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Actually, I'm already using the MAX7219, because it does save so much work and there are easily-available libraries to drive it.? The reason I liked the display I'm using is that it's the right size (about 1-1/2" / 35mm wide), and has some separate indicator LEDs built in.? If they do run out, I'll just plant some smaller 4-digit displays directly on the board, along with some separate indicators.? This is all inside a chassis anyway, used for setup, configuration, and calibration, so it doesn't need to meet up with a fancy front panel.

One of the advantages of providing niche products is that they're not particularly sensitive to component pricing; most of the unit price goes to amortize the original engineering.? In most cases, there simply isn't a competitive product available, and other ways of accomplishing the customer's job are far more expensive, so everybody wins.

Thanks for the pointer to this display, though - having a couple of these around for quick knock-together projects could be pretty handy!
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Mark Moulding

Actually, I'm already doing a re-spin of the product, to make it more environmentally robust, use a better A-D converter (the one I'm using now has caused many problems), and fully isolate an RS-485 interface.? I'll still need to produce a limited number of my existing design, in order to support spares for existing installations, but in the future I'll "mass"-produce only the newer version.

So, although it wasn't my original intention, I'll see what I can do about changing to a more off-the-shelf display.? A quick perusal of DigiKey doesn't turn up *any* 7- or 8-digit displays, and the 4-digit ones start at about twice the size (and twice the price, and I'd need two), but I'll keep looking.

In the meantime, if a smaller quantity would help out, I'm sure I can spare a few (or a few dozen, probably - I'll check my stock the next time i get to my warehouse). Contact me off-list and we can work out the details.
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Mark Moulding