Also note that the Noritake displays (at least the one I have) has a BRIGHTNESS byte located at 0x020. For full bright, write a "0", for dim write a "3". (Ex: LCDOUT $FE,$20,3 puts it in dim mode )

I keep a run-time clock going and increase the brightness of the display (starting at "2") by one count every 25,000 hours. That helps counteract the normal dimming of the display with age.