VFD functionality successfully integrated into Gaugecontroller

VFDStandalone/Pinout.md

@@ -0,0 +1,56 @@
+# Pinout
+
+This project uses an Arduino Mega 2560 with an `HV5812P` high-voltage shift register / latch driver.
+
+The sketch in [VFDStandalone.ino](/home/adebaumann/development/arduino_gauge_controller/VFDStandalone/VFDStandalone.ino:1) currently expects these logic connections.
+
+## Arduino Mega 2560 -> HV5812P
+
+| Mega Pin | Mega Function | HV5812P Signal | Notes |
+|---|---|---|---|
+| `D51` | `MOSI` | `DATA` / `DIN` | Serial data into the HV5812P |
+| `D52` | `SCK` | `CLOCK` / `CLK` | Shift clock |
+| `D53` | `SS` | `LATCH` / `STROBE` | Transfers shifted bits to the outputs |
+| `D49` | GPIO | `BLANK` / `OE` | Optional. Set `kHvBlankPin = -1` in the sketch if unused |
+| `GND` | Ground | Logic `GND` | Mega and HV5812P logic ground must be common |
+
+## HV5812P Outputs -> VFD Tube
+
+| HV5812P Output | Function |
+|---|---|
+| `HVOut1` | Segment `A` |
+| `HVOut2` | Segment `B` |
+| `HVOut3` | Segment `C` |
+| `HVOut4` | Segment `D` |
+| `HVOut5` | Segment `E` |
+| `HVOut6` | Segment `F` |
+| `HVOut7` | Segment `G` |
+| `HVOut8` | Decimal point segment |
+| `HVOut9` | Alarm bell segment |
+| `HVOut10` | Digit grid 1 |
+| `HVOut11` | Digit grid 2 |
+| `HVOut12` | Digit grid 3 |
+| `HVOut13` | Digit grid 4 |
+| `HVOut14` | Indicator grid between digits 2 and 3 |
+
+## Serial Input Format
+
+Examples supported by the sketch:
+
+- `1234` -> digits only
+- `1234.` -> decimal point on
+- `1234!` -> alarm bell on
+- `1234.!` -> decimal point and alarm bell on
+
+## Power and Safety Notes
+
+- The Arduino `5V` pin is for the logic side only.
+- The HV5812P also needs its required logic supply and high-voltage supply per the datasheet.
+- The VFD filament, grid, and segment high-voltage wiring are separate from the Arduino logic pins.
+- Do not connect any high-voltage VFD node directly to the Arduino Mega.
+- If the blanking behavior is inverted on your board, change `kBlankActiveHigh` in the sketch.
+
+## Important
+
+This file names the functional signals on the `HV5812P`, not the package pin numbers.
+If you want a package-pin wiring table too, I can add one once you confirm the exact datasheet variant / package orientation you are using.