HC-OSD — High-Contrast On-Screen Display system using the Parallax Propeller MCU, designed by Terry Hitt of iElectronicDesigns.

HC-OSD

The HC-OSD (High-Contrast On-Screen Display) is a video overlay module based on the Parallax Propeller microcontroller. Designed by Terry Hitt of iElectronicDesigns, this board enables live text and graphics to be superimposed over analog video signals — ideal for UAVs, robotics, and telemetry systems.

HC-OSD Module

Overview

The HC-OSD provides crisp, legible on-screen graphics that can display sensor data, system status, or any live telemetry in real time. The Propeller MCU handles composite video generation, overlay timing, and serial communication from external controllers.

Key Features

  • Propeller-based composite video overlay controller.
  • Accepts NTSC and PAL video input formats.
  • Displays text, graphics, and telemetry in real time.
  • RS-232 or TTL serial data input from external devices.
  • Compact module suitable for embedded integration.

Specifications

Video InputComposite (1V p-p, 75Ω)
Video OutputComposite with overlay
MicrocontrollerParallax P8X32A
InterfaceSerial (RS-232 / TTL)
Power5 VDC, ~150 mA

Applications

  • UAV telemetry and FPV systems.
  • Industrial monitoring overlays.
  • Sensor and instrumentation data displays.
  • Video-assisted control systems.

Resources

For integration support or OEM inquiries, contact info@igniteautomation.com.