Soviet Neon Plasma Matrix Part 2: towards a full graphical display.
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- Опубликовано: 18 окт 2022
- Honestly, this is probably best viewed on mobile due to the low resolution of the display. It's impossible to film properly.
An update on the project to convert a Soviet Ukrainian MC6205 (aka MS6205) neon plasma matrix display to show full raster graphics. This operated with the same principle as a nixie tube, as explained in part 1. It was originally designed to display text only and I have yet to find anyone else who has been able to fully convert one to show images. A rare varient, the IMG-01-02 does exist that uses the screen (GIPS-10000 or ГИП-10000) in conjunction with a different board and was designed for images, but this is harder to come across and more expensive.
Originally the plan was to use an ESP32 but I switched to the Raspberry Pi Pico W, which turned out to be a crucial addition due to the PIO state machines. Without those, Micropython would be too slow and I'd be stuck programming in C.
FastAPI was used to provide the images to the display via my local network, with Numpy and Python Image Library (aka Pillow) used for preprocessing. Originally, I wanted to use OpenCV but there were issues with installing this in the Docker container.
This has been a significant project so far and has been the most complex piece of PCB design and electronics I've worked on so far. Of course, the image quality is never going to be great but I'm pleased with the results so far.
I will post a final update in the next few months when I have every pixel active. Keep an eye of the github repo for documentation.
00:00 Intro
01:53 Capability Demo
05:19 PCB Design
08:53 Design Journey
15:19 Code Design
18:39 Future Work
Further info:
Part 1:
ruclips.net/video/CfwHzB28Cnw/видео.html
Github repo for all the code and board designs:
github.com/lambdaBoost/MC6205-graphical-display
Extremely helpful page with further info on these displays. Provides a good explanation on frame rate control:
habr.com/ru/post/588588/
The real MVP: Waifu-API:
github.com/Waifu-im/waifu-api
Kaggle anime faces dataset:
www.kaggle.com/datasets/splcher/animefacedataset
Pi Pico PIO info:
github.com/raspberrypi/pico-examples
Edit. The random pixel flickering or 'visual snow' issue has been fixed. I'd accidentally left the snubber capacitor off the power circuit. A rookie error which could have blown the mosfet arrays had I left it unchecked.
Came for your viral video, staying for your love of vintage Soviet electronics
I do not know why YT decided to recommend me this video but I am fascinated by it and wish for more in future
I can definitely promise there will be more. I just can’t promise exactly when.
Before Doom, playing Bad Apple might also be in order.
I second this, it is necessary.
Break out the 80's Synthwave, this could be such a vibe machine, make it a visualiser.
Now this a very cool project: plasma displays are so cool...
They are awesome. Not an easy project for me though!
I think, if only because of hobbyist, thru-hole will probably never completely die off.
I hope so, it makes my life much easier. I do wonder how much longer it will be possible to profitably manufacture DIP packages for a lot of components though
@@Alexander-the-ok As long as the demand is there, there will be production.. however as volume goes down price will certainly increase. For the hobbyist and prototyper though, hopefully still feasible. I suck at thru hole surface mount is a no go for me. Just because I have a microscope doesnt mean I want to use it 😂
Please talk about Alvin, I think you found your calling as the submarine guy. Will watch all the other videos too though!
Your channel is amazing! I got recommended your video on the Titan disaster and now I'm trying to eat up as much content from you as possible.
I have a gut feeling you are a couple months and a couple big uploads away from being a highly successful educational RUclipsr!!! Goodluck, Just Alex, you have a big fan in America.
Also, do you have a patreon?
Tbh the quality of the videos goes rapidly downhill the further you go back. I had 100 subscribers when i made this one, and the Ukraine video is so poorly researched i almost delisted it.
But the sub video is so successfull I’ll be posting a major channel update in the coming days: new channel name, rebrand and better content. I’ll see about a Patreon….I’m undecided on that for now.
@@Alexander-the-ok You've got an awesome narration voice.
cool! Video is way underrated !
Congrats! ☺️
Thanks! If you’re referring to the baby, he was born a few days ago and is happy/healthy.
Wow, this is very handy. I'm in the process of acquiring one of these displays in the hope of being able to use it as a terminal text display for Linux on a Pi. Looks as though there's a *lot* more work involved than I thought, and I'm a less proficient coder than you too. Ouch.
Looking forward to updates!
If you're wanting to use it for text only it's MUCH easier. See my part 1 video.
If the flickering can be put under control, maybe you could use it for a further brightness control on besides just dithering?
When using smd components I would really recommend using solder paste with hot air.
Wow, it's so gorgeous. Who are you???
"Made me rage quit SMD" MY MAN Thruholepower!
Lo-Fi comrade waifus to restore the Soviet Union to 🎵🎵
Digital patina