Build It: The Information Box

I wonder if it would be possible to make it work with a 434MHZ RF transmitter, as those are about $50 cheaper. Which would make it a much cheaper project.

Also, if you didn't case about being away from an outlet, I think you could skip the battery, charger, and step up circuit to shave $30 more off of it.
(Well replace it with a 5V barrel connector and a 5V wall wart.) So down to about $45. Now that would be a great project.

or you could use a no name ipod wall chager and cut a usb cable to use thee power from the wall outlets

you could also buy a parllax ttl to usb and then buy a wireless ub transmitter. delivering better range and cutting the cost by 30$

Is there anything similar to LCD Smartie that runs on Linux?

I wonder if you can use a USB bluetooth dongle instead of a BlueSmirff. i don't think it will work though you need 6 input points, right. well there goes me shaving $64 off of the project.♤

Check this web site for LINUX driver/software.

http://lcdproc.omnipotent.net/

I have been thinking about something like this for years, as I can remember hooking up a led bar to a printer port a long time ago to see cpu load on an old linux box.

Fun project, might have to give it a go.

Yes you can make this with the 434mhz RF transmitter and receiver. Check out the LCDSmarite forums for more projects and information.

The whole 'solder the battery in place' thing? Don't do it. Use some sense. I know it costs a couple pennies more, but get a proper battery connector.

Somebody please build the thing with all the comments given and tell me how it comes out. My dad would probably help me build it if it was cheaper.

The instructions to build the information box is quite confusing. Can someone please post step by step instructions with clear pictures as to what is soldered to what. I cant make sense out of these instructions. I have all the parts. Need help please. Also what battery connectors is X7JAY7X talking about.

rickpgh

Can I use an LCD display instead of the VFD? If so, can someone recommend a suitable one?

This really isn't my area of expertise, but it sounds interesting! I am just wondering if there is any way to create a more visually appealing display? I know the software used in the article only allows 8-bit, is there software available that would allow for a better quality display of RSS feeds, etc. Also, would someone be able to use an OLED display? Thanks so much for any advice you can give me!