weird "scrolling sign" question

Platypus

Lifer
Apr 26, 2001
31,046
321
136
Would it be possible to get one of those LED matrix scrolling text signs to scroll ID3 tags off a computer running linux? It comes with software that I suspect is Windows only. Is it even possible to do this in windows?
 

loup garou

Lifer
Feb 17, 2000
35,132
1
81
Originally posted by: CorporateRecreation
Would it be possible to get one of those LED matrix scrolling text signs to scroll ID3 tags off a computer running linux? It comes with software that I suspect is Windows only. Is it even possible to do this in windows?
I have one of those, but can't find anywhere to buy the serial cable to connect it. I've always wanted to use it for exactly that purpose, but will probably never get around to it. Many models can also be daisy chained. I though it would be cool to have a bunch of them side by side vertically, outputting a visual equalizer. Oh well, I guess I'll just have to live with mine displaying the built-in don't drink and drive animation (complete with a car crashing into a martini glass and a guy flying through the winshield) and the time. :)

Good luck!
 

Platypus

Lifer
Apr 26, 2001
31,046
321
136
Originally posted by: werk
Originally posted by: CorporateRecreation
Would it be possible to get one of those LED matrix scrolling text signs to scroll ID3 tags off a computer running linux? It comes with software that I suspect is Windows only. Is it even possible to do this in windows?
I have one of those, but can't find anywhere to buy the serial cable to connect it. I've always wanted to use it for exactly that purpose, but will probably never get around to it. Many models can also be daisy chained. I though it would be cool to have a bunch of them side by side vertically, outputting a visual equalizer. Oh well, I guess I'll just have to live with mine displaying the built-in don't drink and drive animation (complete with a car crashing into a martini glass and a guy flying through the winshield) and the time. :)

Good luck!

I found one with a serial connection but I lack the knowledge of how to program it to do what I want it to
 

Platypus

Lifer
Apr 26, 2001
31,046
321
136
Originally posted by: Cyberian
stop posting

Wow.. I could say something totally cold and fvcked up right now but I won't since I'm a bigger man than that, but thanks for trolling probably the only worthwhile thread in OT tonight.
 

GeekDrew

Diamond Member
Jun 7, 2000
9,099
19
81
AFAIK, it is definitely possible under windows... I know that at my old high school, the secretary had a workstation connected to a scrolling marquee in the cafeteria... she changes it thru a program... it's a simple serial connection... so IF my logic is correct... then any program could be written that could change the marquee.

Drew
 

Platypus

Lifer
Apr 26, 2001
31,046
321
136
Originally posted by: GeekDrew
AFAIK, it is definitely possible under windows... I know that at my old high school, the secretary had a workstation connected to a scrolling marquee in the cafeteria... she changes it thru a program... it's a simple serial connection... so IF my logic is correct... then any program could be written that could change the marquee.

Drew

Could it be programmed to display ID3 tags based on a song you were playing in XMMS(winamp) ?
 

GeekDrew

Diamond Member
Jun 7, 2000
9,099
19
81
Yes, it can be. How, though, I haven't the foggiest. I just know it's possible.
 

KeyserSoze

Diamond Member
Oct 11, 2000
6,048
1
81
Originally posted by: CorporateRecreation
Originally posted by: GeekDrew
AFAIK, it is definitely possible under windows... I know that at my old high school, the secretary had a workstation connected to a scrolling marquee in the cafeteria... she changes it thru a program... it's a simple serial connection... so IF my logic is correct... then any program could be written that could change the marquee.

Drew

Could it be programmed to display ID3 tags based on a song you were playing in XMMS(winamp) ?


I guess you might want to start at the forums over @ Winamp.com. The first step I think would be how to pull out the ID3 tag of the song playing. Then, seperately, find out how to program that Marquee. Maybe Google? I'm sure you'll find someone that has done this before. If it is just a standard connection to the computer (Serial, etc.), then I'd bet there is already some sort of program for it. And the fact that the other ones that you have seen were in Windows, I doubt that would be too much of a big deal. If the program is written using standard communications, then it shouldn't be too hard.

Now, bear in mind, I have NEVER done this before, so what I just said might all be total BS :p




KeyserSoze
 

Platypus

Lifer
Apr 26, 2001
31,046
321
136
Originally posted by: KeyserSoze
Originally posted by: CorporateRecreation
Originally posted by: GeekDrew
AFAIK, it is definitely possible under windows... I know that at my old high school, the secretary had a workstation connected to a scrolling marquee in the cafeteria... she changes it thru a program... it's a simple serial connection... so IF my logic is correct... then any program could be written that could change the marquee.

Drew

Could it be programmed to display ID3 tags based on a song you were playing in XMMS(winamp) ?


I guess you might want to start at the forums over @ Winamp.com. The first step I think would be how to pull out the ID3 tag of the song playing. Then, seperately, find out how to program that Marquee. Maybe Google? I'm sure you'll find someone that has done this before. If it is just a standard connection to the computer (Serial, etc.), then I'd bet there is already some sort of program for it. And the fact that the other ones that you have seen were in Windows, I doubt that would be too much of a big deal. If the program is written using standard communications, then it shouldn't be too hard.

Now, bear in mind, I have NEVER done this before, so what I just said might all be total BS :p




KeyserSoze



I found something a bit useful


Here

but it appears to be unfinished.
 

MeanMeosh

Diamond Member
Apr 18, 2001
3,805
1
0
Originally posted by: werk
Originally posted by: CorporateRecreation
Would it be possible to get one of those LED matrix scrolling text signs to scroll ID3 tags off a computer running linux? It comes with software that I suspect is Windows only. Is it even possible to do this in windows?
I have one of those, but can't find anywhere to buy the serial cable to connect it. I've always wanted to use it for exactly that purpose, but will probably never get around to it. Many models can also be daisy chained. I though it would be cool to have a bunch of them side by side vertically, outputting a visual equalizer. Oh well, I guess I'll just have to live with mine displaying the built-in don't drink and drive animation (complete with a car crashing into a martini glass and a guy flying through the winshield) and the time. :)

Good luck!

hey guys... i've been looking for one like this for a while. where did you guys get yours?