How to Connect PING))) Ultrasonic Distance Sensor to Homework Board and RGB LCD.

Gary&Loren

Is it possible to connect a PING))) ultrasonic distance sensor (https://www.parallax.com/product/28015) to a Homework Board ( Rev. F) (https://www.parallax.com/product/555-28188)
and display distances with the Maker Shed's RGB LCD (http://www.makershed.com/products/rgb-backlight-positive-lcd-16x2-extras-black-on-rgb )? If so, how?

Chris Savage

The LCD is a parallel interface, not serial. But it could be done. It really boils down to getting some example code for a parallel LCD and modifying the PING))) demo to use that instead of the DEBUG output it normally uses.

Mike Green

Nuts and Volts Column #31 has example code for HD44780 type LCD controllers (see http://www.rambal.com/descargas/libros/Nuts%20and%20Volts/1/Demystifying%20Character-based%20LCD%27s.pdf) like the controller used in the Maker Shed LCD.

erco

Here's a serial adapter for parallel LCD displays like yours. Greatly simplifies and saves I/O pins, it just needs one. These used to be plentiful and easy to find, IMO it's downright silly that they are becoming rarer and more expensive.

http://moderndevice.com/product/lcd117-serial-lcd-kit/

Edit:

Chip separately for $5: http://www.wulfden.org/TheShoppe/k107/pha/phachips.shtml

Info: http://www.phanderson.com/lcd106/lcd107.html