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Show HN: I built a JavaScript-powered flipdisc display

flipdisc.io

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Re: Show HN: I built a JavaScript-powered flipdisc display

#111

Post by vasco »

amelius wrote: post #84
omoikane wrote: post #37

> near limitless lifespan The lifespan is probably not as limitless as you might have imagined, the discs tend to fall off or get stuck. But they are really neat while they are working, especially how they sounds. I was at an office with these flip dot displays, and eventually we dismantled the display. I took some picture of the pieces and you can see how stuck discs look like: https://photos.app.goo.gl/onpHefUVL8oe…

> The lifespan is probably not as limitless as you might have imagined How do you remove dust from them? I imagine that's when they break.

Wouldn't you just make the picture change a few times to remove dust and that's it? They flip, the dust comes out.

Re: Show HN: I built a JavaScript-powered flipdisc display

#113

Post by tetris11 »

phist_mcgee wrote: post #93
bigstrat2003 wrote: post #75

Earlier quoted context omitted.

That's horrifying. Javascript doesn't belong anywhere near anything which isn't a web page, and even then it's questionable.

Maybe the engineers at NASA know what they're doing?

no one's doubting it, but they still want to know the reason because it goes contrary to the expectations of most developers here, even the JavaScript fans

Re: Show HN: I built a JavaScript-powered flipdisc display

#114

Post by voidUpdate »

IIAOPSW wrote: post #94

As for what to do next, there is nothing I want more than the old split-flap departure board of Penn Station. It was exactly like this one https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8azGTsslNc The clicking, its sooooo satisfying.

I've seen people making custom ones themselves, and its on my todo list of projects. https://youtu.be/K_UEkRFP7fs was where I got the idea from, but many videos exist

Re: Show HN: I built a JavaScript-powered flipdisc display

#115

Post by newaccount74 »

simpsoka wrote: post #74
Corrado wrote: post #68

I think this could be useful as a NOC monitor. Mostly the display is static but if something goes wrong the display updates and the noise naturally draws your attention. No “alarm” necessary.

I love this idea. It alerts you without the adrenaline spike.

Pretty sure your brain will quickly associate the gentle sound of the display switching with the dreadful feeling that something went wrong...

Re: Show HN: I built a JavaScript-powered flipdisc display

#117

Post by sbarre »

simpsoka wrote: post #20
BeefySwain wrote: post #15

How exactly did the author get the panels? I've looked into stuff like this before and it's basically impossible to source outside of things like eBay. Unless you're willing to buy industrial quantities at industrial prices. How did they buy them, and for how much?

I got mine off eBay, but you can get the same panels from AlfaZeta. There are some more affordable options like: https://xqd-led.en.alibaba.com/productgrouplist-936470954-2/... . I do mention in my post that I would like to see these panels become more affordable for hobbyists. If anyone wants to collaborate on this, please contact me!

Do you mind sharing how much the panels cost from eBay?

I feel like that's a key data point that would help people decide if they want to explore this further.

edit: someone further down the thread discusses pricing: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=40791049

Re: Show HN: I built a JavaScript-powered flipdisc display

#118

Post by sbarre »

pengaru wrote: post #92
risenshinetech wrote: post #76

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Why do you love to see a particular language used for something? It would be like being excited at seeing someone using aluminum to build something over steel/wood/etc.

tribes

What a cynical take, especially here in a community that should be celebrating novel uses of technology, whether it would be your choice or not.

Re: Show HN: I built a JavaScript-powered flipdisc display

#120

Post by nirav72 »

rob74 wrote: post #110

> flipdisc displays are sort of an obscure technology "niche technology" is probably the better term - that niche being readability in sunlight. A few years ago, flipdisc displays used to be very common in buses, trains etc. Then LEDs got better and the niche vanished...

It was going to happen, these flip displays with moving parts probably required maintenance. Also higher energy consumption. Not to mention the noise. I still remember the noise when they use to have these in trains and airports.
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