During the first semester of my masters program we had to prepare and complete a significant group project. After our proposals were voiced, mine was chosen and that was the preparation and construction of a traditional split-flap display mechanism.

I was always fascinated by the mechanical displays implemented within airports and train stations back in the day. These were superseded by large LED panels that could display anything and split-flaps or segmented displays fell by the wayside. They are accompanied by a very satisfying sound as they rotated through their alpha-numeric bank of cards. These plastic cards were detailed with permanent marker and stencil kit, halved horizontally (barndoor style) and slotted into a laser cut spool/frame. Powered by Arduino SBC, a brushless stepper motor and custom built daughter-board to accept text input and refresh/display accordingly.

If I were to do this project again I would focus on the tolerances of the laser cut frame and the plastic cards, as the cards were prone to jamming. With twelve total frames constructed by end of this project, only a word or two could be displayed. Automation and API upgrades led to capability to display the time second-to-second and the bus schedule from the college campus.