Streacom VU1 Dynamic Analogue Dials

The Streacom VU1 modernises retro display tech with its unique e-ink feature, turning it from a single-purpose device into a versatile tool.

VU1 Starter Kit in Silver

The Streacom VU1 are a modern take on retro display technology and 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 they 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 is 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.

One DIAL, Unlimited Use Case

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.

What is the difference between the products available?

To understand the difference, it’s essential to know that there are two models of VU1, a HUB and a DIAL. Both look identical and have a moving coil, e-ink and LEDs, but the VU1 HUB critically contains a USB port that allows you to connect the VU1 to your PC. Connecting VU1 DIALs to your PC without a VU1 HUB is impossible. The singular DIALs are for customers who already have a VU1 HUB and want to add another display.

Rear view of Starter Kit, showing three dials and one hub

PLEASE NOTE: The Hub is currently not available as a separate product. We are hoping they will be available later in the year.