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Sources for rugged/ all-weather keypad and LCD/LED? — Parallax Forums

Sources for rugged/ all-weather keypad and LCD/LED?

vanmunchvanmunch Posts: 568
edited 2013-10-13 07:05 in General Discussion
Sources for rugged/ all-weather keypad and LCD/LED?

Hey Everyone, I was wondering if anyone knew of a good place to find rugged/ all-weather input and LCD or LEDs? It need to work outside in Iowa all year (-25F to 110F). The closest thing I’ve found is this: http://store.ezautomation.net/product_p/ez-420.htm but it only goes down to 0F and has a built in PLC. I’d rather just use a prop. I think I'm using the wrong search terms...

Thanks for your time!

Dave

Comments

  • JordanCClarkJordanCClark Posts: 198
    edited 2013-10-11 06:52
    Didn't hit the link you posted, but you can get those with or without the PLC (I've actually bought and used both :smile:). The low temp is actually 0C(32F). That's because of the LCD performance (or CFL or VFD, depending on what's in it). You'll find that most hit that same low limit.

    You may need to consider separate components to get your low temp operation. I know Lumex makes an 'extreme temp' display, but I've never used one. They go down to -40.
  • DaveJensonDaveJenson Posts: 375
    edited 2013-10-11 07:10
    Mouser (http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Lumex/LCM-S02004DSR-D-Y/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMt7dcPGmvnkBkF%252b4jg01Mq8JzdwIeNLuvI%3d) has some in stock.. They are a bit pricey, but they are in stock and meet your extreme temperature requirements.
  • Don MDon M Posts: 1,652
    edited 2013-10-11 07:42
    Not sure what you are looking for in terms of display but I'd consider these. They are better than LCD or VFD (IMHO).

    http://www.newhavendisplay.com/oled-character-oled-c-119_576.html?zenid=2qrjuh15fa4mhs7jefmavtu3b3

    Here's the temp spec on the 4x20:

    Electrical Characteristics:

    Operating Temperature Range Absolute Max ‐40 ‐ +80* ⁰C
    Storage Temperature Range Absolute Max ‐40 ‐ +80* ⁰C

    I have used these in several projects and they are bright and easy to read in sunlight.
  • Peter KG6LSEPeter KG6LSE Posts: 1,383
    edited 2013-10-11 08:37
    as a former iowain I can relate ! .... its get brisk out there ..... . you might want to find a small heater ! ( or a few resistors ) on the back of it

    use some foil tape as a heat spreader to make all parts of the same temp .
  • vanmunchvanmunch Posts: 568
    edited 2013-10-11 08:58
    Hey Guys, Thanks for the insight. If you don't min, I have a couple of questions.

    @Don M Those displays are amazingly sharp, may I ask how you control them? There looks like there is quite the selection of objects in the exchange. Is there a particular object that you use and do you prefer using the parallel or serial interface. (I've been lucky and just using Parallax's LCDs in the past.)

    @JordanCClark Have you had any reliability issues using those? My friend who suggested that I take a look at them warned me that he ordered 10 and had to send 2 back because they were quickly failed. Maybe it's the distributor?

    @ DaveJenson Thanks for the link. That particular one says that it's 0C to 50C. I need it to be good down around -30C. Was there a different model?

    Thanks again for your help and experience!

    Dave
  • vanmunchvanmunch Posts: 568
    edited 2013-10-11 09:03
    Peter KG6LSE wrote: »
    as a former iowain I can relate ! .... its get brisk out there ..... . you might want to find a small heater ! ( or a few resistors ) on the back of it

    use some foil tape as a heat spreader to make all parts of the same temp .

    Thanks Peter! :)
  • JordanCClarkJordanCClark Posts: 198
    edited 2013-10-11 09:18
    vanmunch wrote: »
    @JordanCClark Have you had any reliability issues using those? My friend who suggested that I take a look at them warned me that he ordered 10 and had to send 2 back because they were quickly failed. Maybe it's the distributor?

    Not with these particular units, but I didn't use them in any great quantity. They had some quality problems across the board, maybe five years ago or so. My personal belief is they had lost their way as a company for a while. Quality has gotten much better since then, and I've seen new products introduced, so I think they're getting back on track.

    Apologies for the editorializing, and the slight veering OT.:innocent:

    EZ is owned by AVG, who also owns Uticor and Autotech.
  • vanmunchvanmunch Posts: 568
    edited 2013-10-11 09:47
    JordanCClark wrote: »
    Not with these particular units, but I didn't use them in any great quantity. They had some quality problems across the board, maybe five years ago or so. My personal belief is they had lost their way as a company for a while. Quality has gotten much better since then, and I've seen new products introduced, so I think they're getting back on track.

    Apologies for the editorializing, and the slight veering OT.:innocent:

    EZ is owned by AVG, who also owns Uticor and Autotech.

    May I ask where you order yours from? Do you get yours from the ezautomation.net? Parts of their website are up to date and other pages show 2009 as the copyright . Out of date copyrights are like the dust of the internet :)
  • JordanCClarkJordanCClark Posts: 198
    edited 2013-10-11 10:40
    I order direct, but I call in instead of using the website (1-877-477-3279). They recently gave me a new rep, and to be honest, I don't remember her name... don't tell her I said that though! :surprise: She's at x435.

    Documentation seems to be a bit slow updating to the website. Okay, a LOT slow. The features for most things haven't changed, so likely it's still accurate. There are other features, though, that have been added without updated documentation available on the site, mostly having to do with PLC connectivity, especially AB Compact/ControlLogix

    Speaking of connectivity, if you decide to go this route (like others have said, there's other display options out there), you'll need comms. It won't be a straight 'send an ASCII string out and it'll go' kind of operation. You'll need a protocol. One of the protocols supported is MODBUS, and luckily some bright souls here on the forum have written MODBUS objects that you can use.
  • Don MDon M Posts: 1,652
    edited 2013-10-11 10:52
    vanmunch wrote: »
    @Don M Those displays are amazingly sharp, may I ask how you control them? There looks like there is quite the selection of objects in the exchange. Is there a particular object that you use and do you prefer using the parallel or serial interface. (I've been lucky and just using Parallax's LCDs in the past.

    I use the HD44780 4 bit object to control them. There was a recent thread about reset problems using this object (not specific to the NewHaven Display) but some users posted some fixes for it. I haven't tried their fixes yet but use one of my own using a watchdog timer.

    They are very sharp and bright. Best thing is they work off 3.3V. They are also very thin as compared to an LCD or VFD display. Plus they have a much wider field of viewing.

    Here's the forum thread: http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php/150582-Propeller-and-HD44780-16x2-LCD-Reset-Problem

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  • vanmunchvanmunch Posts: 568
    edited 2013-10-11 11:20
    Hey guys, thanks!

    Jordan, I'll pass the contact info on to my friend. For my project it has to work to work outside in the winter so I'll probably go with the NewHaven Display.

    Don, nice set-up, is that a custom PBC? If I get stuck, would I be able to ask you a couple questions in a few weeks?

    Now just to find a slick looking keypad to match the display. :)

    Thanks again!

    Dave
  • Don MDon M Posts: 1,652
    edited 2013-10-11 11:38
    vanmunch wrote: »
    Don, nice set-up, is that a custom PCB? If I get stuck, would I be able to ask you a couple questions in a few weeks?

    Thanks. Yes it is a custom circuit board I designed using Diptrace. I'd be more than happy to assist you if I can.

    Regarding the keypad. I have around here somewhere an evaluation kit from Microchip that utilizes cap sense touch with a thin aluminum sheet that has keys printed on it. Something you could design yourself using their "chips". I think it was called "mTouch" and here's a link for you to look at.

    http://www.microchip.com/stellent/idcplg?IdcService=SS_GET_PAGE&nodeId=1406&dDocName=en541143

    I'll look later when I get home at the exact part number of the eval kit I have. If you could use it you would be able to make a flat aluminum keypad (maybe laser etched lettering?) that would be rugged and weather proof.
  • LawsonLawson Posts: 870
    edited 2013-10-11 11:42
    How about a folding PC keyboard http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823166039&nm_mc=KNC-GoogleAdwords&cm_mmc=KNC-GoogleAdwords-_-pla-_-Keyboards-_-N82E16823166039&gclid=CN2pwZW3j7oCFUxgMgodGlcAdw

    They're water prof but don't have the best reputation for durability. On the flip side, they're often cheap and available at the local office store.

    Marty
  • Don MDon M Posts: 1,652
    edited 2013-10-11 15:22
    Ok I found the dev kit. It's a Microchip DM183027 Inductive Touch demo kit.

    Here's the info: http://www.microchip.com/stellent/idcplg?IdcService=SS_GET_PAGE&nodeId=1406&dDocName=en545446

    I think this technology would work great for something that is both durable and environment proof. It works by sensing deflection in the aluminum panel.

    Attached is theory of operation.
    pdf
    pdf
    Inductive touch.pdf
    50K
  • JordanCClarkJordanCClark Posts: 198
    edited 2013-10-12 12:44
    Bridgette! Her name is Bridgette! I knew I'd remember her name... eventually...

    Anyway, good luck, Dave! Let us know how you make out on this! :smile:
  • vanmunchvanmunch Posts: 568
    edited 2013-10-13 07:05
    Thanks Jordan, I will. :)
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