LCD 4x20 HD44780

[sougata]

Hi,

You connect the LCD as any other like the 2x16. Read your PBP manual. If still unclear post specific queries. Here is a sample LCD defination :

'LCD DEFINATION*****************************************************************

        DEFINE LCD_DREG PORTD       ' Set LCD Data port
        DEFINE LCD_DBIT 4           ' Set starting Data bit (0 or 4) if 4-bit bus i.e, PortD.4-PORTD.7
        DEFINE LCD_RSREG PORTB      ' Set LCD Register Select port
        DEFINE LCD_RSBIT 0          ' Set LCD Register Select bit i.e, PORTC.5
        DEFINE LCD_EREG PORTB       ' Set LCD Enable port
        DEFINE LCD_EBIT 1           ' Set LCD Enable bit i.e, PORTE.4
        DEFINE LCD_BITS 4           ' Set LCD bus size ot 4 bit Upper Nibble (4 or 8 bits)
        DEFINE LCD_LINES 4          ' Set number of lines on LCD to 4 Lines
        DEFINE LCD_COMMANDUS 2000   ' Set command delay time in us
        DEFINE LCD_DATAUS 50        ' Set data delay time in us

'*******************************************************************************

[DynamoBen]

Only one problem with the previous post, picbasic doesn't support LCDOut or any of the defines. You would need to upgrade to PRO to do it this way. That being said you may want do a little searching here or on the web. BasicStamp LCD routines should work fine for what you are doing.

[inteco]

Thanks for your reply.
I'm using PBPro version. When I watch carefully to the LCD, I got
the display output, but it is very blur and almost invisible.
Only viewable from a certain angle. I already adjusted the pot for
the contrast pin from 0-5 Vdc, 0 Vdc still the best, but still
unreadable. Wish there are more space to turn the pot beyond the
pot.
Wonder if there is any type of LCD that need negative voltage
at the contrast pin ?

[inteco]

In fact, I got 2 x 16 LCD, and they all work find with the code,
only the 4 x 20 LCD that has contrast problem.
Thanks

[sougata]

Hi,

Try using a negative supply. If you are using a Centre tapped transformer then you may derive it from there. An onboard Hardware PWM with a diode-cap charge pump can do the same. MAX232 has an onboard charge pump (-12V) available on its VEE pin. So a little experimentation would solve your problem

[inteco]

Thanks guy.
Will experiment with negative voltage later this weekend,
hope I won't burn my LCD : -)

[paul borgmeier]

If you do not want to damage your 4x20 then read the 4x20 datasheet before trying anything else. I have several brands of 4x20s in use and none require a negative voltage on the contrast pin. Yours could be different but read the datasheet first.

Good Luck,

Paul Borgmeier
Salt Lake City, Utah
USA