Using the Parallax 27979 - 4 x 20 LCD with the spinneret

Brandon_L

For my project I decided I wanted the 4 x 20 LCD to display full network stats. I'm working on a Mac and by default there is no Serial Terminal. If your on a Mac I suggest getting CoolTerm it's a fine serial terminal program on the Mac or Windows. I have attached the Hello World Demo as a Zip file here and uploaded more example screens. A 2 line display could be used but I find 4 lines more user friendly. I will adda a button to toggle through information, some screens will show based on server activity and at least two will alternate as a "screen saver". The LCD is hooked to J6 on the Spinneret. Everything used will come from parallax. Below is a link to a flicker library of sample screens.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/51037280@N08/sets/72157626354550619/

Questions and comment welcomed.

Thanks

Brandon

Brandon_L

By the way - CAUTION! you must use 5V to power the LCD & Spinneret - higher voltage could damage the LCD.

chris jones

how did you get the ip's to show is that static data ?

Brandon_L

The data is static - this was done to show the potential use - However it would just require small changes to out put from existing code to P22. It's already going out as serial data on the "terminal" pin. the output command is like this:

LCD.str(string("Hello world.1"))

could be

LCD.str(string("IP: ",ip[0],".",ip[1],".",ip[2],".",ip[3])
LCD.tx(148) ' Postion to Line 2

I'd have to test that syntax but it's a few extra lines of code. It is driven by the spinneret in the pictures and is using the attached code. I think it will just take adding the object in other projects, and tweaking it. This is more like Web Appliances I've worked with before, I also have a other projects that output lots of data in realtime.

Brandon_L

OK the server is back up with the LCD Driver running on the Server. Right now the information is static but I'm working on getting the syntax to pull this from variables.

Brandon_L

The LCD Display is Live on the server Displaying from the local data - No Longer Static!

I've attached my code
Easy Webserver DEMO4-MOD.zip
Enjoy!

Brandon_L

I thought I'd update my photos. I have worked with my design partner and came up with a holder for the server and the LCD. Here are the latest photos.

Enjoy!