Hi. Does anyone know a very cheap PIC I can use and an lcd which can be used in conjunction?

 

All PICs are cheap Tell us more about the LCD instead. What kind of interface does it have. Then we can guide you on the rest. By the way do have access to a programmer.

 

Well the lcd needs to be a minimum of 1 line and about 25 characters.

 

look for LCD displays at Sparkfun Electronics (Make sure they are HD4478 Ccompatible)... they have a lot of different options to choose from....

as for pic's any should work for you as long as they have enough pins to accommodate all the connections to the LCD, plus what ever else you are planning on connecting such as switches, LED's, etc...


My .02

 

I suggest you find a LCD first. Then you have selected a LCD we can help with the PIC part. Then you have found a LCD, post the data sheet or a link to it here. Else our advice will only end up as shoot in the dark.

 

Ok. I'm considering the following lcd. http://www.farnell.com/datasheets/355518.pdf

 

What ere you planning to build? For that display you will need maximum 11 signals to control the unit. You may get away with fewer signals. I used Google and could not find out any more. Anyway you must select a PIC that fits your programmer unit.

 

Well the lcd needs to be a minimum of 1 line and about 25 characters.

Ok. I'm considering the following lcd. http://www.farnell.com/datasheets/355518.pdf

That display is 2 lines of 8 characters.

The 16F628A can work with it.

 

Well the lcd needs to be a minimum of 1 line and about 25 characters.

The LCD you picked does not meet your MINIMUM requirements of about 25 Chars.... 2x8 = 16 chars....

I have some 2x20 LCD's with EL backlight for $9.00 + shipping.... They have a nice Stainless steel bezel trim and they are HD4478 compatible displays.....

Let me know if interested.....

My .02




My .02

 

and check this out, so cool, 1 pic pin to drive an lcd http://www.electro-tech-online.com/micro-controllers/99634-shift1-system-drives-lcd-1-pic-pin.html

 

BMorse, that display is too long for 20 chars, looks like 40 chars length (and the image is named 2x40 too)...

Russ, thanks for the mention!

 

BMorse, that display is too long for 20 chars, looks like 40 chars length (and the image is named 2x40 too)...

Russ, thanks for the mention!

Yeah, my bad.... it is a 2 x 40 display (I have about 50 of these brand new still in manufacturers packaging... we switched over to VFD displays, and now I have a surplus stock of these LCD's, normally around $45.00, but I have been throwing them on ebay for $12.00 a piece + shipping...)

 

How readable are they without having the EL backlight on?? And do you have any spec on the volts/amps needed for the EL backlight? And physical dimensions would be handy too.

 

I've been using this guys LCD's, they don't show a 1 liner but they have 2 and 4 lines and they are pretty cheap. I was happy.
http://shop.ebay.com/fcb_electronic...t=0&_trksid=p3911.m270.l1313&_odkw=&_osacat=0

Actually now that I look at it, is this you BMorse?

 

I've been using this guys LCD's, they don't show a 1 liner but they have 2 and 4 lines and they are pretty cheap. I was happy.
http://shop.ebay.com/fcb_electronic...t=0&_trksid=p3911.m270.l1313&_odkw=&_osacat=0

Actually now that I look at it, is this you BMorse?

Nope, not me, but I do have a few of those LCD's I mentioned on there
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230404948464&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT



THE_RB, I will look those specs up tonight and let you know...... they are actually very readable without the backlight (contrast is pretty good), but in a dimly lit area, some backlighting does help, I have modified some with LED backlights and those are not too bad either (Plus you can make the back light any color with LED's, you can add filters with the EL for other shades of color, but not as cool looking as LED's.....)

 

ahh ok I thought it may be you since you both say from Michigan.

 

Thanks!

 

this sounds an interesting pic project, any examples of code and tutorials you would use to drive this?

 

Ok, took a look at the specs (took me long enough to find the datasheet in my files!!)

Anyway the EL backlight specs are:
Voltage = min. 100/ max. 150 Vrms
current = min. 4.3 / max. 9.0 mA
frequency = min. 400 / max. 800 Hz
1/2 Life brightness = min. 2500 / max. 3000 Hrs

I will be putting together a little project showing how to use these LCD's with a PIC (have not decided which pic yet, I might just use the pic16F628A.) I also have some EL driver IC's from sipex and another company that I will also be trying (I get a lot of samples from companies when they have new IC's come out.) I might just post it in a blog as a project or I might put it into the Projects forum.... what do you guys think?


B. Morse

 

yes please. especially using the 16f628a.

BTW I was having a look at your site. very impressive engineering IMO. especially your 3 axis cnc drill.