Pointers for Raspberry Pi LED display project

Hello, all! For a school project I am tasked with creating a prototype product. I have decided to create a Raspberry Pi-powered LED display for a rear windshield of a car, but I need a few pointers. I'm looking for a relatively big LED sign (around 2' x 6") compatible with the Pi, preferably by USB. My goal is to have several pre-programmed messages activated by the button press of a keyboard (or other input device), all through a bash script.

Any ideas whereabouts I should look for a sign? And would a bash script do the job?

Originally Posted by Sudonix Hello, all! For a school project I am tasked with creating a prototype product.

So what have you done so far other than asking here?

Originally Posted by Sudonix Any ideas whereabouts I should look for a sign?

Amazon. I found something I could adapt/drive to display a choice of messages with a single button press in about 5 minutes of searching.

Originally Posted by Sudonix And would a bash script do the job?

Sure, it's your project, why not!

Originally Posted by TenTenths So what have you done so far other than asking here? Amazon. I found something I could adapt/drive to display a choice of messages with a single button press in about 5 minutes of searching. Sure, it's your project, why not!

I feel I have given a wrong impression. I've done a lot of researching myself already. What I'm having trouble with is knowing exactly what will work with my Pi. Most signs I've come across are simply powered by USB, and have a built in computer. All of the tutorials I've found have been DIY on a breadboard, which I do not have the expertise or knowledge of doing. I'm asking here hoping someone has some knowledge of what type of sign to look for, and what I'd need to do to feed said sign information.

I hope I've clarified myself.

I really fucking hate when people who have been around for a while feel the need to be condescending to newbies looking for help. Really makes the rest of the community look bad.

Originally Posted by Sudonix Any ideas whereabouts I should look for a sign?

Finding specific hardware is always a bit of a chore. Searching around the interwebs is usually your best bet. I don't know if part suppliers like Digikey/Mouser/etc would have something like what you're after but they'd probably be a good place to start.

Originally Posted by Sudonix And would a bash script do the job?

Ya, you'd pretty much be able to do this however you felt. Pick a language you're either looking to learn or are already comfortable with. I'm not crazy familiar with interacting with USB devices but there should be plenty of tutorials out there.