for a Ver 1.0 though. As I said, a momentary push button in the same location to illumintae the display with an adjustable auto off feature is what I prefer. To each his own. No big deal 'eh? I'll be doing a DX7 first, then my X9303.

Dave

[hilgert]

Originally Posted by HobbyCNC

I still think it's kinda lame. OK for a Ver 1.0 though.

Sorry......I'll try for better next time...

-Hilgert

[4*60]

Originally Posted by hilgert

Sorry......I'll try for better next time...

-Hilgert

Please do!

[HobbyCNC]

Originally Posted by hilgert

Sorry......I'll try for better next time...

-Hilgert

Higert,
You did hit a home run for sure. No harm, no foul. Keep up the good work!
Dave