Bitcoin Forum

Hey all,

I wonder if there is an interest in a dedicated raspberry pi based device that lets you follow gox (or other exchanges).
Im looking in to the possibilities of  the following options:

- Basic LCD
Something like this
http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FCJ/L3M5/HA4MBLYB/FCJL3M5HA4MBLYB.LARGE.jpg

But in a prettier case that will just scroll gox prices and volume.

- low power LED projection (night)
This would work like a projection clock:

http://www.itrush.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/daylight-projection-clock.jpg

Realistically this will only work in a relatively dark room and will be limited to 4 digits. But  it would be very neat to run in your bedroom, project the gox price on the ceiling at night, without being as bright as most displays that would keep you awake.

- Persistence of vision floating display

Since I cant find commercial providers for this, this will be by far the hardest to accomplish, but also the most eye catching. For those who missed the hype a few years ago, this is a POV clock:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYNgomrDePo

- LED sign
You all know what these look like:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2d/LED_Sign.JPG
Available in all sizes and for indoor and outdoor, but the programmable ones are surprisingly expensive.


Since Id be using a Pi, other than showing exchange rates,  the device could do double or triple duty for just about anything, from file server to alarm clock to internet radio (if you connect active speakers), to media center (XBMC), to display email or tweets or bitcointalk forum posts, or well, you name it.

Rough price targets;  
Pi with LCD and buttons in a  nice enclosure: ~120-150 euro
Pi with LED projector: ~150-200 euro
Pi with POV display:  unknown. components are cheap however.
Pi with LED sign: depending on size, ~250 - 500+ euro

I wanted to add a poll so you can vote which of these, if any, you might be interested in, but it seems like I cant, so I will just read your replies.

Can we not get hold of one of these: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMxo9sjDjbI and then dress the upper floors of Michigan Central Station with it. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ae/Michigan_Central_Train_Station_Exterior_2010.jpg

It would be cool.

Like the screens in Times Square conveying the message of the old capitalistic economy, this would be the voice of the new economy.

well its easier with arduino :)

I dont know about easier, but  arduino boards with ethernet and usb/wifi that Ive seen cost more than a Pi (and they are not going to do double duty as HTPC).

I am interested for sure.  Something simple and clean.  Great idea.

Yes please.

Maybe you could offer 2 models? Simple and cheap or complex and not so cheap?

Something like this would be cool but not 250 euro cool. Could buy a dedicated system for that. I'm thinking a maybe $50 add on screen/board for a pi

Ive ordered a cheap 4" monitor for the pi and will experiment with that. The good thing about that is that it requires almost no work, compared to the soldering needed for most of the other solutions, but $50 is an impossible target. Just the cost of the pi+sdcard+wifi+ PSU + screen (/led bar and controller board) + case is well in excess of that.

well by 50 i am assuming the pi/sd/wifi/psu is already owned. just counting the plug and playable screen :)

Let me know when you get the live ticker ready.  I am very interested in a simple device that will stream prices, volume, exchange rates things like that.   

This is a good idea, I'd be interested.

Someone on #bitcoin-otc has a Logitech keyboard that can be hacked to show the Gox ticker. It wasn't who I thought it was, though. Could try asking there.