Matrix Orbital Corp

Hello, I am a newbie here.

From seeing some of the example here in the forum, I wish to learn something about the LCD modulefrom you.

I can be technical, but I am very new to LCD modules. So can you teach me or point to a right direction.

1. What module do I need?
What model do you suggest?
Will a 16X2 display be a good start?
Does the matrix size make any different of how to use them.

2. What interface do I need?
Do I just connect it to the Serial Port (RS232)?

3. How do I program the module to communicate with my computer?
What programming language can I use, C or whatever.
Any sample code to share just to understand how this thing work.

4. How to store options in the module?
How to use stored option to interact with Windows app or DOS?

Thank you for your time. Any help is greatly appreciated!!! :-)

Hi. Welcome.

I suggest you have a look around at the different software packages and find the one that suits your needs best. Then you can make a better decision about which LCD features are important to you (do you want to do a baybus with it? control Winamp with it? need a special color?) and proceed to select a model.

MO LCDs are the most widely supported in software, bar none, so you're off to a good start, and the people here will be helpful as you decide so ask lots of questions.

Here's a lovely FAQ for you to check out: http://forums.bit-tech.net/showthread.p ... eadid=5582

Thanks Linear!

One more thing, the controller
i.e. Hitachi HD44780
Is it the model number for the LCD module?
Or it is the chip that drive the display of the LCD module, which I can find many different models of module that I can program them exactly the same if them are use the Hitachi HD44780?

HD44780 refers to a controller chip. It's a very common "standard" interface, and there are chips that are compatible with it.

But (unless you choose to write your own software) you are looking for "what does the software I want to run support as hardware?"

So for example, the excellent LCDC program only runs on Matrix Orbital units. If those features (some of which are not available in other progs) are important, then you need to buy a MO unit to be supported hardware. In general parallel LCDs have two drawbacks: they're less widely supported in software than serial, and you have to do a fair amount of wiring yourself (which may or may not be a problem for you).

Serial LCDs (and MO in particular) offer the widest range of software choices possible at this time.

What are you intending to do with yours?