Writing custom characters to LCD display
Hi all. New to this forum. Tried a search but did not find any answer to my current design task.
My current application is using the pic 16f876a displaying user data onto an Optrex 2x16 display. I would like to display a couple of custom characters, which in the Optrex manual seems to allow, by using the CG RAM area.
I have not been able to find any command in the LCDOUT command that allows me to send data to this RAM area.
Has anyone here tried this before and if so, some code example?
Thanks!
|
Hi badrad,
LCDOUT $FE,$60,$02,$06,$1a,$1a,$1a,$06,$02,$00
LCDOUT $FE,$78,$06,$0f,$0f,$0f,$0f,$0f,$0f,$00
The first line writes a "speaker" character to CGRAM address 4 and the last writes a "battery" to CGRAM addess 7.
To use the character you just write......
LCDOUT $04 'will write the "speaker" symbol.
The addresses(characternumber) are the numbers located right after the $FE.
character 0 = $40
character 1= $48
character 2 = $50
character 3= $58
character 4 = $60
character 5= $68
character 6 = $70
character 7= $78
The character itself is made up by the rest of the numbers following the address. Can't remeber if the bits are arranged horizontally or vertically. Draw it on a paper and have a look.
/Ingvar
|
Hey Thanks!
Ingvar,
thanks ever so much, that worked out well. that has really save me so much time from having work it all out.
I wanted to display some smiley faces and sad faces on the unit that I have built for kindergarten and primary school kids so that they can learn about energy, without having to deal with large numbers and such.
thanks again.
badrad
|
No worries,
The image of happy kids in my mind makes it worth the effort, all three minutes of it ;-)
Cheers
/Ingvar
|
BTW, here is smiley and sad face symbol that i am trying out.
LCDOUT $FE,$60,$00,$0a,$0a,$00,$00,$11,$0e,$00 'smiley symbol
LCDOUT $FE,$78,$00,$0a,$0a,$00,$00,$0e,$11,$00 'sad symbol
many thanks again!
ps: the only problem with image of the happy kids was there were 60+ in each classroom, as we had to double up classes for the labs! there was so much energy in that small classroom and they were all so enthusiatic!
badrad
|
How did you calculate that?
Hi,
I have used the character calculator at http://www.geocities.com/dinceraydin/lcd/charcalc.htm to draw some symbols, but cant understand how to implement the in picbasic pro. How did you arrive at those values for the battery symbol?
Sorry if its a stupid question!
Thanks,
Anthony
|
Hi Anthony,
There are 8 Custom Character locations. The location is selected by sending a command with the following format.
%01xxx000 where xxx is the location 0-7
location 0 = %01000000 = $40 = 64
location 1 = %01001000 = $48 = 72
location 2 = %01010000 = $50 = 80
location 3 = %01011000 = $58 = 88
location 4 = %01100000 = $60 = 96
location 5 = %01101000 = $68 = 104
location 6 = %01110000 = $70 = 112
location 7 = %01111000 = $78 = 120
The location is followed by 8 bytes of character data. Each byte represents 1 row of 5 dots from left to right. The upper 3 bits are ignored. You need to send all 8 rows, even if the character doesn't use them all.
The 8th row is normally reserved for the Cursor.
Using the examples from Ingvar & badrad you get these characters
To use the values from the Custom Character Generator you mentioned. You can either use the values that it creates, or you can subtract 128 to get values that resemble the examples here. The upper 3 bits of each byte is ignored by the display, so it will work either way.Code:Speaker LCDOUT $FE,$60,$02,$06,$1a,$1a,$1a,$06,$02,$00 $02=%00010 X $06=%00110 XX $1a=%11010 XX X $1a=%11010 XX X $1a=%11010 XX X $06=%00110 XX $02=%00010 X $00=%00000 battery LCDOUT $FE,$78,$06,$0f,$0f,$0f,$0f,$0f,$0f,$00 $06=%00110 XX $0f=%01111 XXXX $0f=%01111 XXXX $0f=%01111 XXXX $0f=%01111 XXXX $0f=%01111 XXXX $0f=%01111 XXXX $00=%00000 smiley LCDOUT $FE,$60,$00,$0a,$0a,$00,$00,$11,$0e,$00 $00=%00000 $0a=%01010 X X $0a=%01010 X X $00=%00000 $00=%00000 $11=%10001 X X $0e=%01110 XXX $00=%00000 Sad LCDOUT $FE,$78,$00,$0a,$0a,$00,$00,$0e,$11,$00 $00=%00000 $0a=%01010 X X $0a=%01010 X X $00=%00000 $00=%00000 $0e=%01110 XXX $11=%10001 X X $00=%00000
HTH,
Last edited by Darrel Taylor; - 21st August 2012 at 20:16.
|
I was just playing around with Ingvar's battery icon, and thought this was pretty neat.
It allows you to show the battery level with the same icon.
The demo just runs thru a loop counting backwards from 10, and changes the Custom Character accordingly.
It also demonstrates how you can animate the characters by simply updating the CGRAM.
Any characters that are already on the screen will automatically be updated as well.
DarrelCode:BattLevel var byte ' 0 - 10, 0=Empty 10=Full Char var byte y var byte LCDout $FE,1," ",1," ",1," ",1," ",1 ' Show 4 batteries Loop: ' Test loop showing all the possible Battery Levels for BattLevel = 10 to 0 step -1 gosub ShowBattery pause 500 next BattLevel goto Loop ShowBattery: ' Show Battery Level 0 - 10, 0=Empty 10=Full lcdout $FE,$48,$06 for y = 5 to 1 step -1 if BattLevel >= (y * 2 - 1) then if BattLevel >= (y * 2) then Char = $0F else Char = $0B endif else Char = $09 endif lcdout Char next y lcdout $0F,$00 return
Last edited by Darrel Taylor; - 21st August 2012 at 17:46.
|
You guys are great :-)
Thanks for the really clear explanation, got it working straight away!
Many thanks..
Anthony
|
Hi
I use
OPTREX hd4470A0 LCD
16f877A (4mhz)
pbp2.45
I can't display this string , whats wrong ?
LCDOUT $FE,$60,$00,$0a,$0a,$00,$00,$11,$0e,$00 'smiley symbol
|
Hi swordman,
Sending that string will define the Custom Character at location number 4. Then to actually display the character use this.
LCDOUT 4
HTH,
Darrel
|
Thanks Darrel !
Working fine
|
Hi,
How can I display 2 custom char like this:
Lcdout $FE,$85,4
LCDOUT $FE,$60,$1F,$11,$11,$11,$11,$11,$11,$0
Lcdout $FE,$C2,4
LCDOUT $FE,$78,$3,$5,$9,$9,$9,$11,$11,$0
when I write that code lcd display only second
|
Hi Swordman,
The second example uses Address $78 which is Location 7.
To display that Custom Character use this
<font="courier">Lcdout $FE,$C2,7</font>
Darrel
Last edited by Darrel Taylor; - 18th October 2005 at 06:17.
|
More symbols
This is fun!
Here are 3 more:
lcdout $FE,$60,$1F,$11,$15,$17,$17,$15,$11,$1F 'copyright sign
lcdout $FE,$70,$0E,$11,$11,$11,$0E,$04,$0E,$04 'female symbol
lcdout $FE,$78,$07,$03,$05,$08,$0E,$11,$11,$0E 'male symbol
Lcdout $FE, $D4, 4, 6, 7
|
Sweet
and the tool to create them + PBP code easy... PicMultiCalc... once again
http://www.mister-e.org/pages/utilitiespag.html
<img src="http://www.picbasic.co.uk/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1404&stc=1&d=117207765 7">
Last edited by mister_e; - 21st February 2007 at 19:31.
Steve
It's not a bug, it's a random feature.
There's no problem, only learning opportunities.
|
You're such a stud Steve.and the tool to create them + PBP code easy... PicMultiCalc... once again
http://www.mister-e.org/pages/utilitiespag.html
Wisdom is knowing what path to take next... Integrity is taking it.
Ryan Miller
|
LMAO, not sure of the meaning of this 'stud' expression but... thanks
To me it's sounds x-rated... but since too much time i'm single so
Steve
It's not a bug, it's a random feature.
There's no problem, only learning opportunities.
|
Originally Posted by MisterE
ooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhh no.... sorry buddy, I'm married. How about "You The Man"..... uhm... maybe "You Rock". What I mean to say is that is cool. Keep on adding to your PicMultiCalc and eventually you'll end up with one heck of an IDE/compiler.
Wisdom is knowing what path to take next... Integrity is taking it.
Ryan Miller
|
Don't worry, i prefer ladies anyways
__________________________________________________ __________________________________________
well i have some plan to extend the PicMultiCalc, 'till now it's still a dream and a big work in progress when i find some new idea, time, courage etc etc etc... hence why it's still stated WIP version in the about menu.
I still consider any idea when there's some coming in my e-mail.
Last edited by mister_e; - 21st February 2007 at 23:55.
Steve
It's not a bug, it's a random feature.
There's no problem, only learning opportunities.
|
And, Lest we forget...
http://www.picbasic.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=2598
P.S. That guy's got a problem with his thingy.
DT
|
Even if simple, it's funny what we can do with few minutes and the right software. So thisP.S. That guy's got a problem with his thingy.<embed src="http://www.mister-e.org/Wav/Viagra_Forum.mp3" autostart=false loop=false>may help this guy to have at least $04, $0E, $15, $04, $0E, $11, $11, $0E
Last edited by mister_e; - 23rd February 2007 at 02:51.
Steve
It's not a bug, it's a random feature.
There's no problem, only learning opportunities.
|
I think you were right, before you changed your post mister_e.
A little viagra might help ..... let's see ....
But I think yours might have a lower risk of heart attack ...
<br>
DT
|
Ooh, you people, are unbelievable!!!
Just for the history, the symbols are ancient greek ones and were used to symbol the man (holding his shield and arrow) and the woman she used and still holds the mirror (circle and handle).
Now I hear few asking, did ancient greeks have mirrors? No, they did not had glass mirrors. They had metal mirrors from silver or brass.
Ioannis
|
Brilliant, DT
|
Why i had the feeling tat Darrel was building something like that yesterday
Well done!
Steve
It's not a bug, it's a random feature.
There's no problem, only learning opportunities.
|
RE: History Lesson...
Yes those funny Ancient Greeks. Called them the "Shield of Mars" and the "Mirror of Venus".
But we know what they were really thinking of.
DT
|
hi
thanks mister-e, here is direct link:
PICMultiCalc:
All you need to calculate PIC Timers, PWM, USART, EUSART, ADC, Comparator register value in few clicks!
USART, EUSART, A/D and LCD custom character provide a code generation tool for Melabs PICBASIC PRO.
http://www.mister-e.org/files/picmulticalc_v_1_3_1.zip
with best regards
|
What the.....????
Gee...I wonder who wrote that program...
|
euuuhh, what??????
see also:
http://www.picbasic.co.uk/forum/show...s%22#post34133
-Adam-
Ohm it's not just a good idea... it's the LAW !
|
how about for 4x20 lcd?
I am impressed with the amount of work that has been put into this thread already.
I have used the custom character generator Darren Taylor posted and it works great!
I would like to now place my custom characters on the line of my choice for my 4x20. As far as I know my Truly 4x20 lcd has 4 rows and 8 colums for custom characters.
Can I simply add on to your custom character generator line with , 128, 192,148, or 212 to choose the start position?????
thanks
Padawan-78
|
The LCD only has 8 locations for custom characters, and those locations don't relate to any specific rows or columns.
Once you've sent a custom character to the LCD, it can be used any number of times, anywhere on the screen.
For instance, this line creates the Smiley Face in the LCD's CGRAM at location 4 ($60).
and this will fill your display with smiley faces.Code:LCDOUT $FE,$60,$00,$0a,$0a,$00,$00,$11,$0e,$00 ; #4 Smiley FaceOr this will do the same thing as the FOR/NEXT loopCode:LoopCount VAR BYTE FOR LoopCount = 1 to 80 LCDOUT 4 NEXT LoopCount
LCDOUT REP 4\80
<hr>
If you always wanted to start in the first column of each row, those would work.... 128, 192,148, or 212 to choose the start position?????
You can also add an "offset" to those numbers to specify the column.
HTH,Code:Row1 CON 128 Row2 CON 192 Row3 CON 148 Row4 CON 212 LCDOUT $FE,$60,$00,$0a,$0a,$00,$00,$11,$0e,$00 ; #4 Smiley Face LCDOUT $FE,Row3+10, 4 ; Put a smiley in the middle of Row 3
DT
|
thanks!!!
Darren,
Thanks, I got it now. Keep up the good work!
Padawan-78
|
my small contribution
Hey everyone,
I thought I would try contribute instead of just take from this great forum.
Here are 2 symbols I came up with for the Holidays using Darren's Character generator.
Both require 4x20 LCD of space.
I also figured out that you can redefine 8 custom characters as many times as you want...in loops only. You just have to be careful about how you go back and forth between the loops.
enjoy
halloween:
LCDOUT 254,64,8,17,3,7,15,15,29,29 ' Cust Char #0 PUMPKIN
LCDOUT 254,72,12,31,31,14,31,31,27,27 ' Cust Char #1
LCDOUT 254,80,2,17,24,28,30,30,23,23 ' Cust Char #2
LCDOUT 254,88,29,30,14,7,7,19,8,0 ' Cust Char #3
LCDOUT 254,96,31,21,21,0,10,31,31,0 ' Cust Char #4
LCDOUT 254,104,23,15,14,28,28,25,2,0 ' Cust Char #5
LCDOUT 254,112,8,16,10,6,1,1,6,8 ' Cust Char #6 PUMPKIN VINE
lcdout 254, 1
lcdout $FE,Row1+3, 6
LCDOUT $FE,Row2+2, 0
LCDOUT $FE,Row2+3, 1
LCDOUT $FE,Row2+4, 2," Happy "
LCDOUT $FE,Row3+2, 3
LCDOUT $FE,Row3+3, 4
LCDOUT $FE,Row3+4, 5," Halloween "
pause 5000
goto halloween
christmas:
LCDOUT 254,64,4,8,7,31,3,8,4,0 ' Cust Char #0 Christmas Star
LCDOUT 254,72,14,27,17,0,17,27,14,14 ' Cust Char #1
LCDOUT 254,80,4,2,28,31,24,2,4,0 ' Cust Char #2
LCDOUT 254,88,4,4,4,21,21,4,14,14 ' Cust Char #3
LCDOUT 254,96,14,14,14,4,4,4,21,21 ' Cust Char #4
LCDOUT 254,104,21,4,4,4,4,4,0,0 ' Cust Char #5
lcdout 254, 1
lcdout $FE,Row1+3, 3
LCDOUT $FE,Row2+2, 0
LCDOUT $FE,Row2+3, 1
LCDOUT $FE,Row2+4, 2," MERRY "
LCDOUT $FE,Row3+3, 4," CHRISTMAS"
LCDOUT $FE,Row4+3, 5
pause 5000
goto christmas
Padawan-78
|
Steve
It's not a bug, it's a random feature.
There's no problem, only learning opportunities.
|
Hi, i have written this program to make custom character on 2*16 LCD but LCD shows nothing.i use picbasic pro and PIC16F877A. what's the problem?
define OSC 4
' Set LCD Data port
DEFINE LCD_DREG PORTC
' Set starting Data bit (0 or 4) if 4-bit bus
DEFINE LCD_DBIT 4
' Set LCD Register Select port
DEFINE LCD_RSREG PORTC
' Set LCD Register Select bit
DEFINE LCD_RSBIT 1
' Set LCD Enable port
DEFINE LCD_EREG PORTC
' Set LCD Enable bit
DEFINE LCD_EBIT 0
' Set LCD bus size (4 or 8 bits)
DEFINE LCD_BITS 4
' Set number of lines on LCD
DEFINE LCD_LINES 2
'Making lcd ready
pause 100
lcdout $fe,1
m var byte
n var byte
m=25
n=98
lcdout $fe,$40,$08,$04,$02,$01,$01,$02,$04,$08
lcdout $fe,$14
lcdout $fe,$00,$00,$07,$07,$1F,$00,$00,$00
lcdout $fe,$14
lcdout $fe,$04,$04,$04,$04,$07,$00,$00,$00
lcdout $fe,$14
lcdout ":",#m,".",#n
end
|
If you study post #2 of this thread, you'll find your problem...
|
i have studied that post but i still have problem. post 2 just specify the 8 location but LCD is 2*16.what about other locations?
|
The 8 locations are memory locations in the LCD.
Take a look at post #32
Copy that code.
Dave
Always wear safety glasses while programming.
|
If you had studied post #2 (and the rest of the posts), you'd notice that you can only program the first 8 locations in the LCD's ram.
You may be setting up the first few custom characters in the LCD ram, but you surely aren't trying to display them...
Members who have read this thread : 1You do not have permission to view the list of names.
Posting Permissions
Bookmarks