Hello all,

I am trying to create a simple project but I am not sure where to start and I'm hoping someone can point me in the right direction.

--The Project:
I want to create something similar to an LCD watch but instead of telling the time, it will display a word every X seconds from a stored list of words.

--Me:
I have done a bit of programming in the past (C++, basic) but I have never done anything with hardware.

I need an experienced maker to build a working first version. I envision that this will require an LCD screen, a PIC chip, memory, and a battery for power.


I do NOT need the maker to build a strap or casing for this prototype. I only need to have the working parts. It must be powered by a battery.

All the components need to be able to fit unto a bracelet, therefore size is very important. The smaller the components, the better.

No buttons or input are required for this project. Simply the display of words from a databank.

I have previously built this project myself with an Arduino kit but this proved to be too bulky to put on a bracelet because of the Arduino board.

--My Queries
1.) Is there anyone willing to create this for me as a paid project?
2.) How tricky would it be for me to make myself (finding parts, tutorials) considering I have no experience?

thanks for any help whatsoever.
Simon.

 

--The Project:
I want to create something similar to an LCD watch but instead of telling the time, it will display a word every X seconds from a stored list of words.

You mean the LCD that is the same size in an LCD watch? Where are you going to get that type of LCD?

--My Queries
1.) Is there anyone willing to create this for me as a paid project?
2.) How tricky would it be for me to make myself (finding parts, tutorials) considering I have no experience?

1) I dont know..
2) This project would be tough for me as small LCD do not use connecting wires between the LCD and the PCB. It uses zebra line connector so you must make custom PCB to accept the LCD and the microcontroller.

And to make the PCB small you have to use surface mount components which is a different dish for beginners. Besides, where to find small watch LCD that would display text..

Allen

 

To start, this needs a custom LCD display to suit your fit, form and function requirement.

I would be gob smacked if any vendor responded to your request for quote for a single piece... you would need 10,000 to get any reply.

However, once you have the display in hand the rest is falling off a log simple.

 

To start, this needs a custom LCD display to suit your fit, form and function requirement.

I would be gob smacked if any vendor responded to your request for quote for a single piece... you would need 10,000 to get any reply.

However, once you have the display in hand the rest is falling off a log simple.

Actually, tooling a new custom LCD (moderate size) costs about $300 in Taiwan. This includes 5 to 10 samples.

 

Actually, tooling a new custom LCD (moderate size) costs about $300 in Taiwan. This includes 5 to 10 samples.

Cool! Got a vendor link?

 

Cool! Got a vendor link?

Here's one:

http://www.golden-vision.cn/

And, sorry, they are China, not Taiwan.

FYI, I do my own LCD design/artwork so I don't have to pay for that.

 

Hi, are there not standard LCD screens that I could just buy in units?
I do not have any specific specifications in terms of size. It just needs to be small enough that I can build a strap around it later.

so standard screens that have been used in say, casio wristwatches would be fine.

I imagine I could get one of those somewhere?

Also, should I be trying to build this myself from tutorials on the net or should i just find someone?

 

Hi, are there not standard LCD screens that I could just buy in units?
I do not have any specific specifications in terms of size. It just needs to be small enough that I can build a strap around it later.

"(N)eeds to be small enough that I can build a strap around it later" qualifies as a "specific specifications in terms of size."

so standard screens that have been used in say, casio wristwatches would be fine.

I imagine I could get one of those somewhere?

I imagine you could at that. My first LCD project was made out of a 4 digit kids watch I got for 50 cents out of a gum ball machine. It took a bit of doing to sand off the watch components and just leave the display with pads I could solder to. I actually got it to work off a now ancient parallel program loading PIC.

Also, should I be trying to build this myself from tutorials on the net or should i just find someone?

No comment.

 

...
--My Queries
1.) Is there anyone willing to create this for me as a paid project?
2.) How tricky would it be for me to make myself (finding parts, tutorials) considering I have no experience?
...

1. There's a whole world full of people who would be happy to create it for you as paid consultants. The question is "Are you willing to pay someone the proper amount to design it for you?". Most people with product dreams don't want to pay an expert $100 an hour for engineering that can easily add up to 100-200 hours ($10k to $20k). Then maybe another $10k to $20k for PCBs/injectionmolding/packaging etc and then generally tens of thousands more for advertising and promotion. They think they can slip $500 to some dodgy student and get a complete product back ready to sell and make millions.

2. Based on your questions and zero experience I think this would be a VERY difficult project for you to get to market with you as the design engineer. Not only is there the steep learning curve before you get successful at making a project actually work, you have placed the hardest restriction on the project where it must be very small and wearable. You probably want good battery life too? Tiny and wearable even rules out most of the pro guys unless they specialise in that type of thing.

 

Ok. Thanks to everyone for your input.
It is much much appreciated.