N3ZI Kits - NEW Digital Dial / Frequency Counter
With Universal LCD Capability.
Connectors for 14, 16 pin in-line, 14/16 pin 2 row, and 10 pin serial.

My Digital Dial is principally meant to be an inexpensive way to add a digital operating frequency display to homebrew radios such as the BITX-20, ARRL Homebrew challenge radios from KD1JV and N3ZI, 40-40 from the New England QRP club, SW+ from small wonder labs, the popcorn superhet, MMR40 and BITX20A from Hendricks QRPkits, and many others. It can also be useful with vintage analog/tube multi band radios.  A programmable IF offset allows the counter to measure the VFO frequency but display the actual operating frequency. It can also be used as a general purpose frequency counter.
(Above photo shows Kit with Serial LCD
and cable/connector kit) (This version $29.95)
NO SMT Components, all parts are conventionial through hole

With Serial LCD $29.95 NO Backlight

With Blue LCD $36.00 LED Backlight

With Green LCD $37.00 LED Backlight

with NO LCD $25.00 Drives Most LCD's

Experimeters NO LCD $27.50 See Below

LightWeight NO LCD $22.50 Details

SHIPPING: USA $2.99, DX $2.99 to $12.50
New Lightweight Counter kit for economical WorldWide Shipping

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Photos below show configuration With Backlit LCD


Note: NO SMT (Surface mount) parts.
Green & Blue LCD's are identical, same size, the only difference is the color
(Both have hi efficiency LED backlights which only draw ~10mA)
FLAT S/H only $2.99 per order anywhere in the USA

Experimenters version: This version is offered to those who wish to experiment with different LCD types. This new design supports LCD's that require a negative LCD contrast voltage.  This is done, NOT using a switching supply, but a simple ground offset mechanism.  Simply, from a 12V power source we generate +1.4v and +6.4 volts using a linear regulator.  (see schematic below) The LCD and logic have thier ground tied to the +1.4v, and power tied to +6.4v thus they see +5v.  A connection to the real ground appers to be -1.4 volts to them.  When people are selling LCDs they rarely mention the fact that they require a negative voltage, but you run into them from time to time.  Also many LCD's contrast is temperature sensitive, and LCD that looks fine at room temperatire, will need a negative contrast voltage at low temperature. The experimenters version also includes a higher power voltage regulator for LCDs that require up to 100mA of backlight current. The experminers version is sold without an LCD.

This version $27.50 (No LCD)

LCDs: I will likley not be stocking any other LCDs. There are many different colors and sizes available on ebay for very low prices.  Just about any of the character LCDs will work. The firmware supports 8x2, 16x1, and 16x2 displays, anything larger will work, but the extra lines/digits will be blank. (It will not work with graphics LCDs, or glass only)

PCB Dimension are approx 3.1 in x 1.4 inches, which is about the same as most 16x1 and 16x2 displays.
The small 8x2 Display shown in the picture below is about 1.5in x 1.3in
The displays with a 2 row connecter are easiest to remote with standard flat flex cable and IDC connectors.