What is Flipbit?
Flipbit is a modular split-flap display.
Each bit (module) integrates power management and microcontroller.
Flipbit can be daisy-chained and there is no theoretical maximum length. (additional power connection might needed when it gets too long, but other than this, nothing else is needed) They can also be arranged vertically to form a 2D display array.
Low learning curve allows for easy implementation by DIYers/makers.
Each Flipbit module also has capacitive touch PCB on top of the display. This allows for interaction unlike traditional split-flap display.
50 Characters
All alphanumerical + commonly used symbols
Capacitive touch
Allows for different types of interactions
64x128x100mm(WxHxD)
Compact footprint with large
charactor-to-display ratio.
Flipbit Features:
Modular
Each bit is a standalone module that can be arranged both horizontally and vertically.
Each module uses 24v to power the stepper motor, has efuse to protect the circuit and buck converter to step down for powering microcontroller.
Hot-swapable
All bits can be daisy chained on the fly. Just plug and play!
There are header pins on each side of the module. Power and data line will be automatically connected when modules are snapped together.
I plan to replace header pins with contact pins in the future. This will make the connection/break-away much easier and safer.
Self-Addressing
Regardless of the order they are chained, they will always do self-addressing and display the message correctly. This means if you want to replace/swap/add/remove bits, no adjustment is need on the user end, other than reducing the characters it can display at once.
Capacitive touch
Flipbit is an interactive display! User can touch the top of the bit and this feedback can be used for various interaction, such as adjusting settings, scrolling/entering letters, answering a question, turn off an alarm, turn on an appliance, adjust AC temperature, and more.
Easy to use Protocal
Single line serial communication
A single pair of UART (TX/RX) is all you need to control all Flipbit module. Serial communication is easy to use and good for small scale display projects. All Flipbits are self addressed in this mode. Serial.Print("HELLO WORLD!"); is all you need to display the message.
Parallel communication
When building a large scale display, parallel communication offers greater reliability. Flipbit supports I2C and CAN. Self addressing is also available in this mode, making addition/replacement/rearrangement like a breeze.