Matrix Orbital Corp

I am going to buy a computer case for my HTPC and it will fit "a Matrix Orbital 4x20 display such as the VK204-25 or similar size displays". I'd like a VFD but the VK204-25 is a bit pricey for me. What other displays, LCD or VFD, have the same footprint so I can know what other options I have that will fit?

Also, what is the life expectancy of a VFD?

Thanks!

Hello Nate, Please see links below for our, LCD and VFD, 20x4 displays which include pictures, prices, specs. and manuals.

http://www.matrixorbital.com/pages/products.asp?CatID=1
http://www.matrixorbital.com/pages/prod ... =5&CatID=1
http://www.matrixorbital.com/pages/products.asp?CatID=2

VFD life expectancy is defined as to when the display is a half its original brightness. Many factors must be considered which affect the life of a VFD display. Among these factors are: extreme temperatures; continuous static messages; high shock and vibration. In the case of static messages, if all the pixels are continuously energized the life (half brightness) of the graphics display will occur at about 50,000 hours. The display will still operate properly, but will not as bright as it was originally.

For any additonal questions please feel free to contact me directly at:
berniew@matrixorbital.ca

Regards,
Bernadine

Thanks for the prompt reply.

So then it is safe to say that the VFD won't be getting dim for quite some time (5.7 years). Since this is such a long period, I assume there won't be problems before that time even if I display the same text for hours on end? I see in the specs that there is a time-out setting, I assume this turns the display off if there is no activity and that it will come back on if the display changes?

Since the LCD models are nearly as much as the VFD, I am leaning towards VFD. I'm comparing the VK204-24-USB to the VK204-25. Are these the same except one is USB? Why does the USB model have so many more accessories? Which of the options would I want if I got the VK204-25 (-E, -V, -VPT, etc)? For the USB version, do I need to buy a USB cable to go from the display to the computer, or is it included? Is the Temperature Probe available for both? How many probe's can I connect to one display? I assume I can access the probe's temperature through software, but can I control fans through the display?

Thanks for the help with my questions!

Nate, please direct all technical questions to support@matrixorbital.com.

The only differnce between the VK202-25 and VK202-25-USB is USB verses serial interface.

The options (E, V, VPT) will solely depend on your design:
E=Extended temperature (i.e-outdoor apps/extreme temp apps)
V=wide voltage (12Volt)
VPT=wide Voltage w/suffiecient power supply

USB cables are sold as accessories...not included with this unit.

The temp probes are avail. for USB unit(s) only. We have not officially tested exact qtys. but you should have no limitation to how may you connect (i.e.-126 probes).

Again, for any additonal questions please direct all technical inquiries through support@matrixorbital.com

Regards,
Bernadine