Anyone have any ideas on where to start ? I would like a digital type display with leds ,has to work on 12v and needs to be about 3"x2"

 

http://www.hanssummers.com/matrix.html

This might give you some starting ideas.

 

Is it a personal requirement for you to build it yourself? I was buying that item in the late 70's.

 

i just always hated the analog clock in my car + the backlighting on it is horrible . Somthing a little more to date . Was looking for a circuit design to build one myself. LCD might be a better option . I figured id ask here since its probably something pretty common .

 

What is your background experience? It is pretty common, however it is not a beginner level project, more intermediate to advanced user.

They used to make chips specifically for this job, nowdays µC (microcontrollers such as PICs or Ardinos) are the most common way to go.

The real problem is the size. You are talking an awful small footprint.

http://www.jcwhitney.com/jcwhitney/...=digital+clock&shopid=100001&_requestid=25580

 

oh nice . That 3"x2" may work perfect . Thanks man . I have experience building simple logic circuits and Led retrofits .a tiny bit working with pic microcontrollers but not enough experience to design my own microcontroller circuit and program it . I have a hard time learning microcontrollers when it comes to using them in a automotive application .

 

analog clock hey, what year /model is your vehicle. Sometimes modifying original equipment reduces value.