Xpantastic!

Hi, here are the specs:

Xpander Displays

Part Number = FG405A2 or FG405B2-9DM
Description = Alphanumeric Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD)- 14 Seg w/Dec., 
Underscore
Manufacturer = Noritake
Package Style (Basic) = DIP
Color = Blue Green
Number of Digits = 40
Character Height (mm) = 5
P(D)seg Max.(W) Power Dissp. = 28m
Vsup Nom.(V) Supply Voltage = 10
Lv Typ.(fL) Luminance = 200
@Vsup (V) TEST CONDITION = 45
Package = DIP

Detailed Document:
http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/xpantastic/files/Documents/

David Hawkins from Noritake-Itron tells the following: "We have a 1-row x 40 character x 
5mm VFD glass and module available, but they are totally different from the FG405A2 and 
FG405B2-9DM as on the latest products the Driver IC is built in to the glass envelope. I 
have attached the specifications for both the DN4015B VFD glass and the CU406-
KTW220A VFD module for your information. To try and build a 40 character display using 
other Itron products is not really practical, there is a significant amount of glass area 
between the display areas. It would look very strange unless you can split the message in 
two?"  So, we are needing an adapter for any other type of display. John Pallister in New 
Zealand had some plans to build such electronics maybe later.

... Try to ask people you know have owned Matrix-12 or Xpander. Some still have got 
spare parts. In practice, it is almost impossible to find these displays anymore anywhere, 
unless you'll buy an other Xpander for spare parts.

I however was most lucky to got one new display from Theo Bloderer, but it was the only 
one he had, so don't disturb him anymore. See: http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/xpantastic/files/Pictures/

I have been told that a repair guy bought the whole last stock of dislays from the factory 
of Noritake. You'll find his contact information below. According to my experience he is 
not anwering to emails. If you are lucky enough to get into contact with him, please, ask 
him to make several of his spare displays for sale here! You are not the only person badly 
needing these components, which obviously are not available due to this guy. I was told 
that he is selling the parts only, if you'll let your Xpander be repaired by him. Please, let us 
know, if you find out something else.  

ARMEN'S REPAIR SHOP
251 W 30th St 1st Floor
New York NY 10001
Tel: 212-563-4514
Fax: 212-563-5310
armenpounch@...