Alternative to the H44780 lcd controler

[Sphere]

So im I wasting my time with this display.

Sphere.

[skimask]

So im I wasting my time with this display.
Sphere.

No! That's the point! You're not wasting your time with this display!

This display can and should work just fine for you...then and now.
Will it take some reading and learning? Yes...
Might it take a bit of reading of the datasheets and some playing around with PBP to get it to work right? Maybe...
Might it take a few 'custom' routines to get it to work? Probably...
(HD66712 datasheet, pages 398, 405, 411)

[falingtrea]

You could always used this LCD from Sparkfun. Looks like it may be cheaper than the one you are using and the Samsung controller is a direct replacement for the Hitachi.

Looking at the display you are using there are somethings you need to do:
DEFINE LCD_LINES=4
The $FE cursor commands in the PIC BASIC Pro table for LCDOUT are not correct for this part - First line starts at x080(0x80 + 0x00), second at 0xA0(0x80 + 0x20), third at 0xC0 (0x80 +0x40), and fourth line at 0XE0 (00x80 +0x60).

Otherwise it is the same as the HD44780.