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DO NOT buy this display, unless...

Education

Introduction

In today's article, we delve into the features and potential drawbacks of the Next CH intelligent display, particularly in the context of a digital dashboard project inspired by the classic Volkswagen Golf's Digifiz. The Digifiz, a standout feature from the 1980s VW models, serves as an excellent template for creating a modern version that retains its vintage charm. While the 7-inch display might seem appealing, there are certain considerations to keep in mind before making a purchase for any project besides replicating the Digifiz.

Exploring the Display Features

The Next CH display, particularly the 7-inch version, is a touch screen that allows extensive customization. Users can modify the RPM gauge, speed, coolant temperature readings, warning lights, and the multifunction information display. However, as we explore its applicability, a key issue arises: the display features non-square pixels, leading to an aspect ratio problem. When compared with the 5-inch version, the discrepancy in shape becomes evident—they may technically share the same resolution, but their usability diverges depending on the intended application.

Before proceeding with this digital dashboard project, I partnered with PCBWay, a service ideal for creating printed circuit boards (PCBs) and offering additional services such as 3D printing and CNC machining. With their sponsorship and support, I can deliver this step-by-step guide.

Creating the Digital Dashboard

  1. Design Preparation: The Digifiz design is crafted in Photoshop, where layers are utilized to represent different dashboard elements. Both the "on" and "off" states are created to reflect when elements are activated or not.

  2. Image Export: The design files are exported in PNG format for use within the Next CH editor. The relevant state images for the dashboard are added to the display.

  3. Application in the Next CH Editor:

    • After initializing a new project, I uploaded the state images.
    • Various components were introduced: sliders representing the RPM and coolant gauges, each modified to reflect the vintage design.
    • Background images were set to match the Dash's appearance.

  4. Dynamic Elements: Implementing dynamic behavior involves adding labels for speed, time, and multifunctional displays. The Arduino integration for real-time data manipulation is also planned for subsequent videos.

  5. Utilizing Fonts: The creation of custom fonts allowed the replication of the seven-segment displays of the original Digifiz. The characters were crafted in a vector format before being converted to a usable font file.

  6. Implementing Logic: Interactive elements like toggling warning lights or changing display sections are programmed using simple logic in the editor.

  7. Real-Time Clock Feature: The advancement to display real-time information is realized through the RTC module, enabling the dashboard to showcase accurate timekeeping.

  8. Testing Across Devices: Once everything is set, the digital dashboard is tested on both the 5-inch and 7-inch versions of the display to confirm design integrity across different sizes.

Conclusion

In summary, while the Next CH intelligent display provides remarkable customization opportunities, its suitability is limited in certain projects. The non-square pixels issue can lead to distortion in applications outside the specific niche of replicating the Digifiz. Therefore, I strongly advise considering the intended use before making a purchase.

Keywords

  • Next CH intelligent display
  • Digifiz
  • Digital dashboard
  • Custom fonts
  • Real-time clock
  • Interactive elements
  • RPM gauge
  • Non-square pixels

FAQ

Q: What is the main drawback of using the 7-inch Next CH display?
A: The primary drawback is its non-square pixels, which can lead to distortion in aspects of the display not designed for the Digifiz interface.

Q: Can I use the Next CH display for projects other than replicating a Digifiz?
A: While it is possible, the pixel distortion may hinder usability in projects that rely on precise graphical representations.

Q: What features did the project include?
A: Features included custom RPM and coolant gauges, dynamic warning lights, a real-time clock, and customizable fonts for a vintage appearance.

Q: What is the significance of the RTC module in the design?
A: The RTC module offers the ability to show real-time data, making the dashboard functional as a modern-timepiece while retaining the classic aesthetic.

Q: How can I create custom fonts for my dashboard?
A: Custom fonts can be created using vector design tools and then converted into usable font files through online font generation platforms.