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Developed in collaboration with Saša Karanović, the VU1 is a modern take on this retro display technology. What makes the VU1 different from other dials is the inclusion of an e-ink display that transforms what would be a dedicated and singular application device into something far more versatile. For those unfamiliar, e-ink displays are commonly used in e-readers and give a ‘paper-like’ experience as they have high contrast and don’t emit any light. Using this as the dial face allows it to be repurposed on the fly, changing the units and graduations to represent entirely different metrics.
In addition to the moving coil and e-ink, we have included RGB lighting but unlike its typical superfluous inclusion on almost everything PC related, these have a practical function. As e-ink displays are passive (don’t emit any light), they can’t be viewed in total darkness, so the RGB is used to provide illumination to the dial face and provide an extra colour-based dial value indicator.
Powering the VU1 is a robust open-source platform that has been designed from the ground up to be easy to implement so that support can be natively added to virtually any application. Rather than try to develop a parallel or competing application for every possible use case (which would also be impossible), we provide the Server App that acts as the gateway. With the use of industry-standard REST API, 3rd party developers and the community we help grow will create new and innovative uses for the dials.
A separate website dedicated to the VU1, 3rd party integration, community plugins and a discussion/support forum will be available at vudials.com
The VU1 is housed in a 55mm cube, machined from extruded aluminium and finished with our signature sandblasted & anodised surface giving it a premium look and solid feel. There are two types of device, a HUB and a DIAL and whilst they share the same design and construction, the HUB features an additional USB port for connectivity to the device that will be supplying power and data, e.g. your PC or Raspberry Pi.
Aluminium Body, Glass Front
Each Dial, Excluding Cables
Type-C Connectors, USB2.0 and VCB Protocols
HUB:Type A to C 1.2m, DIAL: Type C to C 0.3m
Rear M3 Mount + Included Feet
Fully configurable dial face illumination
Limited by USB Power Delivery Per Port
Monochrone, 200x144, 188dpi
Server runs on almost anything, Demo App Windows Only
Bus update time. E-ink update is 5-8 sec / dial
1 x HUB, 3 x DIAL, Silver - SKU: ST-VU1S-SR4 Black - SKU: ST-VU1B-SR4
4 x DIAL, Silver - SKU: ST-VU1S-EX4 Black - SKU: ST-VU1B-EX4
Silver - SKU: ST-VU1S-HUB Black - SKU: ST-VU1B-HUB
Silver - SKU: ST-VU1S-DIAL Black - SKU: ST-VU1B-DIAL
ONE DIAL, UNLIMITED USE CASES
What makes the VU1 special is the ability to instantly redefine what the output of each dial represents, the label, the graduation, the units, everything about the face can be changed thanks to the e-ink display.
Machined from extruded aluminium and finished with our signature sandblasted & anodised surface the VU1 has a premium look and solid feel.
A single USB cable from your device to the HUB is all it takes to power multiple DIALS thanks to the daisy chain topology that utilises standard USB cables adding additional DIALS is easy and flexible.
The VU1 was envisioned to primarily be used as a desk accessory and features non-slip strips on the bottom for this purpose. We also include a angled stand with every HUB/DIAL that provides an alternative viewing angle should that be preferred.
In addition to these ‘standard’ uses, the VU1 features an M3 mounting point on the back that allows for mounting is alternative scenarios and applications.
The dedicated VU1 website will soon be available at vudials.com
