Alphabets

Welcome to the public repository of the second edition (V2) of Alphabets, an open-source modular split-flap display. Each module shows one character, and modules can be arranged together to display messages. For information about the first release from 2014, see V1. Please also check the YouTube videos

The two V2 versions

In this repository you will find two V2 versions: V2 Prototype and V2 Final. They are complete, incompatible physical profiles; each has its own stickers, cards, drum and enclosure, and their parts must not be mixed.

• V2 Prototype is for myself. A while ago I printed ten module sticker sets in Dubai and I am using those for prototyping. Of course might use those too. When new V2 Final sticker and card batches are available I will no longer develop this variant.
• V2 Final is the supported target for new batches. The expanded character map for the German-speaking DACH region (Germany, Austria and Switzerland) and Nordic languages requires more vertical artwork space, so this version uses taller stickers and cards with a matching drum and enclosure.

See the V2 physical variants for the exact parts and dimensions belonging to each version.

[!WARNING] UNDER HEAVY DEVELOPMENT — NOT READY FOR USE OR FABRICATION. The V2 Final enclosure has a recorded print check, but the complete mechanism, Prototype enclosure, electronics and production process are not physically validated. Do not order, print, cut or assemble multiple parts without checking the dimensions and validating one complete module. Never mix files between the Prototype and Final folders.

What's new in V2

• 120% pure awesomeness.
• 64 cards with international character set.
• Custom colors: Request custom colored modules and custom characters.
• Build your own or order a kit or ready built module.
• No more gears, direct drive motor
• 3D Printed enclosure
• Entirely designed with widely adopted open source software.
• Assemble in multiple layouts of rows and columns.
• Networked electronics: Connect from one to infinite(*) modules together.
• Web based interface: Control your modules interactively with your web browser.

(*) Not really

TOC

This table of contents documents V2 Final.

• Mechanical
  • Cards
  • Stickers
  • Drum
  • Enclosure
• Electronics
  • Motors
  • Module Board
  • Motherboard
  • Chaining and cables
• Software and Architecture
  • Protocol
  • Module embedded software
  • Motherboard embedded software
  • Web interface

See the documentation index for the same guide with the current implementation status of each part.

License

Except where a file or directory states otherwise, Alphabets' original source code, firmware, electronics designs, mechanical designs, documentation, and generated project artifacts are licensed under the MIT License. Copyright (c) 2014-2026 The Beach Lab.

Every commentable file carries a copyright and SPDX license header. JSON, VS Code workspace, and native KiCad files embed the same fields as document data so the declaration travels with them. Blender, FreeCAD, OpenType, SVG, PDF, PNG, JPEG, ZIP, STEP, DXF, binary STL, Gerber, and Excellon files also use embedded metadata or standard comments and do not need duplicate sidecars. Only formats without a safely interoperable embedded mechanism use an adjacent .license file. Legacy and bundled third-party sources retain their actual notices and licenses.