Putting it all together

When you are done testing the display, it is time to assemble it. We initially planned the layout of the entire display on a sheet of plywood, as shown in Figure 6.16:

Figure 6.16 – Planning the layout of the seven-segment display

This enabled us to determine the dimensions of the shadow box needed for the project. We purchased a shadow box and assembled the digits on the back panel of the shadow box, as shown in Figure 6.17:

Figure 6.17 – Seven-segment digits assembled onto the back panel

Since the dual expander board does not come with a mounting hole, we used double-sided tape to stick it to the back side of the shadow box. You should have something like that shown in Figure 6.18:

Figure 6.18 – Giant seven-segment display

The shadow box made it easy to transport for Maker Faire exhibits. We usually power it using a 12 V DC adapter. When an internet connection is...