Beko Pharm

So I dunno if you know what a #VFD (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vacuum_fluorescent_display) is but I'm a sucker for these - at least virtually. Games like #RebelGalaxyOutlaw perfected the look and this is where I want to go with my app for my #EliteDangerous / #x4foundations home cockpit too.

This segment display is heavily inspired by #AugmentedUI project (https://augmented-ui.com/) where I'll borrow some more elements. Learned the neat fake scanlines from there too.

And yes they work by shifting bits under the hood 🤓

Vacuum fluorescent display - Wikipedia

Apr 30, 2025 at 9:09pmWeb
Show threadBill RickerApr 30, 2025

@bekopharm
Back in the day*, VFDs were the alternative to small dim red LEDs on calculator displays.

The Rockell/UniCom/Anita 202SR sliderule calculator had been VFD, a kickstand, and second accumulator with not only M+X but also M+X². ❤️ http://www.anita-calculators.info/html/anita_202-sr.html
*(Mid 1970s. Last i checked mine would still run on cord 🔌 !)

Rockwell-ANITA 202/SR Calculator

Show threadBeko PharmApr 30, 2025

@n1vux want to see some real beautiful [animated] VFDs? 🤓

https://www.hudsandguis.com/home/2022/retro-digital-dashboards

Retro Digital Dashboards by Daniel Lazo — HUDS+GUIS

Here is a cool project by Daniel Lazo ( Sight Extended ) that brings to life some amazing digital dashboards from 70s and 80s concept cars. Daniel’s project has reignited my fascination with retro concept cars, which has some of the coolest car designs in my opinion! The design and animation of the

HUDS+GUIS
Show threadBill RickerApr 30, 2025
@bekopharm
Retro-futurism is cool in general, but better with VFDs!
Show threadIain CollinsMay 1, 2025

@bekopharm I spent way too much / not enough time looking at things like this 😆

Recently I've also been playing around with some sound design

e.g. retro compute sounds:

https://sfxr.me/#12UNEb1vSGW3pjSQJLtX4VHP62RP2c7KD7hHEFcGwdhw2nWPC84J79LS34qPA63kzFjbuCioG5K4cLu2aCqhCqq5rfcHL6QBoFFJqSjagoi28F5Lh8F6pxGwnB

jsfxr

8-bit game sound effects generator in JavaScript.

jsfxr
Show threadIain CollinsMay 1, 2025

@bekopharm Nice! Really like that. The text on some of the boxes is a nice touch too.

(Sorry about the delay O2 icon BTW, will do that.)

Show threadBeko PharmMay 1, 2025
@iaincollins heh, I also found that I need a limpet svg. Mebbe I should learn how to draw these 🤪
Show threadIain CollinsMay 1, 2025

@bekopharm Oh will take a screenshot of what I'm doing! I learned Inkscape for this!

The pipeline for SVG -> Font has been really handy, I like having it as a font as I can add CSS effects like text-shadow for glowing, and they are easier to work with.

(Even if I think not always as accessibility friendly, for general website use-cases.)