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Controlling Parallax 2x16 Serial LCD (Backlit) — Parallax Forums

Controlling Parallax 2x16 Serial LCD (Backlit)

vbNullStringvbNullString Posts: 6
edited 2007-09-17 15:26 in BASIC Stamp
I'm very new to basic stamp although I've been doing programming for more than 10 years. I would like to be able to control Parallax 2x16 Serial LCD (Backlit). Which product do you recommend? BS1USB Board looks compact and cool. Will it work?

Comments

  • PJAllenPJAllen Banned Posts: 5,065
    edited 2007-09-15 03:36
    Yes, the BS1 can be used to control the 2x16 Serial LCD.· It'll be a simple matter of using the SEROUT command.

    Download the PBASIC IDE to find out more about that.· There are examples in the documentation for the 2x16 Serial LCD.
  • vbNullStringvbNullString Posts: 6
    edited 2007-09-15 05:23
    Thank you very much for your reply. I will give it a try!
  • RDL2004RDL2004 Posts: 2,554
    edited 2007-09-15 11:38
    Pretty much any device capable of sending serial data at TTL levels can be used to control that LCD. It's one of the best serial LCDs out there.

    The BS1 will work fine, but for just a bit more money you can get a BS2. The PBasic code for them is somewhat easier to work with and they have more program storage space (flash memory).

    It would be really nice if Parallax would sell their LCD controller board separate from the LCD (hint hint), or at least as a semi-kit or something where the controller isn't soldered to the LCD (I've just gotten kind of tired of green back lit LCDs).

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    - Rick
  • vbNullStringvbNullString Posts: 6
    edited 2007-09-15 14:47
    So how does it work? If I were to buy BS2, do I need something to connect BS2 and the LCD?
  • Desy2820Desy2820 Posts: 138
    edited 2007-09-16 05:49
    What are you wanting the LCD to display?· And where is that data coming from?

    Are you wanting to display information from your PC?· An exisiting device?· Or are you creating something from scratch?

    The display will accept serial data, it doesn't care about the source of that data (Don't connect it directly to your computer's serial port though, the voltage is too high.· You just need to add a serial interface chip, such as the MAX232 series.)
  • vbNullStringvbNullString Posts: 6
    edited 2007-09-16 06:22
    Hi, Desy. Thanks for your information. I'm planning to send the data directly from my PC. I guess BS1USB will do just fine?
  • RDL2004RDL2004 Posts: 2,554
    edited 2007-09-16 11:34
    If you're going to send data directly from a PC then you probably don't need a Stamp at all.
    As stated on the product page:
    This device can be connected to a PC serial port using a MAX232 line driver. 
    The circuit isn't supported by Parallax, but it's possible to make this connection with a few dollars of parts.
    
    


    What you will need is some kind of software running on the PC to send your data out one of the serial ports and an adapter to convert that serial data to the TTL (5 volt) level required by the LCD. Typically this is done using a circuit based on the MAX232 chip.

    edit: Note that the link was provided for the info, you don't have to make your own RS232 to TTL converter - you can just buy one.

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    - Rick

    Post Edited (RDL2004) : 9/16/2007 11:44:11 AM GMT
  • Chris SavageChris Savage Parallax Engineering Posts: 14,406
    edited 2007-09-17 15:26
    Such a schematic has been posted to the following thread. I hope this helps. Take care.

    http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?p=640507

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    Chris Savage
    Parallax Tech Support
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