VFD253 User Manual

VFD Music Spectrum / Audio Switcher / Bluetooth Receiver
User Manual
Model: VFD253
Warm Tips
  • It is best to use an independent USB power supply to connect to the VFD253. Do not share the same power adapter with the audio source, otherwise common ground noise may occur.
  • In spectrum display mode, the VFD253 will automatically display the time if there is no audio input. If time mode is selected manually, the VFD253 will only display the time.
  • When two audio sources are connected to both IN1 and IN2 at the same time, common ground noise may occasionally be generated due to different ground potentials between the two devices.
  • This situation is uncommon. If it occurs, an audio isolation module can be added before one of the audio sources.
Recommended Connection:
Audio Player → Audio Isolation Module → VFD253 (IN1 / IN2)
  • In order to achieve the best display effect, appropriate attenuation is applied to two frequency bands within 80–160 Hz.
  • During a frequency sweep test, the display height of these two frequency bands may be lower than other frequency bands. This is normal and does not indicate a fault.
Introduction
1. Multiple Functions in One Device
  • As an Audio Spectrum Analyzer: The VFD253 uses a dedicated green VFD display with 25 × 15 resolution, allowing each frequency band to be displayed clearly and accurately.
  • As a Bluetooth Receiver and Audio Switcher: Supports Bluetooth 5.0 and 3.5 mm AUX input, making it suitable for use with phones, PCs, game players, amplifiers, speakers, and other audio equipment.
  • As a High-Precision Clock: The VFD253 uses an RX8025T built-in crystal oscillator with a rated clock accuracy of ±3 ppm and an annual error of approximately within 1 minute.
2. Wide Frequency Range & Special AGC Display

The VFD253 supports an 80 Hz–16 kHz frequency range. Its high-precision display can also be used for frequency point testing.

A special AGC algorithm and customized output curve help maintain an ideal visual effect across a wide range of input signal levels. This helps prevent situations where a weak input produces almost no display or a strong input fills the entire screen.

3. Adjustable Display Effects

Gain, brightness, main light-column falling speed, peak holding time, and peak falling speed can be adjusted separately.

The VFD253 includes 5 music spectrum display modes and 2 clock display modes.

Settings support power-off memory, so they do not need to be configured again after restarting the device.

4. Convenient Desktop Design

The included remote control makes it easy to adjust settings and view changes in the music level in real time.

The CNC-machined aluminum and transparent acrylic enclosure provides a solid and compact desktop design.

How to Use
  1. Connect the USB power supply. The VFD253 will turn on automatically.
  2. According to the audio source you want to use, press the MODE key or use the corresponding audio source button on the remote control.
  3. Available input sources include: MIC / Bluetooth 5.0 / IN1 / IN2.
  4. Press the +/- keys on the front panel or the ↑ ↓ ← → buttons on the remote control to select different display modes and options.
  5. Adjust VFD brightness, spectrum falling time, peak holding time, and other parameters according to your preference.
Audio Output Note

The audio signal from the OUT interface depends on the selected audio input source.

For example, when Bluetooth input is selected, the OUT interface outputs the Bluetooth audio signal.

When MIC input is selected, the VFD253 continues to output the last connected audio source among Bluetooth / IN1 / IN2.
Bluetooth Connection

How to connect the VFD253 to a mobile phone or other Bluetooth device:

  1. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone, tablet, or computer.
  2. Search for nearby Bluetooth devices.
  3. Find and connect to:
    BT-MUSIC
  4. No password is required.
  5. Press MODE on the front panel or use the audio source button on the remote control to select BT.

After connection, music can be played from your Bluetooth device. The VFD253 will display the music spectrum and can also output the audio signal to another audio device through the OUT interface.

MIC Pickup Mode

Press MODE on the front panel or the MIC button on the remote control to select MIC as the input source.

The built-in microphone will detect music or sound in the surrounding environment and use it to drive the VFD spectrum display.

Spectrum Display Modes

The VFD253 includes 5 main music spectrum display modes.

Press ↑ / ↓ to cycle through the main modes. Each mode includes approximately 3–4 display options, which can be selected using ← / →.

① Main Beam

Main Beam → Middle to Both Sides → Main Beam Flips

② Main Beam + Peak Light

Main Beam + Peak Light → Middle to Both Sides + Peak Light → Main Beam Flips + Peak Light

③ Main Beam + Gap + Peak Light

Main Beam + Gap + Peak Light → Middle to Both Sides + Gap + Peak Light → Main Beam Flips + Gap + Peak Light

④ Main Beam + Peak Light (Move Up)

Main Beam + Peak Light (Move Up) → Middle to Both Sides + Gap + Peak Light (Move Up) → Main Beam Flips + Gap + Peak Light (Move Up)

⑤ Peak Light Only
Smooth Output Mode

Press ↑ / ↓ on the remote control to select Mode 1 (Main Beam Mode).

Then use the corresponding parameter-setting button on the remote control to turn Smooth Output Mode on or off.

Gain Adjustment

If the music signal is too strong or too weak and the spectrum display is not ideal, the gain level can be adjusted.

  1. Press ↑ / ↓ on the remote control to select spectrum display Mode 2–5.
  2. Use the corresponding parameter-setting button to adjust the gain.
  3. The VFD screen will display the corresponding gain level.
Gain Level 1: Minimum
Gain Level 5: Maximum
Clock & Time Setting

Set the VFD253 to the Hours : Minutes : Seconds clock display mode.

  1. Press the corresponding setting button on the remote control to enter time setting mode.
  2. Press ↑ / ↓ to adjust the current value.
  3. Press the setting button again to move to the next time option.
  4. Continue until all time values have been set and the setting mode exits.
Important:
The VFD253 only supports setting and displaying: Hours / Minutes / Seconds.

Year / Month / Day setting and display are not supported.
Work Modes
1. Auto Mode

The VFD displays the music spectrum when an audio signal is present.

If there is no music input for approximately 5 seconds, the display automatically switches to clock mode.

2. Clock Display Mode

When Clock Display Mode is selected manually, the VFD253 will continuously display the clock.

Clock Display: 2 Modes

3. Spectrum Display Mode

Music Spectrum Display: 5 Modes

Press ↑ / ↓ to select a main mode and ← / → to switch between available options.

Display & Adjustment Parameters
Music Display Mode
AGC + Customized Output Curve
Real Output / Smooth Output
Adjustable Items
Main Light Column Falling Speed / Peak Holding Time / Peak Falling Speed
Brightness Adjustment
5 Levels + Auto Adjustment
Gain Adjustment
5 Levels
Power-Off Memory Function
Supported
Remote Control
Supported
Technical Parameters
Model
VFD253
Display Screen
VFD (Vacuum Fluorescent Display)
Resolution
25 × 15
Supported Frequency Range
80 Hz – 16 kHz
Display
Music Spectrum / Clock
Audio Signal Input
Bluetooth 5.0 / 2 × 3.5 mm AUX / MIC
Audio Signal Output
1 × 3.5 mm AUX
Working Voltage
DC 5V
Package Dimensions (W × D × H)
184 × 75 × 66 mm / 7.24 × 2.95 × 2.60 in
Net Weight
322 g / 0.71 lb
Package Weight
500 g / 1.10 lb
Packing List
1 × VFD Spectrum
1 × USB Cable
2 × Feet Pads
1 × Remote Control
(Battery Not Included)
1 × User Manual
Button & Remote Control Guide

Please refer to the diagram below for the VFD253 button functions, interface locations, and remote-control operation.

VFD253 button functions and remote control user guide

VFD253 Button Functions & Remote Control Guide

Need Help?

If you have any questions about setting up or using your VFD253, please contact LGL Studio.

Official Website:
www.lglstudio.com

We will be happy to assist you with product setup and usage.