Code that worked with WINDSTAR LCD doesn't work with Newhaven LCD?

[jellis00]

Looking at the above working code, is that really a 10000us delay?

Yes, it was, but this code was a very early version of my attempts to make it work. I just looked up in my latest code and I am now using the following statements that work with the display I am using, the NHD-0208AZ-RN-YBW:
DEFINE LCD_COMMANDUS 1500 ' Command Delay (uS)
DEFINE LCD_DATAUS 44 ' Data Delay (uS)
You may have to play with these values for your particular display module. Also don't be afraid to call Newhaven tech support...they are outstanding and helped me a great deal.

What does the FLAGS=0 mean?

Go to the page in the PicBasic Pro Compiler manual (it is also online if you can't find your manual) and look up the page that describes the use of the command LCDOUT. It explains what FLAGS=0 is used for. It is used to reset an internal flag to tell the program to initialize it the next time it uses LCDOUT after having been powered down and then powered back up. Very important if you are shutting off power to the LCD during the program when it is not being used to save battery power. That is why I used it.

I hope all of this helps.

BTW, one of the ongoing problems many people have had who use the NEWHAVEN LCD display modules is how to get a clean looking mounting, which normally requires a bezel. Bezels are hard to come by for these displays. I found a company that has a good set, one which worked with mine. Go to http://www.rmfproducts.com to see what they offer. Prices are also reasonable....their Model 140-1 for my LCD display size only costs $2.15 each in quantities of 1-99, and $2.00 each for 100 or more.

I hope all this helps you.
/s/ John Ellis

[jmgelba]

Thank you for that wealth of information.

This display will be mounted in a custom cast aluminum enclosure with a graphical overlay over the top. This will also contain the push buttons, the bezel info is good to know. The project is a control and monitor for a 400W LED driver.

Which PIC did you end up using?

[jellis00]

Which PIC did you end up using?

Because most of my applications have a USB interface, I have favored using either the 18F2550 or 18F4550. If you don't need a USB interface these are probably over kill, but they are so low in price and have so many IO pins, they are a good choice even if you don't need the USB. I use the 18F2550 whenever I can because it is a 20 pin IC and a lot smaller than the 4550 for board layout. I published an article in the recent Forum Competition that you can see by going to that location on the Home page. Mine is the Ultrasonic Ranger application and all of my code is posted there, including the routines that intialize and use the NEWHAVEN display.

[jmgelba]

Nice. I'm also using a 18F2550 - for the first time. I've started browsing through the datasheet and am currently finishing up the schematic and about to start on the layout.

This project calls for several analog in's, the LCD, the USB, 4 switch inputs, and control of a digital pot. Oh and a couple of indicator LED's.

Nothing like jumping in with both feet!

[jellis00]

So it soounds like you are still building schematic/layout and haven't started coding yet??
When you get into the coding of the USB interface you will probably run into problems. I did, and got a lot of help from Darrell Taylor and the Forum. When you get to that stage and need help, let me know and I may be able to refer you to some well hidden postings that will help you with the USB.

[jmgelba]

Correct.

I've done a little searching and found the keep alive requirements and DT's keep alive program. Other than that, and the requirement for a 0.47uF cap on the USB supply pin, I havent gotten too far in to it. I'm concentrating on hardware as the first rev pcb has to work first time. I need to send out a somewhat functioning proto next week.

[jmgelba]

Are you using your display in 4 bit or 8 bit and if its 4 bit, have you tied the unused data pins to ground?