131 replies to this topic

[RoccoC]

I received the updated transformer sample last week. The first transformer was overkill and this one more closely matches the DMD requirements. It's quite a bit smaller and will be cheaper than the other unit, too:

 

 

I'm going to do some testing with my display to make sure the transformer works, and will also see about putting together a package deal with the DMD power supply board and all necessary connectors. I'll post an update soon.

[russdx]

Cant wait for this!

It does not get better then running a REAL plasma not lcd not led but Plasma DMD for that true authentic pinball feel.

[nickeltitanium]

Any updates?

[RoccoC]

OK, I've finally got around to testing out the new transformer with my plasma display and everything works well. Here's a very crappy cellphone video of it in action:

 

https://dl.dropboxus.../Plasma DMD.mp4

 

If I place an order for 25 or more transformers, I can get the price down to around $35 each. I reached out to the manufacturer of the DMD Piggy and inquired about a bulk order as well. He said that he would be willing to customize the board size, connectors (e.g. molex for 5 and 12V), and mounting points, but that I'd need to order a minimum of one hundred. I'm not sure if there's enough interest to warrant that large of an order, though.

 

That said, even though I probably could put together a package using the off-the-shelf board, I don't think I'm going to pursue it. Quite honestly I don't know if it would be worth my time given the presumably small demand. However, I would be willing to order the transformers and help out anyone who is interested in getting a plasma display up and running. If you're interested and are comfortable pairing the transformer with a power supply board and doing your own wiring, send me a PM with your email address and shipping zip code/country, and I'll keep a "pre-order" list. When/if 20 or so are accounted for, I'll place the order and will send out invoices ($35 + shipping from Phoenix, AZ) when I have them in hand. Lead time once the order is placed is around two weeks.

 

Here's the transformer spec to get an idea of mounting dimensions:

 

 

Feel free to send any questions my way.

 

EDIT: Oh, Kris - I haven't seen you around on the forums lately, but if you still haven't got your display working yet and would like to give one of these transformers a shot, let me know!

Edited by RoccoC, 22 May 2013 - 06:35 PM.

[russdx]

can they do 240 tap as well? would it cost extra?

[RoccoC]

can they do 240 tap as well? would it cost extra?

 

Hey Russ, I actually meant to inquire about this but it slipped my mind. I'll follow up with the manufacturer and will let you know.

[Tyson171]

Honestly I think there is a pretty big interest in getting real dmds working in cabs. I see new cabs being built daily, and Shakenbake from hyperpin's cab forum is pumping out 20-30 cabs a month! (Hint hint for an associate with the order) as well as noah here and his business. A package deal of about $250 or so for a plasma dmd with power is well worth it in my eyes and many others I'm sure compared to a $500-600 Vishay plasma powered via lower voltage.

I would love a plasma in my cab, so you can put me on the pre order list and if the day comes I'll have to be brave enough to solder the power boards for the transformer.

[RoccoC]

I would love a plasma in my cab, so you can put me on the pre order list and if the day comes I'll have to be brave enough to solder the power boards for the transformer.

 

Luckily, no soldering required, at least with the parts I used. The connectors from the display to the power supply board are Molex IDC type and don't require soldering. I suppose it would be a good idea to solder and heatshrink the leads to/from the transformer though.

[zebulon]

I'm in for a transformer. I have my own circuit design that I worked up for this sort of thing. Can probably get the minimum board quantity down if there's interest.

[Tyson171]

Count me in! I'll support zebs circuit design over any others! I'll see If I can stir up some interest for the transformers and potentially a circuit design from Zeb! Probably gonna regret it, but this will make selling my segmented Vishay a lot harder.

[nickeltitanium]

Zeb.  I purchased your products a short while back and your workmanship is gold.  Please put me on your "interested" list.

[gyom]

An "all included" package would definitly be interesting, plasma DMD + circuit board.. And from Zeb I guess it could lower my shipping cost

Edited by gyom, Yesterday, 07:14 PM.