flipdisc
Creative
kinetic display art
SHOW HN2024
How HN took it
13 positive, 44 neutral or asking, 1 mixed, 9 critical, out of 67 comments about the project. Thread score +0.10.
Idea: 9 for, 1 againstDocs: 0 for, 5 againstDesign: 3 for, 0 againstPricing: 0 for, 2 againstPerformance: 0 for, 1 against
The thread, comment by comment
Each row is a top-level comment and its replies, in HN's order. Select a cell to open that comment on HN.
positive neutral or mixed critical about another commenter or something else the maker
What HN said
What people liked
Cool, tactile, physical display with satisfying clicking sound
From 3 comments
In a world of flat featureless screens, I really love the physicality of this. Even the noise it makes. It feels like it communicates a lot more than its raw “pixel” count would…
tailspin2019 on HNThis looks amazingly cool. Love the old school “analog” feel of it Thank you for sharing
nico on HNI always liked the clickity sounds of those panels updating!
glitcher on HN
Good idea for NOC monitoring or ambient alerts
From 2 comments
I think this could be useful as a NOC monitor. Mostly the display is static but if something goes wrong the display updates and the noise naturally draws your attention. No…
Corrado on HNI love this idea. It alerts you without the adrenaline spike.
simpsoka on HN
Objections
Panels are expensive and hard to source for hobbyists
From 3 comments
How exactly did the author get the panels? I've looked into stuff like this before and it's basically impossible to source outside of things like eBay. Unless you're willing to…
BeefySwain on HNI was about to post the same. The result is really nice, and makes the conclusion make a lot of sense. > I do hope that flipdiscs become more accessible for hobbyists. If anyone…
carb on HNI have looking for a cheap low-res 18in x 10in display so that I can display stuff to it via Python using a raspberry pi; this is very interesting but its a bit too big and…
noisy_boy on HN
Panels have mechanical moving parts and finite lifespan, contrary to the post's claims
From 3 comments
I don't really see what the distinction is? You might as well say a motor has no moving parts, because it's done with electromagnetic impulses. But that would be absurd.…
crazygringo on HN> Flip displays are an interesting alternative. They have no moving parts, What? The display is made almost entirely of moving discs.
rhaps0dy on HN> near limitless lifespan The lifespan is probably not as limitless as you might have imagined, the discs tend to fall off or get stuck. But they are really neat while they are…
omoikane on HN
Requests
Cheaper hobbyist flip-disc hardware
From 2 comments
I got mine off eBay, but you can get the same panels from AlfaZeta. There are some more affordable options like:…
simpsoka on HNI was about to post the same. The result is really nice, and makes the conclusion make a lot of sense. > I do hope that flipdiscs become more accessible for hobbyists. If anyone…
carb on HN
Power draw figures
From 1 comment
This is neat. But wondering what the power draw for something like this would be?
nirav72 on HN
Questions
How were the panels sourced and at what price
From 2 comments
How exactly did the author get the panels? I've looked into stuff like this before and it's basically impossible to source outside of things like eBay. Unless you're willing to…
BeefySwain on HN> We used 9 Alfazeta panels in a 3x3 grid or 84x42 discs. Each board has (2) 28x7 panels. So how much do one of those cost? The website…
tivert on HN
How do discs flip without moving parts
From 1 comment
How do they have no moving parts?
imzadi on HN
Alternatives named
Vestaboard
From 2 comments
I've been coveting a Vestaboard, but this seems like a more interesting alternative. Thanks for the guide!
beatboxrevival on HNLove this. Reminds me of the “flip flap” boards in old train stations. Like https://www.vestaboard.com/
scosman on HN
Breakfast Studio flip-disc art
From 1 comment
Breakfast studio offers some amazing art pieces using Flipdisc modules. https://breakfaststudio.com/flip-discs
proee on HN
Motus.art FlipDots by Owen McAteer
From 1 comment
Owen McAteer, https://motus.art/, @motus_art did something similar with the flip-dot displays from AlfaZeta. I have no stake, but I'm a fan of his work. His code can be found at…
jschulenklopper on HN