Hello Edward,

Edward>>2. to use four 1 byte variables (one byte for each data line on lcd) and output serially each byte at the same time

or

1. pick what bit holder in a byte to output on a specifed port.
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You can load up those 4 bits... and they will not affact your LCD, until you trigger the clock on the chip... Which refers to your #2. Since you already have 4 lines going to your LCD anyhow...this could be a nice software option. Personally I like Ralphs idea of cut a and paste a wire... (nice and slick).

#1 in conjunction with number 2 would work slick as snot. My only question would be, when assigning the output to the port, will it affect the ports that are not supposed to be LCD controllers? Only you know that.

For example... PortB.3 is not used as a LCD data pin... what is it used for? would changing its value by using a quick byte assignment affect your outcome? or is it better to Assign Bits 0-2, separately with a shift, and assign port A.3 separately to ensure proper operation of the circuit.

Dwayne