RPi 4 and Large 7 segment display timer project

Components & Accessories Displays
1

While searching for a large digit LCD that could be connected to Raspberry Pi 4, I came across your large 7 segment display p/n COM-08530 and your Large Display Driver p/n WIG-13279. The article [Large Digit Driver Hookup Guide describes connecting one or more of these display digits up together and using an Arduino to control the values displayed on the displays. The software code that is shown looks like Python but I’m new to this language and not sure my guess is correct.

My questions are about how this display might be connected to a Raspberry Pi 4 and programmed to act a stopwatch style timer. The functional requirements of the stopwatch need to include up/down counting and have the ability when an option is selected to automatically reset the timer to zero and start the cycle again. Example the timer is set to 60 seconds, when time has elapsed the clock restarts at zero and counts until reaches 60 again. The RPi needs to receive clock setup instruction from Wi-Fi.

What I’m asking the forum, can this display be connected to a RPi and if yes what is involved and any suggestions for sample to Python source code that I can use to develop the application?

If you are wondering what the timer will be used for, my daughter is a swimmer and we need such a clock for her workouts. Thanks in advance for any assistance provided.](Large Digit Driver Hookup Guide - SparkFun Learn)

2

can this display be connected to a RPi

Yes! you can connect the drivers to anything that can generate digital logic.

what is involved and any suggestions for sample to Python source code that I can use to develop the application?

You’d just need to connect the latch, clock and data pins to your pi along with 5 volt power and ground. You’d also need a 12 volt power source to run the LEDs in the display. For code, you’d need to write that on your own but [this link might be helpful in getting started.](Raspberry Pi Shift Register control module - It's super fast and can automatically invert the bits for you · GitHub)

3

Wow that was quick… I will need to investigate what the exact wiring would be for a four digit display (MM:SS). Seems like the display driver (WIG-13279) daisy-chains the seven segment digits so driving each of them will need some sort of addressing. Since none of this is clear at present (hardware wiring or software), I’m going to need to learn more before I dive in. But thanks!