|
Product:
|
Matrix Orbital MX412 USB LCD |
|
Price:
|
Matrix Orbital MX412 USB LCD Display - $155 (CAN) / $119 (U.S)
|
|
Price:
|
Internal 2 Foot USB Cable - $12 (CAN) / $9 (U.S)
|
|
Price:
|
MX Indicator LED Bus - $18 (CAN) / $13 (U.S)
|
|
Supplied By:
|
Matrix Orbital
|
|
Author:
|
Hi-TEK
|
|
Date:
|
September 24th, 2004
|
|
Rating:
|
|
MODTHEBOX would like to thank Adam from Matrix Orbital
for sending the MX412 USB LCD for review.
Introduction:
The transition to more advanced computing platforms has forced consumers to re-think overall system design.
In the past, most individuals were satisfied with assembling their components in any standard computer case
without an after thought about cooling requirements and monitoring options. The purchase of high-end components
has introduced several different factors that must be considered to eliminate any potential problems that
might appear in the future. Cooling continues to rate high on the list in order to control temperatures and keep a system
stable. To compliment cooling, manufacturers have introduced a wide variety of intelligent display devices
that are both hardware and software based. The advantage of an intelligent display device is the ability to
interactivity know how well a computer system is performing. Matrix Orbital based out of Calgary, Alberta
has been producing a wide range of popular intelligent LCD units for the last several years. The company has
recently released its new MX series available in 20x2 and 20x4 formats. Today in MTB Labs, we will be evaluating
the Matrix Orbital MX412 USB LCD; the latest consumer based intelligent display for home computer use.
Specifications:
The Matrix Orbital MX412 USB LCD is available in 5 color formats such as Green backlit, White backlit,
Inverse Blue backlit, Inverse Red Backlit and Inverse Green Backlit each with your choice of a black or
silver faceplate. The Matrix Orbital MX412 USB LCD is designed to reside in two 5.25" bays and ships
with an integrated 15-button keypad for easy control and boasts a newly adapted USB interface along
with 4 newly adapted temperature probes. Also included in the review package were several add-on
products such as the MX Indicator LED Bus and Internal/External USB cable. Here are some specifications
taken from the Matrix Orbital website:
|
Matrix Orbital MX412 USB LCD - Appearance Features:
|
| Matrix Orbital MX412 USB LCD: Manufactured by Matrix Orbital |
| 20 characters x 4 lines |
| Module size: 98.0mm (L) x 60.0mm(W) x 24.4mm (T) |
| Display size: 76.3mm (L) x 25.0mm (W) |
| Character size: 2.95 x 4.75mm |
| Display colour: Blue Backlight Display |
| Attractive and durable (coated rust-resistant steel mounting bracket; Lexan faceplate) |
|
Functional Capabilities:
|
| Variable brightness backlight |
| Software and manual on CDROM |
| Memory chip saves settings |
| Available in a PC drive bay insert |
|
Interfaces & Speed:
|
| Interface with up to 24-key keypad |
| Use 6 General Purpose Outputs |
| Communicate over USB |
| USB mode : 19.2 Kbps using VCP or direct USB 1.0 or 2.0 communication |
| Fully buffered - no delays in transmission |
|
Power Requirements:
|
| Supply Voltage: +4.75 to +5.25Vdc |
| Supply Current: 25mA typical |
| Backlight Supply Current: 115mA typical |
|
Click image for larger view
|
Click image for larger view
|
|
The Matrix Orbital MX412 USB LCD ships in a simple white corrugated cardboard box with the Matrix Orbital
name and logo branded across the top. Opening of the box revealed all contents to be neatly and tightly
packaged together. Inside the package were all the necessary items for installation along with some
accessories which include the following:
- 1 x Matrix Orbital MX412 USB LCD
- 1 x Internal USB Cable
- 1 x MX Indicator LED BUS
- 1 x Case Badge
- 4 x Dallas DS182S20 Temperature Probes
- 1 x User Guide and CD
|
|
Click image for larger view
|
Click image for larger view
|
|
Included in the retail packaging are Matrix Orbital MX412 USB LCD, a copy of the popular LCDC software
which will be featured later on in the review, and a quick start guide that covers the package inspection,
drive bay installation and software registration. As a bundled accessory, an Internal USB cable was
included. The Internal USB cable measures 2 feet and gives users the option of powering the Matrix
Orbital MX412 USB LCD directly from an internal USB header on their motherboard as opposed to using an
external USB header. Users will have to wire the pins on one of the headers according to their
motherboard's specifications. Additional accessories also include the MX Indicator LED Bus, ribbon cable
and a drilling template.
|
|
