The pins NEED to be grounded as they are high by default.

I finally got something to print to the display

I am attempting to implement the 4-bit interface, but have had no success. Any pointers?

I noticed that the unused pins (DB0 - DB3) are high by default. Should i ground these pins or should this not be the case?

Any help would be appreciated.

Two Questions:

Is the DISPLAY ON/OFF instruction unecessary for lcds without backlight?

Is there any necessary BUSY FLAG wait between data nibbles when transmitting in 4-bit mode? In other words, do i need to check the BUSY FLAG between the first and second half of the data?

Yes. I was hoping to do so, in order to save space. However, I actually got a hold of one of the intelligent modules that uses a serial connection. After reviewing it, an additional PCB seems to be the best solution for creating a connector for the LCD. I can even avoid the connector altogether and ...

I am interested in using the LCD as a plug-in device to an embedded system. Users should be able to plug in the LCD straight into a receptacle without any sort of cable. I was hoping to use a 15 D-Sub connector.

Any suggestions on how I should approach this considering the layout of the 16 pin holes?