Hi rossfree,
The Optrex manual says when connecting a 4 bit bus, use the higher order bits, 4 thru 7. The lower four should be tied to ground.
that's true... usually i left other pin connection. could be safe to tie them to ground.

Still... if you have reason to believe that your suggested fix will work, I'll get cuttin'.

Could you please take a look and elaborate on your suggestion.
But before cutting everything may you try highest PAUSE delay at the begining... let's say 5 secondes. I often heard about long startup delay on OPTREX. Also what about if you play with trim on VEE contrast pin. Is it display at least on line with black square characters???

can you also add this line
DEFINE LCD_COMMANDUS 2000

tell me if it's working with this add.

If i refer to some developpement board, they use lower bit for data. PBP use them also by default. i got some problem also in the past when using other bit to access to it.

may this thread help you also
http://www.picbasic.co.uk/forum/show...8&pagenumber=1

regards