Parallel vs. Serial, what can serial do that makes it $$

fryguy · Post by **fryguy** » Mon Jun 30, 2003 2:53 pm

Ok, I've been doing a lot of research, and when I first started, Matrix Orbital was at the top of my list. and it is still at the top of my list.

First of all, can an infrared remote control a parallel LCD? What I'm getting at is making an LCD w/o a keypad function like one with a keypad through the use of a infrared remote to manipulate the program(s) driving the LCD.

If this is not possible/plausible, then I'll probably go run out and get a MO right away.

Secondly, if the above is possible, why would getting a MO be better than getting a random parallel LCD, an infrared receiver kit, and the freeware for driving the LCD around the net? It seems to me like it would do the same thing (minus the GPOs, which I'm still not certain are worth it to me)

Besides controlling fans and CCFLs (I can just get a rheobus and some relay switches for that), what else can the GPOs do that might make this a worthwhile $100?

Post by **Henry** » Mon Jun 30, 2003 3:09 pm

Well, there are allot of factors here. What do you want to do with your LCD? Do you just want basic information displayed? Then why not get the LCD2041-WB-V But if you want Digital Baybus features and such, the new MX2 is a great product. New review here...

The MX2 has allot of optional accessories, like a new GPO Bus (coming soon), internal USB cable and temperature probe.

Also, don't forget software, which is the most important part of the LCD... LCDC is THE BEST software! No other software has so many features and plugins. You were asking about IR, well, LCDC has a great IR plugin for a simple DIY IR reciever.

I hope this gets you going, if you got any other questions, let us know.

Post by **linear** » Mon Jun 30, 2003 3:39 pm

you should always pick your software first, then pick the hardware that runs it best. Your IR stunt is not possible with any of the parallel software I'm aware of (and make sure you're clear--it's the software that does it, not the display), but LCDC does it with pretty minimal difficulty. And to run LCDC, you'll be wanting an MO display.

fryguy · Post by **fryguy** » Mon Jun 30, 2003 4:35 pm

So basically if I want to do anything on top of displaying information, then that eliminates everything except MO.

Makes enough sense. With this LCD and the right modules, will I be able to incorporate an adjustable-voltage baybus for less than the cost of a cheaper LCD + a standalone rheobus? It seems like I might be able to, plus I get the ability to control other things like cathodes etc?

fryguy · Post by **fryguy** » Mon Jun 30, 2003 5:03 pm

One more thing, why does it seem that the serial drive-bay model is more expensive than the usb model? All of the usb models are 99.99, while some of the serial models are $110+, depending on backlight color.

If I go with the usb model, will it work fine in linux?

Also, is there anywhere I can get a 20x4 w/ keypad?

Post by **Henry** » Mon Jun 30, 2003 5:09 pm

fryguy wrote:One more thing, why does it seem that the serial drive-bay model is more expensive than the usb model? All of the usb models are 99.99, while some of the serial models are $110+, depending on backlight color.

If I go with the usb model, will it work fine in linux?

Also, is there anywhere I can get a 20x4 w/ keypad?

It's because we want to sell the USB one more. Why? Because too many people blew their serial one up by applying the wrong power cable. And yes the display should work fine in Linux, there are a few posts at the top talking about the driver install for Linux.

Post by **Henry** » Mon Jun 30, 2003 5:11 pm

fryguy wrote:So basically if I want to do anything on top of displaying information, then that eliminates everything except MO.

Makes enough sense. With this LCD and the right modules, will I be able to incorporate an adjustable-voltage baybus for less than the cost of a cheaper LCD + a standalone rheobus? It seems like I might be able to, plus I get the ability to control other things like cathodes etc?

The MX2 is the only display what has Digital Baybus capabilities. Read the review linked to at Gruntville and it will explain it all.

fryguy · Post by **fryguy** » Mon Jun 30, 2003 5:54 pm

This still doesn't quite explain why the serial models cost more than the usb model. Shouldn't the USB Model cost more because of the new GPOs and such?

Post by **Henry** » Mon Jun 30, 2003 5:55 pm

fryguy wrote:This still doesn't quite explain why the serial models cost more than the usb model. Shouldn't the USB Model cost more because of the new GPOs and such?

Yes, the USB models cost more to manufacture, but the amount of money spent tech support and RMAing makes up for selling the USBs for less.

fryguy · Post by **fryguy** » Mon Jun 30, 2003 7:09 pm

And I noticed a sticky with info about how to make the USB one work in linux. Now I guess I just need to decide if I want a 20x2 w/ keypad, or a 20x4 w/o keypad.