Before working on your PC, unplug it. Follow the instructions in the user manual for gaining access to the inside and removing the drive-bay cover. VFD-220DB fits a standard 5.25" drive bay (cover dimensions approximately 5-7/8" x 1-7/8").
BE CAREFUL while working inside the PC. Sharp, unfinished sheetmetal can hurt you!
A wiring harness is included with this package. It should already be connected to the VFD driver board; if not, plug it onto the 5-pin connector on the back of the VFD. Don't worry about polarity; the connector is reversible. Next slide the display into the drive bay. Connect the white plastic power connector to a spare hard-drive power connector. No spare connector? Use a Y-adapter such as Jameco PN 28353. Connect the DE9 female connector to an available comm port. This wire will likely have to snake around the back of the case--make sure that the wire doesn't get pinched or chafed.
Set both configuration switches on the VFD interface board to the ON position. (Note that the interface board is upside-down in this application--look closely at the switches when setting them.) This makes the display ready to accept configuration data at 9600 baud. Before putting the PC completely back together, plug it in and power it up.
When the PC is turned on, the VFD will display "Configuration Mode." In this mode you can set non-volatile configuration items like a startup screen, default brightness, etc.
The config software is pretty obvious, but you may want to review the user manual for additional information on anything that seems unclear.
Run the configuration software to set up the display, then turn the PC back off and unplug it.
Before you button up the access panel for the last time, you may want to secure the display in the drive bay with one or more of the supplied screws. Line the display up in the bay opening, then look for a screw hole or slot that aligns with holes in the display mount. Secure with one of the self-tapping (sharp) screws.
If you plan to reconfigure the display's EEPROM frequently, you may wish to leave it loose in the drive bay like a drawer. Conversely, if the PC will be moved or jostled frequently, secure the display with as many screws as you can find suitable holes for.
Close the access panel. You're done.