4-Digit 7-Segment LED Display + Arduino

I recently got a 4-Digit 7-Segment LED Display from Sparkfun, and couldn't wait to use it. Here, I will show you how to wire it, and some sample programs to use with it!

Step 1 Display info

This is the way the display works. It's multiplexed, so you select the digit by setting its pin (we'll get into pins later) HIGH, and you select the segment by setting its pin LOW. You display multiple digits at once by rapidly cycling through them.
The Pins (digits are numbered from the left):
Digit 1: 1
Digit 2: 2
Digit 3: 6
Digit 4: 8
 
Segment A: 14
Segment B: 16
Segment C: 13
Segment D: 3
Segment E: 5
Segment F: 11
Segment G: 15
 
Decimal Point: 7
 

Comments

[salmansheikh]

How do I use the pushbutton to pause the counter rather than reset it?

[Jimmacle]

That is not currently in the program. You could have it set up where it only counts if the button is not pressed, for example:

void loop() {
buttonState = digitalRead(13)
if (buttonState == LOW) {
[insert counting program here]
}

[salmansheikh]

Thanks. I was thinking of making a basketball game timer and also need to use the ":" that could count to 30:00 minutes or down from 30:00 to zero and pause for fouls with a push of the button. I have another display for the score but not sure one Arduino could program both displays...

[Jimmacle]

So you'd definitely want to replace the button with a switch, so you don't have to hold the button down. If both displays show the same thing and have the same pin configuration, it shouldn't be a problem as long as they don't draw too much current (probably not, since they're cycling through and not constantly on). Would you like me to make a program that counts down from a settable time?

[salmansheikh]

No, I want do different things..one will be an game elapsed timer, the other display, two scores, one teams on left of : and one on the right. Games only go to double digits. That may require 2 more buttons and another Arduino unless I can multiplex the control signals somehow, perhaps with a 4th button.

[rbarot]

so

[Jimmacle]

So... what?

[bulb66]

Nice, i can see a 7-Segment display in my future, lol

and good luck to you too for the contest

[vishalapr]

Rated it 4*

[vishalapr]

Cool ible roboGeekDude!!!

[wilgubeast]

Excellent. Great jumping off point for displays. This made me want to shop at SparkFun.

[Jimmacle]

I'm sure Sparkfun would like that :3