i just put a LCD pic project together tonight. I bought a 2x16 HD44780 compatable screen, works brilliantly.

Although i'm struggling to understand what goes on in the code. I used the code found on 'Nigel's Project' page.

 

i just put a LCD pic project together tonight. I bought a 2x16 HD44780 compatable screen, works brilliantly.

Although i'm struggling to understand what goes on in the code. I used the code found on 'Nigel's Project' page.

Yeah, actually LCD's are really not that big a deal when just dealing with these kinds.... I have never actually wrote a program in Hi-Tech C for the Pic16f877, just downloaded their lite version tonight and I already have the uc programmed! now just working on reading more about this compiler and its syntax......hmmmm... not sure why people are having such an issue (such as in other threads) seems pretty straight forward if you read the datasheets and manuals ....

I have programmed in Microchips C32 compiler for the pic32, (I also have Hi-Tech's C compiler for the Pic32, still have not opened it, been using my full version of C32 from Microchip, maybe I will put that on ebay or something ).... back to the topic.... I have never programmed in C for any other families besides the pic32 so I decided for this LCD test, I was going to use the Pic16f887 (more peripherals for expansion later) and write it in C instead of the usual assembly bit banging....

and actually they already have sample code for controlling an LCD display in 4 bit mode.... so I didn't have to do much but tweak the code to match the uc I am using, and now I just have to finish the hardware setup, already have the pic on the breadboard with all the trimmings and just need to tin the wires on the end of the cable to connect the LCD to the breadboard......

As for the EL backlight controller IC's I have on hand, each one does not meet the minimum criteria for the EL lamps already on the LCD's.... so I might have to do some figuring out to see if I can get them to at least work at the minimum requirements.... since these IC's are surface mount SO8 and 10MSOP packages , I will have to make some interface PCB's for them first.....

 

I don't need EL controllers, just sepcs on what voltage/current the EL backlight requires. Then I might be interested in some of your 2x40 LCD units.

Maybe we could do a trade? I have plenty of stuff. Have you seen these;
http://www.romanblack.com/shift1.htm

 

I don't need EL controllers, just sepcs on what voltage/current the EL backlight requires. Then I might be interested in some of your 2x40 LCD units.

Maybe we could do a trade? I have plenty of stuff. Have you seen these;
http://www.romanblack.com/shift1.htm

I posted them in post #19.....

 

Whoops sorry I missed the specs somehow. At 120v 6mA the EL should be drivable with a 2 transistor boost SMPS.

The 3000 hours half-life brightness sounds a bit annoying. I can see why you would switch over to VFD.

Is there anything you want to trade for a few displays?

 

I posted them in post #19.....

Bmorse do you need to use the EL lamp to use the LCD with no backlight? I've never messed with EL and wouldn't mind messing with it in the future. But would I still be able to use the LCD as is with no backlighting? Then in the future mess around with the EL IC's?

 

Bmorse do you need to use the EL lamp to use the LCD with no backlight? I've never messed with EL and wouldn't mind messing with it in the future. But would I still be able to use the LCD as is with no backlighting? Then in the future mess around with the EL IC's?

Yes they are usable without the EL backlighting.... I have used them before without the EL backlight and the contrast adjustment is pretty good to where you can read them pretty good....

I will try to see if I have time tonight to post some pics of the display with and without the EL on...... (The EL lamps will actually light up with just 110 VAC 60Hz, but not very bright.) I was actually in the process of removing some of the EL's from the display's and I was going to use them to make a LM3916 Driven EL VU meter for my floor mats in my truck, but thats on my long "someday I am going to make this " list

 

Whoops sorry I missed the specs somehow. At 120v 6mA the EL should be drivable with a 2 transistor boost SMPS.

The 3000 hours half-life brightness sounds a bit annoying. I can see why you would switch over to VFD.

Is there anything you want to trade for a few displays?

What do you have to trade? I checked out some of the stuff you had on the link and I didn't see anything that sparked my interest..

 

Cool have any other surplus your wanting to part with? I'm still kinda new and trying to build up a parts supply. I'll probably go ahead and grab one of those LCD's to throw in the bin.

 

Have a few of them on ebay with a buy it now price of $8.99, or you can place a bid on one and get it for lower ( You will have to wait till the auction ends though, buy it now and it will ship next day).... >> http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230404948464&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

 

Have a few of them on ebay with a buy it now price of $8.99, or you can place a bid on one and get it for lower ( You will have to wait till the auction ends though, buy it now and it will ship next day).... >> http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230404948464&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

Cool, I was referring to transistors, resistors, caps, ic's, etc.... Anything I could use to learn and play with you didn't need or use anymore. In anycase I'll pick up one of those 2x40's I have a 2x16 and 4x20 now. I'm also looking for a good cheap graphic LCD to play with. Oh and you avatar looks much better.

 

Ok, here are a couple of pics of the LCD Display, with and without the EL backlight on, now the EL is just driven with 120 VAC, 60HZ, so it is dim compared to it's normal brightness if used with the proper inverter....

 

Cool, I was referring to transistors, resistors, caps, ic's, etc.... Anything I could use to learn and play with you didn't need or use anymore.

I have so much stuff right now, I would not even now where to begin , I have been trying to make a list of all the stuff I have and it is taking me months just to get through part of it ..... I even have tons of stuff still in the original Archer packaging from Radio Shack....

 

Thats what it kinda sounded like...In anycase if you do ever make a list or post stuff on ebay let me know because I'll take some off you hands. Getting pretty tired of giving radio crap $2-$3 every day for a couple resistors with "Made in Honduras" written on them. lol j/k

 

Hi again Brent, sorry for not replying sooner I keep losing this thread. I have a ton of Shift1-LCD kits, they have PCB + everything but the PIC or LCD. They are REALLY quick to solder up and get an LCD application running in 15 minutes or so, like smart displays etc (handy because it mounts on the back of the LCD). They can even be used for tiny machine controllers using an 8pin PIC and LCD etc.

Ohterwise for trades I have a ton of parts from past manufacturing and stuff I have collected over the years, but reading above it sounds like you are in the same boat as me haha. Anyway the freight from USA to Australia might make trading not worth it...