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PC stat screen? — Parallax Forums

PC stat screen?

logan996logan996 Posts: 281
edited 2010-05-12 01:05 in Propeller 1
i always thought it would be cool hgaving one of these (http://www.thinkgeek.com/computing/accessories/7e3e/zoom/) but they are sooo expensive! would it be possible to make a pro looking one with the prop with a software for it? if so then you could probably get a cheap screen and hookup the extra pins by yourself and make this a project that everyone can do by posting instructions (or instructables [noparse]:D[/noparse])

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Comments

  • Oldbitcollector (Jeff)Oldbitcollector (Jeff) Posts: 8,091
    edited 2010-05-07 22:03
    You sure could! I see a fun Propeller project that could be done with the Parallax 4 line serial LCD, or even
    a standard 4 line LCD (4bit mode). (Uses a few more datalines) The USB connection to the PC would be the Propeller
    programming connector.

    Sounds like a fun starter project.. [noparse]:)[/noparse]

    Edit:

    Here's the Obex link to the 4bit driver.
    obex.parallax.com/objects/113/

    Here's the software for the PC side.
    lcdsmartie.sourceforge.net/

    OBC

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    Post Edited (Oldbitcollector) : 5/7/2010 10:17:56 PM GMT
  • logan996logan996 Posts: 281
    edited 2010-05-08 00:46
    hey OBC would i be able to power it off a USB port, my propplug kit doesn't let me use the pwer of of the USB, i forget why ? i was thinking of having a USB mini plug on the side so that it looks nice and is portable, and do you know how to program in VB or C# or even C++, or actulley hgow to make a pc driver?

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  • MicrocontrolledMicrocontrolled Posts: 2,461
    edited 2010-05-09 01:38
    I can program in VB 2008, but only for simple graphic interfaces and I focus mainly on the PC to microcontroller interface.
    You are not using the PC USB power simply because that pin is not connected as part of the prop plug. The FTDI chip uses it, but there is not socket to allow the prop to use it.

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  • logan996logan996 Posts: 281
    edited 2010-05-09 01:48
    well i was thinking of making a permanet application, so i think it would be possible to route the power for both

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  • heaterheater Posts: 3,370
    edited 2010-05-09 01:57
    Linux users could look here lcdproc.omnipotent.net/ for a package that displays system status on an LCD.

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  • computer guycomputer guy Posts: 1,113
    edited 2010-05-09 02:10
    I can program in VB.NET and would be happy to write the PC side software for you if you would like.
    Then all you have to do is hook a Parallax 4 line LCD up to a prop and then the prop to the PC via a prop plug/clip and write the propeller code.

    What features would you like in the software? e.g. CPU, Memory, Temperatures, Ebay Items, Outlook email, etc.

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  • logan996logan996 Posts: 281
    edited 2010-05-09 02:16
    i dont know, i really do't know. I want to maybe have a button on it to display things like current pc usage and internet speed, etc. but then be able to see other things like maybe stats for a game (i don't play any but just in case) i think id be cool to be able to press the button and be able to display something else. I also think im going to attach a non parallax LCD so i can have a bigger one that is cheaper (parallax has crazy prices!) i don't know, but it would a cool project to develop on the fourms and then to release how to make one.

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  • computer guycomputer guy Posts: 1,113
    edited 2010-05-11 09:54
    I almost have the software done tongue.gif
    I reckon I will test it with a BS2 and 4 line LCD soon.

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  • logan996logan996 Posts: 281
    edited 2010-05-11 10:21
    lol, you already made it? lol, i'm still thinking about how i am going to lay it out and everything, and what screen to use

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  • computer guycomputer guy Posts: 1,113
    edited 2010-05-11 11:04
    The software, yes. smile.gif

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  • computer guycomputer guy Posts: 1,113
    edited 2010-05-11 13:12
    Would be cool to use a colour screen so that you could display album artwork and stuff too.

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  • logan996logan996 Posts: 281
    edited 2010-05-12 00:51
    yea, i might do that in the future but now i think i am just going to attempt a regualar one just to prove a point that you can make a cheaper one with the prop, and computer guy do you think you could make a quick program for the prop for your software? i am still learning the basics of the prop and don't know how to program anything really yet, but i am going to design the chip. I tink i am going to mount the prop and FTDI chip on the back of the LCD (both SMD) and i think im going to make it so you plug a USB a to b mini cable in to interface it. LASTLY i thnk i am going to provide some copper plates/traces at the bottom of the finsidhed pcb (if i get that far) so that if i want i can accces the the other pins for other stuff

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  • logan996logan996 Posts: 281
    edited 2010-05-12 00:52
    Real quick are you british too computer guy? i was just curioius beacause of the way you spelled color lol

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  • computer guycomputer guy Posts: 1,113
    edited 2010-05-12 01:05
    I am Australian, we spell it "colour" but I alternate because I'm used to spelling it "color" when I program.
    Would be more than happy to write some propeller code to complement my software.

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