Inexpensive LCD

Hello,

I've been scouring the net for the cheapest 2x20 character LCD display with an LED backlight and came up with one sold in California by a company called All Spectrum Electronics for the amazing price of only $7.99 USD. The only thing that might be a draw back is that it says that the LED backlight requires a minimum of 5.5V to light, and that you'll need at least 5.7V to achieve optimal brightness.

I checked the datasheets for the 16f688 and the 18f452 (the 2 micros I use the most) and it says the operating voltage range should be between 2.0V to 5.5V which seems to be typical for most of the chips. I was thinking that I could run my micro on a LM317 set up to get the required 5.5V minimum for the back light.

They also sell a 2x24 Character LCD display with an LED backlight for $8.99 USD, the datasheet on this one says that it's a low power consumption unit but I couldn't find a datasheet for the 2x20 one. These units seem to be too good to be true for the money so I thought I'd ask if anyone here has used these units before or has any comments about them, good or bad?

http://www.allspectrum.com/store/pro...roducts_id=967
there's a link on the bottom of this page for the 2x24 unit

Thanks
jessey

I always buy from these guys in China, heck they're all made there anyway.http://cgi.ebay.com/20x4-LCD-Module-...1%7C240%3A1318
HD44780 controller.

Thanks Joe,

Yea, that's an incredible deal for a 4 x 20 LCD! I just ordered one tonight. They have great deals on all kinds of interesting stuff...

Thanks Again
jessey

I've spent many hundreds of dollars with this seller, and have been well satisfied.