Help me choose a display

Amorya · Post by **Amorya** » Sun Dec 07, 2003 9:40 am

OK, I seem to be in a minority here in that I don't want my display for case modding. So the MX series is out. Basically I want it to play about with for a few electronics projects, and to try some computer control circuits. So it's for trying things out, not for a finished project.

Also, bear in mind I'm a student. And since I'm in the UK, I can't take advantage of the student discount from MO

So cash is at a premium - I don't want to spend loads!

So anyway, these are the kinds of things I want:

A character display
Preferably four lines but may accept two for cash reasons.

A keypad interface
I'll probably buy the 4x4 keypad available on this site to go with it.

General Purpose Outputs
I'm assuming that these can be connected to relays to drive other circuits. I'd like about 2 or 3 if possible.

I think I'll go for a serial interface display. At first I'll be using it with an old 386 to drive it. (All my current computers are laptops so they're not much use.) Later I'll be using it with a Mac desktop, but I assume I can buy a USB-to-serial adaptor and have it still work.

I'll probably start out writing code for it in QBasic or something. When I get it on a Mac, I'll be able to do all sorts of things with AppleScript and Cocoa.

So - any suggestions on what to buy? Any reviews of these displays? I've found loads of reviews for MX ones but none at all for any other models.

Amorya

Post by **Henry** » Sun Dec 07, 2003 12:33 pm

The reason there are no reviews of thisunit is because it's not ment for the modding crowed... if you are planning on using one of these units you should know what you want.

The unit you're probably looking for is either the LK202-25 or LK204-25. Each have a 5x5 keypad matrix and each have 6 low power GPOs. Now, if you plan on talking to the display at TTL levels and really want some high power GPOs, then the LK202-24-USB or LK204-24-USB would be for you, as they can be controlled by either USB or Serial TTL (to use TTL with your computer you would need a serial --> ttl converter)

Amorya · Post by **Amorya** » Wed Dec 10, 2003 8:03 am

Henry wrote: it's not ment for the modding crowed...

That's ok, I'm not one of the modding crowd

Another question:

Apart from powering it from a computer, what other ways do you suggest getting power to the display? I'm assuming the standard cheapo AC adapters you can get would not be suitable, because of voltage fluctuations. Any other suggestions? Would getting the wide voltage model make a difference here?

Amorya

Miles · Post by **Miles** » Wed Dec 10, 2003 9:07 am

Either way I would suggest getting a "V" option (7V-15V range) with the unit you purchase. This way you know the voltage will be a constant 5 Volts being feed into the unit... Using an AC adapter will be fine , however just because it says 12VDC, be sure to measure the output before connecting to the display. They are made very cheaply and the voltage tends to be obscure...

Amorya · Post by **Amorya** » Wed Dec 10, 2003 9:13 am

Sounds sensible - I think that's what I'll do

I have one final question (sorry to keep bothering you with them!):

If I buy a VK-204-25 with the V option, it says it'll cost $125.50. I don't suppose you (or anyone) know how much it'd cost shipped to Britain, with import tax?

And is there definitely no way to get a student discount on that display for a British student?

Amorya

Bernie · Post by **Bernie** » Wed Dec 10, 2003 3:09 pm

Hello, shipping fee, over and above the unit cost, will be $16.73 USD to Britain. As for the Import Tax...you will have to find out on your end by contacting your customs...our HST#853120 may help.

Unfortunately the student discounts are extended to US and Canadian students only.

Regards,
Bernadine