Considering it's behind a smoked glass type panel it comes through pretty good! I did have to set the backlight to max to get it presentable out front though.
@@RabbitHoleLabs Nice idea. I was thinking about a 3D printed bracket, but not to the standoffs. If I am ever inside the display again I'll deffo make one.
A truly beautiful result, lan. The satisfaction of seeing that display come to life surely compensates for all the hours of work. Well done! Regards, David
Well done nice mod and better than new! Also begs the question of poor support from the OEM and keeping valuable servicable equipment going for the long-term.
Excellent video as always! 👍 This is an amazing project and final result looks like it was like that from factory, when looking to the device screen. Amazing job was done!
Very nice result! I developed something similar for my HP3468A DMMs. (but the result was rather fiddly mechanically, so I'm now working on a totally different implementation)
@@IanScottJohnston The 3478A is much more like the 3468A (but with a cleaner control system internally). But I suppose you are most interested in the display module, which is the same on both, and does also appear to be used on the 3457A (as well as several other HP instruments of the time). Looks like the buttons under it are similar also. Just checked the SM's: the 3468 & 3478 both use the same display module (HP 5061-1166), but the 3457 just shows the A4 assembly, without breaking it down to the display module level. So might be the same, but certainly similar. I expect you've seen this on eevblog: "led-display-for-hp-3457a-multimeter-i-did-it-)" Which inspired me to do similar. His explanation of the display signals protocol was invaluable. eevblog: "replacement-front-panel-for-hp3468a-multimeter" Disappointingly, no responses to that. (I expected at least something, given that the previous thread had 5 pages...) Video also:- ua-cam.com/video/IY4tkyuX1Eg/v-deo.html But I won't be doing what that shows, I'm working on a completely different approach.
@@bertoid Wow, blown away by your implementation....well done! Pity you never used an STM32 Blue Pill, I'd be interested to see your code! I'm at a road block with mine on the 3457A which I am also trying to do the same as here.....just can't get good data captured. The other guys that have done it used AVR's, and I just can't get the same working on STM32 for the 3457A.
That's really neat. I wanted to do something similar for the VFD on a Denon receiver years ago. Well, the Denon MCU and DSP boards, to use them in my own project, routing the VFD signals to a small FPGA,, so I could overlay it on-screen. But I was quite bad at coding back then. We're talking 12+ years ago. lol
btw, there is quite a big market for something like this, to replace the LCD / VFD in synths / keyboards. Some of the kits on Feebay are very expensive. You could probably undercut them quite a lot, but still have a nicer-looking display.
Yes, I saw that in the video when I was publishing it, I wondered if anyone would notice!.......I'll need to go inside the DMM at some point. The power of 4k video eh!
A work of beauty for sure! What I do wonder about for this type of conversion in these high-spec DMM: are there any EMI effects of stuffing in a quite high frequency digital module (you mentioned 60MHz), affecting the actual measurement capabilities of the instrument?
That's a fair point, and maybe a wee earthed aluminium panel over the LT7680A-R board might help mitigate. Saying that, the R6581T isn't in the same league as the 3458A in terms of that 8.5 digit noise performance.
I wish we had similar upgrades for the HP/Agilent 34410A or 34411A 6.5 digit meters. I can't find VFDs for them anywhere. Now I need to go hunting to see if someone has decoded the display signals for them.
Pink or purple?....is that to follow the Advantest logo etc? My other R6581T is the ADCMT branded unit....with a blue logo. Seriously though, white is needed to punch through the smoked panel.....and max backlight brightness.
Thank you Ian for the video. I have a question @31:30, I see that you have a 3D printed spacer for the STLink V3 debugger. Could you please share how you made it ?
This display and controller could possibly be used as a base for replacing the LCD (without backlight) display in HP/Agilent 3478A as well as the VFD in 34401A/3458A multimeters. A good deal of decoding the existing display-comms signal protocol would be required, but the potential is there. @IanScottJohnston what is the approximate cost for the TFT display and controller?
I have my 3457A in mind for sure, and I also thought about my 3458A, but I'd need the VFD on it to wear out first before taking that plunge! TFT and controller = $25USD
I personally don't find the LCD a more ultimate upgrade compared to the OLED. I find it looking less genuine than a VFD regarding the exact reasons I like a VFD. When I saw your original video I instead thought of adding a second OLED besides the OLED just to extend it sideways!
Yes, that would be nice but would put off other folks who aren't so good at SMD assembly. I wanted this project approachable by anyone that can solder. Saying that, if I find the time it might be a fun way to keep my KiCad skills alive!
Links in the video description above to the gerbers, parts list, source code, .HEX file, instructions etc.
"I'll do the cable off camera...so you don't hear me swearing...ha ha"
Yip, when you have a set of sausages for fingers, that becomes a rather harsh reality.....
I’m truly impressed by the effort you put into the upgrade and the remarkable quality of your code. This is a wonderful project!
That display contrast is amazing. And TFT colours perfectly match with colours on DMM. Professional work.
Considering it's behind a smoked glass type panel it comes through pretty good! I did have to set the backlight to max to get it presentable out front though.
Having the backlight set to max all the time will reduce the life of the LEDs. How about 90%.
I have a few spares, they are quite cheap.
@@IanScottJohnston consider 3D-printing a frame which holds the LCD and slips over the nearby standoffs - then replacement is even easier (no tape) :)
@@RabbitHoleLabs Nice idea. I was thinking about a 3D printed bracket, but not to the standoffs. If I am ever inside the display again I'll deffo make one.
A truly beautiful result, lan. The satisfaction of seeing that display come to life surely compensates for all the hours of work. Well done! Regards, David
42mm, the answer to the question for the meaning of life and TFT :) Great job!
Wonderful! This looks to be quite adaptable to other scenarios. I have a couple of old Fluke bench meters that could be resurrected with this.
Epic project !! I am lost for words, any easter eggs in there LOL ! ' Defender ' or perhaps ' scramble ' would look good ! seriously great job Ian !
Hmmm, I need to think about that…..nice wee Xmas upgrade!
@@IanScottJohnston :)
Wow, this is amazing!
Well done nice mod and better than new! Also begs the question of poor support from the OEM and keeping valuable servicable equipment going for the long-term.
Very impressive upgrade 👍
Absolutely amazing! The software component is pure Voodoo to this 'Ol analog Bodger, but I Love to watch you do what you do. Thanks! - JRH
Excellent video as always! 👍
This is an amazing project and final result looks like it was like that from factory, when looking to the device screen. Amazing job was done!
very cool
Very nice result!
I developed something similar for my HP3468A DMMs. (but the result was rather fiddly mechanically, so I'm now working on a totally different implementation)
Is the HP3468A anything like the HP3457A.....?
@@IanScottJohnston The 3478A is much more like the 3468A (but with a cleaner control system internally).
But I suppose you are most interested in the display module, which is the same on both, and does also appear to be used on the 3457A (as well as several other HP instruments of the time). Looks like the buttons under it are similar also.
Just checked the SM's: the 3468 & 3478 both use the same display module (HP 5061-1166), but the 3457 just shows the A4 assembly, without breaking it down to the display module level. So might be the same, but certainly similar.
I expect you've seen this on eevblog: "led-display-for-hp-3457a-multimeter-i-did-it-)"
Which inspired me to do similar. His explanation of the display signals protocol was invaluable.
eevblog: "replacement-front-panel-for-hp3468a-multimeter"
Disappointingly, no responses to that. (I expected at least something, given that the previous thread had 5 pages...)
Video also:-
ua-cam.com/video/IY4tkyuX1Eg/v-deo.html
But I won't be doing what that shows, I'm working on a completely different approach.
@@bertoid Wow, blown away by your implementation....well done! Pity you never used an STM32 Blue Pill, I'd be interested to see your code! I'm at a road block with mine on the 3457A which I am also trying to do the same as here.....just can't get good data captured. The other guys that have done it used AVR's, and I just can't get the same working on STM32 for the 3457A.
That is a master piece of electronics revamp. Awesome Ian, congrats. Cheers from Belgium 😊
Awesome work! Both from technical and esthetical perceptive! Great choose of layout, colours and font on the display!
Beautifully done 👍🏾
Brilliant!!! Looks amazing =D
As much as I love a good VFD display, I've got to say, that looks so much nicer!!
That's really neat.
I wanted to do something similar for the VFD on a Denon receiver years ago.
Well, the Denon MCU and DSP boards, to use them in my own project, routing the VFD signals to a small FPGA,, so I could overlay it on-screen.
But I was quite bad at coding back then. We're talking 12+ years ago. lol
btw, there is quite a big market for something like this, to replace the LCD / VFD in synths / keyboards.
Some of the kits on Feebay are very expensive. You could probably undercut them quite a lot, but still have a nicer-looking display.
Excellent job, Ian. Please note that there is a small solder blob on top of the crystal from the TFT driver board 30:08
Yes, I saw that in the video when I was publishing it, I wondered if anyone would notice!.......I'll need to go inside the DMM at some point. The power of 4k video eh!
Excellent! The device looks better than new!
Now that's a GREAT video; thank you sir.
Wonderful job!
Nice Ian!
Brilliant work Ian!
Kapton Tape, the safest pair of hands on deck!
Great job, Ian
Nice job Ian and it looks great. Very jealous. 😊
Excellent work!
A work of beauty for sure! What I do wonder about for this type of conversion in these high-spec DMM: are there any EMI effects of stuffing in a quite high frequency digital module (you mentioned 60MHz), affecting the actual measurement capabilities of the instrument?
That's a fair point, and maybe a wee earthed aluminium panel over the LT7680A-R board might help mitigate. Saying that, the R6581T isn't in the same league as the 3458A in terms of that 8.5 digit noise performance.
I wish we had similar upgrades for the HP/Agilent 34410A or 34411A 6.5 digit meters. I can't find VFDs for them anywhere.
Now I need to go hunting to see if someone has decoded the display signals for them.
Vety very smick sir, well done...
Nice 👌Should be much better than the OLED for longevity. Now just change the main font for pink or purple
Pink or purple?....is that to follow the Advantest logo etc?
My other R6581T is the ADCMT branded unit....with a blue logo.
Seriously though, white is needed to punch through the smoked panel.....and max backlight brightness.
Merry Xmas to you and your family Ian looking forward to more intersting videos in 2025 🙂
Cheers, and the same right back!.....All the best!
Thank you Ian for the video. I have a question @31:30, I see that you have a 3D printed spacer for the STLink V3 debugger. Could you please share how you made it ?
I downloaded it from Thingiverse or Tinkercad, one of the two.
Great effort Ian....How about a version for the 34401A..?...that would be very popular I would think...!
Don't have a 34401A anymore otherwise.........
The 3457A is on the radar though.
Good idea!
This display and controller could possibly be used as a base for replacing the LCD (without backlight) display in HP/Agilent 3478A as well as the VFD in 34401A/3458A multimeters.
A good deal of decoding the existing display-comms signal protocol would be required, but the potential is there.
@IanScottJohnston what is the approximate cost for the TFT display and controller?
I have my 3457A in mind for sure, and I also thought about my 3458A, but I'd need the VFD on it to wear out first before taking that plunge!
TFT and controller = $25USD
Better than factory!
I was hoping to see the new ohms symbol, perhaps we will see it another time.
Here it is:
www.ianjohnston.com/images/stories/IanJ/FrontPageImages/OHM.JPEG
@@IanScottJohnston I think you'll get away with that.
I personally don't find the LCD a more ultimate upgrade compared to the OLED. I find it looking less genuine than a VFD regarding the exact reasons I like a VFD.
When I saw your original video I instead thought of adding a second OLED besides the OLED just to extend it sideways!
I just like the fresh look to the new TFT LCD.
VFD are nice, not denying that and I've always liked my 3458A etc, but I also like the 34461A TFT.
@IanScottJohnston I respect that view! I agree it might look good in its own ways!
And for one, it's definitely unique. Who couldn't love that.
Tidy. VERY tidy.
Now make it so you don't need the 3 different boards. Just one board with all the business on it.
Yes, that would be nice but would put off other folks who aren't so good at SMD assembly. I wanted this project approachable by anyone that can solder. Saying that, if I find the time it might be a fun way to keep my KiCad skills alive!
Great job. Great videos.
Was possible to solder a standoff to one of the pin of the button in place of the wire 😉
Fantastic work Ian!
Nicely done!