LCD issue with EasyPIC5

[skimask]

Define  LCD_RSREG       PORTB
Define  LCD_RSBIT       4

        Low PORTB.4     ' LCD R/W line low (W)

No luck with the 887 PortB.4 LED lights and stays on, but if I change to 16F84 it works fine so I know I'm not too crazy.

So, is PortB.4 the RS pin or the R/W pin?

[Acetronics2]

Hi, Manwolf

The '887 has ANALOG pins on PortB ... I believe.

sooooooo ....

I miss something in your listing.

Alain

PS: I already saw that on a ME "C" Forum ... LoL !!! ( you're not the only one !!! )

Alain

[BobP]

Hi Manwolf,

When using their hex files with their programming software (PicFlash) it somethines uses default fuses.
Check oscillator is set to HS not 'XT' on the programming software?
Also the link settings on the board are set ok?

The suplied hex file works ok on my EP5

Bob

[manwolf]

So, is PortB.4 the RS pin or the R/W pin?

According to their schematic RS Ski

[skimask]

According to their schematic RS Ski

Ok, you've got it described as both of them...it's just a note.
No harm done in setting the R/W pin permanently at the write level, unless you plan on using it's internal CGRAM for a bit of extra ram.

[manwolf]

Skimask- they have R\W hardwired to GND on this board.

Well, Acetronics gets the cookie today.

Adding:

INTCON = 0
ANSEL = 0
ANSELH = 0

Gets what I wanted on the LCD. Can't fix the EasyPic5 example code(yet). First learn how to crawl, then with luck I might be able to stand up.

So far I have been working with 3 different chips, 16F877A, 877, and 84 on two different boards. Should I continue that way or try to focus more on one combination until I get on my feet?

After spending a few nights reading posts here I saw most common problem was getting the darn chip configured and the ports set properly. I figured using 3 different MCUs would give me more chances to learn setting things up or break them as case may be.

I want to Thank all of the members who have responded to my posts, don't give up hope.
I may learn how to read the datasheets. Right now half is in english and the rest is in some ancient dialect that totally escapes me.

[skimask]

So far I have been working with 3 different chips, 16F877A, 877, and 84 on two different boards. Should I continue that way or try to focus more on one combination until I get on my feet?

Which PICs do you actually have on hand?

[manwolf]

Which PICs do you actually have on hand?

16F84
16F628
16F877
16F887

[skimask]

16F84
16F628
16F877
16F887

If it were me, I'd stick with the 16F887. (also pay attention with the older chips, whether or not they're the A version or not) The 84, 628, and 877 are old school. Nothing wrong with them at all.

The '887 is comparatively new, has a lot of features that the 877(A) doesn't have.
If you get used to the '887, everything it does/has easily translates down to the smaller PICs.
AND...everything the '887 does/has, can be ported to the higher end, faster, bigger, more complex 18Fxxx series.
As an example that I've used a few times with others...I build an MP3 player awhile back, started off with a 16F877A, ran out of code space, plugged in an 18F452 (double the code space), ran out of code space with that, plugged in an 18F4620.......All without physically changing ANYTHING in the circuit, just a few registers here and there needed to be changed.
In addition to that, I started out my latest project with an 18F4620, recently moved up to an 18F4685.
So...in summation:
PIC16F877A = 16K, PIC18F452 = 32K, PIC18F4620 = 64K, PIC18F4685 = 96K.
It's all about the toys

[Acetronics2]

Can't fix the EasyPic5 example code(yet).

Hi, Manwolf

Want to translate the MKE " LCD Test" you showed ad first post ???

Really Interesting to see the MKB and PbP differences for LCD commands ...

Now, for your LED ... Outputs are BISTABLE ... If you "tell" them to be High ... they stay high !!! ( stupid thing ! )

you also must "tell" them to turn LOW ...

Also remember you can't use LCD on PortB AND the PortB Leds on EasyBoards at the same time ... ( a look at the board scheme will lit your light )

You must use another Port for your Leds ...

A quick tour into PbP Manual seems useful ... you to see how " main" commands work.

Alain