Flip Dot Sign
Physical Object
2023.08.07.01
The flip-dot display (or flip-disc display) is an electromechanical dot matrix display technology used for large outdoor signs, normally those that will be exposed to direct sunlight. Flip-disc technology has been used for destination signs in buses across North America, Europe and Australia, as well as for variable-message signs on highways. It has also been used extensively on public information displays. A few game shows have also used flip-disc displays.
The flip disk assembly includes a permanent magnet. The selected flip disc changes position according to the controlled change in the magnetic field of a closely coupled electromagnetic coil. The control signal simply reverses the direction of the current pulse through the coil that reverses the magnetic field of the coil. The permanent magnet located in the disc assemble is either attracted or repelled by the field produces in the coil. The flip disc remains in the position to which it was last turned until the coil field is reversed by another current pulse.
This particular Flip Dot display used to have a home on the front of a New York City bus, replacing the scrolling sign that resides above it!
The flip disk assembly includes a permanent magnet. The selected flip disc changes position according to the controlled change in the magnetic field of a closely coupled electromagnetic coil. The control signal simply reverses the direction of the current pulse through the coil that reverses the magnetic field of the coil. The permanent magnet located in the disc assemble is either attracted or repelled by the field produces in the coil. The flip disc remains in the position to which it was last turned until the coil field is reversed by another current pulse.
This particular Flip Dot display used to have a home on the front of a New York City bus, replacing the scrolling sign that resides above it!