LCDOUT custom commands - how to?

[Melanie]

This...

'28 DB0 - PORTA.0
'29 DB1 - PORTA.1
'30 DB2 - PORTA.2
'31 DB3 - PORTA.3

is not compatible with this...

DEFINE LCD_DREG PORTA 'LCD data port
DEFINE LCD_DBIT 4 'LCD data starting bit 0 or 4

...and double-check with the Datasheet that you've disabled all Analogue Functions on PortA.

[flotulopex]

The display's datasheet makes me connect the lines D4 to DB3, D5 to DB2, D6 to DB1 and D7 to DB0 (see attachment "DB-Lines_connections.jpg"). This is why I thought the starting bit would be the fourth.

I changed:

DEFINE LCD_DREG PORTA       'LCD data port 
DEFINE LCD_DBIT 0           'LCD data starting bit 0 or 4

and added:

ADCON0.0   = 0              'Disable Converter Module

I went through the PIC's datasheet and couldn't find other settings that could affect the A ports. Still, the display looks just dead.

I have two of them and react the same. I changed for my second 16F88 and the result is same too.

[keithdoxey]

Normally for a 4 bit bus

DB0-DB3 = D4-D7

Also if you are using a 16F88 check the ANSEL register

[flotulopex]

ANSEL is set to have all analog ports disabled.

As you suggested, I connected DB0 to D4 and so on...

Still nothing happens.

I'm just suprised that the display don't even flickers a little. It looks just like dead. Two displays doing the same makes me think I'm doing something wrong.

Is is right to say that to make it work the Enable bit must be high? If yes, I could at least mesure it with my logic probe or oscillo....

What can I "electrically" check else to minimise the cabling error risk?

[keithdoxey]

Is there (or should there be) a contrast control that needs adjusting ?

[mister_e]

i'm not sure if PBP handle the R/W line itself.

How about LOW PORTA.7

AND maybe i'm blind.. i don't see any config fuses?

On some LCD, you need to tie the unused DB lines to GND, in your case they should be tied to 5V.

AND what about the CSB line?
<img SRC="http://www.picbasic.co.uk/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1215&d=1164381937">

[flotulopex]

Mister_e don't worry, your eyes are absolutely fine ;-)

I'm using ICProg to program the µC and the fuses are set in there since I can't pass this kind of settings from PBP.

The actual settings are:
WDT:ON
PWRT:ON
MCLR:ON
BODEN:ON
LVP:OFF
CPD:OFF
DEBUGGER:OFF
CCPMX:ON

I've connected the display as it is described on the schematic so the DB line are all connected to Vdd and the CSB (I don't know what this is for) is connected to Vss.

I just tried the PORTA.7 = 0 option.... still nothing.

Keith, the contrast control is software set. I agree, this could be the problem and this is also why I need to understand how I have to adress (exact command syntax) the display.

The LCD CONTRAST setting could be the problem.

I've attached the initialisation codes for this display (unfortunately, it's an 8 bit example - is it important?). Is it possible that the LCDOUT $FE command doesn't fit with this display's controller (ST7036)?