Seven-Segment Vacuum Display

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abdoalghareeb

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I have this Seven-Segment Vacuum Display FG413D1
I can't find datasheet on internet .
I want to know how it's work ?
I want to build digital clock by using this display .
 

I salvaged a display like that from a VCR. It appears to be a vacuum fluorescent display.

Here's a link discussing general principles of operation. From the looks of it, high voltage may be involved, although the article is not that specific.

https://www.explainthatstuff.com/how-vacuum-fluorescent-displays-work.html

It could take some effort to find specific instructions. Example, individual websites where a builder tells how he made a project using an unusual device.
 

Youtube has a number of videos on using these displays, e.g. like this one.
 

Mine uses 5V on the filament and 12V on the grids and segments. It's a 12 digit display from an old calculator. The glow is beautiful, I really must find some application for it.

To find the filament measure between all pins in sequence until you find a pair with a fairly low resistance, connect a variable supply, ramp up the voltage from 0 until you see a slight glow. Back off until it doesn't glow but stays hot. That's the filament voltage. The filament is also the common electrode for all the rest. Which goes where can be determined by systematic trial and error.
 

Mine uses 5V on the filament and 12V on the grids and segments. It's a 12 digit display from an old calculator. The glow is beautiful, I really must find some application for it.
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If it's a mux-ed display, like that in the post #1 picture, it needs a negative grid voltage against cathode filament to blank a digit. Active grid voltage is probably about zero relative to filament not to withdraw too much current.
 

No, +12V on the grid enables the digit, +12V on the segment lights it. Trust, I've done it.
 
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Not exactly the same but if you search for "Futaba 4-BT-224" you will see a data sheet for a very similar device. Electrically they will be almost identical but the pin-out are different. You can usually work out which pins go to the segments and filament by looking closely through the glass.

Brian.
 

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