Pot Controlling 7-Segment Display

[mwynwood]

Hi everyone,
I've got this idea... what would be involved in adding a 7-Segment Display to output the value of a Pot in a pedal?
Something along the lines of this dude: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDUv0GJ0ZUE
It would be really handy for recalling values and settings.
Has anyone done this before?

[cloudscapes]

I have, it involves programming a microcontroller.

Doing it with discreet logic would be a nightmare compared to programming!

[DavenPaget]

I have, it involves programming a microcontroller.

Doing it with discreet logic would be a nightmare compared to programming!

For seriously many pots readouts outputting to a Matrix screen a FPGA is best . Usually a ATTINY25 will do .

[scratch]

I see in the YouTube video they are using a PIC to run the display. Seems ok to do for pots that have a steady DC voltage on them, but would not be feasible for something like an output pot that controls the level out. That would require something like a dual-gang pot, one side for the signal and one for the pot position (using a steady DC voltage) or using a VCA to control the output, and monitor the pot for the DC level.

Something to consider for larger rack mount enclosures that I like to use ... :-)

[nexekho]

You can use a 4511 IC to convert a 4-bit unsigned int to a 7-segment display driver.  I don't know if rotary encoders can be got with multiple poles but if so you could run one pole into the BCD input of the 4511 and use the other with a R2R ladder.

But, if you want more than 10 levels, possibly memory/presets, the ability to use many pots (an ATMega has 6 ADCs without an external multiplexor and most 7seg drivers have a "hold" function) a microcontroller will work better IMO.