Buying an LCD Module

[RossW]

I'm looking for an LCD module to use with PicBasic Pro, but our local electronic suppliers don't know anything about it. What specs am I looking for when buying an LCD? I want a 2x16 or 2x40 that I can use with a PIC16F84A, for example, and the LCD command.

Cheers,
Ross

[NavMicroSystems]

Ross,

you can use any LCD that has a HD44780 (or compatible) Controller on Board.

Try to get one with standard temperature range.
LCDs with extended temparature range need a negative voltage on the contrast pin.

If you would like backlight on you LCD make sure it is LED.
EL-backlight needs an additional inverter.

regards

Ralph

[RossW]

Ralph - Jameco sells Serial & Parallel LCD modules, but they don't mention the controller. 8 bit or 16 bit?

Thanks for all your help.

[NavMicroSystems]

Ross,

most of the LCDs have a 14 (or 16) pin connector.
And if they are standard DOT-Matrix Text Displays (No Graphics)
they most likely hav a HD44780 Controller (or something
compatible like KS0070B or KS0076B)

They can all be run in 4 or 8 bit mode.


A 16x2 Module should be about $10 ($12 with Backlight)

So there is not much risk in just trying one of the modules.

Have a look at:
https://www.allelectronics.com/cgi-bin/category.cgi?category=365

[Dwayne]

Hello Rossw

Let me add one thing to NavMicro's info...

BE VERY CAREFUL on which LCD you purchase!!!

Some LCD's draw a tremendous amount of current...
For example the All Electronics LCD-69 is a LCD I would NOT purchase (I have two of them, and don't know what to do with them). Each one draws 350 MILS of current!!!! that will ruin a 7805 rather quickly if it is not heat sunk. I ruined 2 7805's before I figured out what was going on. My Old LCD that was 10 years old worked wonders, and the total current draw on it (with my chip and everything else) was only 10 mils.

If you read the review, take away a few resisters and such, they say you can get the current drain down to 150 mils <g> Which is STILL extremely high.

BUT!, it is a very nice LCD... very nice... You don't need any contrast adjustment at all...

Dwayne

[RossW]

I had already ordered the LCD-97 from them, but i don't see any reviews for it ...

[NavMicroSystems]

Here in Germany are some really nice 27x4 Displays available.

Overall Dimensions:148x51mm
Display Area: 108x37.6mm
Character Size: 3.20x6.75mm

The have 2 separate Controllers, one for the upper half ( 2 lines) and one for the lower half of the Display.

They only draw 6-8 mA

And they are 4,95 Euro ($6) only.

I use them on many of my projects as they have nice large Chars and yout can't get much cheaper.

If you add a small PIC, two AND-Gates and an Inverter to the Backside of the Module (there is plenty of space)
you have a serial LCD at about $10.

I think the Distributor ships even to the U.S. but ordering a single Module wouldn't make much sense, as shipping would be more than the price of a module.

attached is an image of a Module I have "serialized"

[Dwayne]

Hello Ralph,

Ralph>>Here in Germany are some really nice 27x4 Displays available.

Overall Dimensions:148x51mm
Display Area: 108x37.6mm
Character Size: 3.20x6.75mm

The have 2 separate Controllers, one for the upper half ( 2 lines) and one for the lower half of the Display.

They only draw 6-8 mA<<

How come you guys have all the good stuff???

That seems like a great setup for a good price.

Dwayne