STATUS UPDATE: PIC LCD backpack
We’re trying a new Monday post with status updates on new projects currently in production. This will cover project development, and gritty details like last minutes changes and production problems.
This is a USB and serial backpack for simple HD44780 character LCD screens. It has a few nice features that set it apart from the serial-only LCD backpacks at SparkFun and Adafruit:
- USB and serial control of characters LCDs
- Supported in common software (LCD Smartie) as ‘matrix orbital’ display
- Adjust contrast and backlight from software
- Couple extra pins for buttons
- 500mA fuse
- USB upgradable
The master prototype has been shipped to Seeed, but we probably won’t produce it because HD44780 LCDs aren’t very popular anymore. If you’d like a PCB (and plan to build it) please let us know in the comments.
Slightly more on the wiki. Firmware and hardware are in SVN.
PS: Bus Blaster v2 is complete, tested, and listed in the Seeed store now. We’re hoping for stock tomorrow.
This entry was posted in LCD, Status update and tagged PIC LCD backpack.
Comments
i want 1 or 2 PCB….how i proceed for that
I’d love to give it try!
I was actually in the middle of rolling my own serial-only backpack (based on the Adafruit one). I’d love a PCB if you end up with any extras, apart from the fuse and SMD crystal, I have everything I need to put it together.
Just curious, what makes you say HD44780 displays aren’t very popular anymore? What do you think is growing to replace them?
Andrew
It seems like everyone is using various exotic color LCDs, OLED LCDs, etc, that work at 3.3volts with modern uCs.
…adding the 5volt thing also makes this an expensive project. The 18F2550 is about $2 more than the 3.3volt version (18F25J50).
I’d like to test one out too. There are 3 of these LCDs on my desk.
I would take a PCB also. We still use character LCD’s in many projects and have plenty sitting around.
I’d like one, if possible…
I would love one to try!
I’d love to have one, please.
I certainly want one of those! I’ve got tons of HD44780 displays, having (several) serialized ones working over USB would rock.
YAB… Yet Another Bootloader.
Strange (and difficult) to understand why there is now (even after the svn reorganisation) a multiple set of copies of the modified Diolan bootloader.
Any reason ?
;)
Yup, every device has a different indicator LED location, some devices have other special pins that need to be held a certain way for safe operation (CPLD/FPGA reset, etc).
Ian,
Sure, there are some reasons like these one.
However, for a same processor (let say a 2550 for examle) all the differences may be located in io_cfg.inc.
As far as I’ve understood there is no need to duplicate (multiplicate) the same common sources.
Regards
Marc
Like Anthony, I’ve got tons of 44780 displays and having one that connects with USB would get great! Sure, I’d like to try one out.
I would like one if there are any left.
Have a few 1×16 character HD44780 based LCD.
Bill
i would like 1 or 2 if possible. i still have my 80 characters LCD salvaged from an industrial UPS and a smaller 16 characters.
i usually use them for debugging on microcontroller projects and this LCD backpack would ease my work on interfacing.
HD44780 displays aren’t very popular anymore? They are ubiquitous, cost $5-$7 USD each (2×16). Not building out this project is a bad idea IMO. A real disservice to the Community.
I wouldn’t say it is a “disservice.” Rather it just is not a service at all.
Otherwise I agree. DP aught to produce a small pilot run. Today embedded hosts are becoming more popular and something like this could be a simple and cheap debug tool. It would also be great as a general purpose 18FxxJ development board.
I’m keen on building one. Have many HDs to test for recycling purposes. Any chance to get a PCB please??
I will build one if there’s a pcb still available.
I doubt there’s still pcb available, but I would be interested.