Thanks skimask. the 1x8 uses a KS0066U controller, and the 2x8 uses a SPLC780D. The supplier said both were "equivalent to the 44780". I picked them to get some experince with the two different controllers. I figured it was a good way to learn.

I picked the 120x32 (I checked, and they publish this as the size, maybe it is a type) because it had a data sheet that at least looked like something I might be able to grasp (at least enough to get started! ha).

thanks for the tip on the thread, I will be checking it out.

FYI, here is the link to the 120x32
http://www.newhavendisplay.com/index...rod/prd266.htm

Thanks for the help