LCD0821 and BS2

[brlippincott]

I got one of your LCD0821 displays due to its size for application on my hexapod robot. I have been communicating with it using the uProject program via RS232. I then got one of my coworkers to re-solder the jumpers for TTL and tried communications with a BS2 using one-way transmit to the display only. I can effect a response in the form of "gobble-di-guke" (that's a technical term), that tuned out to resemble the Japanese ASCII character set.
I program in BS2, PicBasic Pro, Basic Atom Pro

I have downloaded and referenced the user manual for LCD0821. I also looked up the MOS serial communications with a BS2 code example. Looks like what I use for my Scott Edwards boards.

Is there a way to switch to European ASCII set?

Does the code example for the MOS displays apply to LDC0821 displays?

If not, would you have a code example for LCD0821?

Is there a manual with more information on how to use the uProject program?

Any suggestions would be helpful.

Thanks for a great display & serial board design.
Brian

[Clark]

Hi Brian,

Great to hear that you like that product so far, sorry to see it isn't working out in your application yet.

It sounds like you're having a little communication trouble between the display and your controller in TTL mode. The default settings on the display will be 8 bits data, 1 stop, no parity, flow control off, baud rate 19200. Just double check to make sure that's what your controller is outputting.

It seems you've found most of our help documents, however, if you haven't already, our app notes section has some good programming info.

The font sets on our displays are fixed, and both Japanese and European will display the entire English character set. All our units, save for the WB in the LCD0821 line currently ship out with the European font.

Code examples for any display in our line should work with most others. All the basic commands in our newest revisions are the same from one display to the next, there are just a few that are custom to one line or another.

For uProject, unfortunately there is no manual available; it was meant to be relatively intuitive. There are some quirks though, like the change baud not functioning, so if you have any questions, post them up here or send an email over to support@matrixorbital.ca.

Finally, I'd suggest to keep the code simple for now, start by trying to write a letter, then move on to issuing a command like clear screen. Once you get the basics down, it's pretty easy to do the rest. You may also want to scope out your Rx and Tx lines, and feel free to post up any code if you're unsure.

Thanks,
~Troy

[brlippincott]

I think you may be right about the communication issues. When I use the same baud indicator, but in different forms, i.e., hex, ASCII, or decimal, i get the same exact "gobble-di-guke". I looked up "help" in my BS2 compiler and it does not indicate any hex examples for defining the constant over 9600 baud. I worked out the math as they indicated to determine a value for 19200 baud in order to define it. The formula I used :
(1,000,000/19200)-20 = 32 (rounded to integer)
8-bit / no parity = 0
True = 0
I also says my BS2e does not like speeds over 9600 without special modifiers.
I was unaware of the uProject bug that prevents the baud rate change from working. I had first wired up the LCD0821 to my Lynxmotion SSC-32 servo board in order to use the RS232 function and communications were fine. I thought I had changed the baud to the 9600 I normally use for serial LCD's. I either need to find another micro-controller that can talk at 19200 baud, or figure out a way to send the data to change the baud on the BS2e. Any ideas?
Thanks again.
Brian

[Henry]

take a look at some of the example code on www.matrixorbital.ca

[Clark]

Hi Brian,

I understand you're going to be working at 9600 baud, no worries, it's easy to change it on your display; although not quite as easy as it would be with a working button in the gui.

The command is in the manual, and the easiest way to issue it will be to put the module back into RS232 and run uProject. If you haven't already, just get rid of those zero ohm resistor jumpers and connect with a blob of solder instead; it's much easier to work with.

In uProject open up the Uploader tab, expand other on the tree and select the raw data command. This will let you enter a string of bytes, and makes it really easy to add one at a time using any of the three number formats. Bytes are separated by a '/' so you should see /254//57//103/.

Once you're done, just click ok, save if you want to bring the code up later, and run the program. The uploader is a great way to issue commands that may not be found in the main window, or just don't work quite right.

Give that a shot, and feel free to post again if you run into any trouble.

Thanks,
~Troy

[brlippincott]

Clark,
Got two sets of instructions from two different sources, they were right on the money! Got the baud changed and moved one step closer to understanding how to use the 2x8 LCD. Thanks. Will be trying some programming with it soon and will get back with any questions. Mostly I will be setting up a header and refreshing updated information to the LCD, such as distance in inches, angle in degrees, what mode the program is operating in, etc.
Thanks again.
Brian

[Clark]

Hi Brian,

No worries, I appreciate the update, I don't anticipate too many more snags from this point onward, but if you do run into anything, just let me know.

Thanks,
~Troy