[wagonman76]

Thanks dcb, that really helps if I need to do that. Looks similar to an interface cable I made once for my calculator.

I tried things one by one, and it appears that the 2N3906 transistor circuit was making it flake out. Switches and display power connected I got 5.03 volts. Without the transistor connected but display signals connected I got 4.98 volts. With the transistor connected I got 4.87 volts and screwing up after a few minutes (maybe it takes a moment for it to heat up and start leeching power and screwing up). Disconnecting my secondary transistor didnt make a difference, I tried that first.

So what I did was abandon the 2N3906 circuit, and rewire my NPN transistor as the only one. (I posted earlier in the release one workspace thread about what it takes to make this oddball display dim.) I put the control leg to digital pin 9, and break the display ground with the other 2 pins. Forgot what theyre called, but I know it is the correct order. I didnt use a resistor on the control leg.

I ended up with an extremely bright display that still gave me 4.97 volts left over. I knew it would do this, so I took the list of numbers and subtracted them from 255 and reflashed the program, that was the quickest way. The dimming acts normal now. Even with the pwm putting out the full 5v at 255 to dim my display fully, it still gives 4.98 volts left over.

And both in the car AND on the bench so far, it appears to work like a million bucks. I got a feeling I fixed it. Ill let you know tomorrow if I have any more glitches.

Thank you so much for all your help.