Hi,
I restore motorcycles from the 1980's for people in my age
range (40-50) and I have now been asked modernise a bike
to have a gear selection indicator using a two digit 8 segment
display. I have a good knowledge of vehicle electrics, but very
limited knowledge of electronics. I have bought a display and
have managed to get various segments to light up by giving
pin 1 a positive charge and then earthing a pin that corresponds
with the left segment digit and the same with positive to pin 2.
My problem is, with the wiring diagram supplied with the display,
with pins 1+2 with a positive charge any segment I light up on the
left, also lights up on the right. Any help would be greatly
appreciated. Many thanks, Nick.

 

Perhaps it would be better to use two stand alone displays. And the mount them together. Should be the same size any way. Why use two displays Also you need to use a resistor on each segment to limit the current. As each segment is plain and simple LED

 

You have 3 choices: 1) you bought the wrong chip. 2) You are expected to quickly switch pins one and 2 with the proper segments grounded so it LOOKS like they are both on with the correct display, and 3) This site does not do vehicle modifications. Try electrotechonline.

 

Hi thanks for the replies,
I'm not looking for vehicle modifications, I merley stated what I
do. I have six different earths and I need to make a circuit that
reflects that in an eight segment display. I get the impression
that with the display I have, I need more than just a positive and
negatives to do what I require. So am I looking at using processors/chips
etc..?? ? You'll have to excuse my terminology as my electronics
knowledge is very limited.
Many thanks..

 

Hi Nick, How many gears do you need to display? Do you need 2 digits? You could use whats called a diode matrix to select the patterns you need.

 

Aint this technically a violation of the ToS section "Automotive Modifications?"

 

It seems I'm in breach of your ToS, all I wanted was help in making a circuit which is not possible so I'll bother you no more. There are other forums on the net where I may find my answer.
Many thanks.

 

Yes, what you ask for is a modification of the current "entity" that is a bike; an extension of its current capabilities. Thus it is against the Terms of Service.

Best of luck on the rest of the internet.