Not so much serially, but yes, serially.Originally Posted by Frozen001
You'll have to set each pin individually, for each operation, every time, because you are accessing each pin, one at a time, thru the I/O expander.
For instance, to send any character (assuming the LCD is initialized), you'll have to set each data bit, one at a time, set the R/W line (which can most likely be set once to WRITE when the prorgam starts, then leave it alone), then strobe the E line high then back low.
Initialization is another thing... It's a long-ish sequence of setting various bits and/or bytes in the LCD itself, specifying modes, cursors, and so on. Nice thing is, once it's done, you don't have to do it again.
Call me crazy, but it's not really that hard once you get a set of 'core' subroutines built-up. Not to mention, you'll really get a feel for how PBP works once you're done writing the mess...
I suppose the other option is to disconnect that LCD and wire it up as shown in the PBP manual or something close to it...which isn't an unreasonable option. Might require a bit of trace cutting and/or rewiring. Not sure, haven't look at the datasheet for that board too closely.
(just looked at the datasheet for the board)
For that matter, you could probably disconnect the LCD from the mount it sits in right now, plug it into that expansion slot off to the side and set up each pin to do what you need.
If you can blink an LED, you can build up to running an LCD.
Bookmarks