Notitake CU40026SCPB-T20a configuration

[zinkpig]

Hi all,
I am having a bit of trouble configuring the CU40026SCPB-T20a. I built a parallel port cable following the instructions listed here :
http://www.vfdworld.com/index.php?page=usingyourvfd
I am using lcdsmartie v5.4 and tried using HD44780 settings. I see scrolling random scrolling characters but not what i type in the text box. When I try to increase the refresh and scroll interval the characters update faster. This leads me to believe that the comunication is working but the character set is wrong (?) I saw that the test driver page http://lcdsmartie.sourceforge.net/testdriver.html has some details on the CU40026SCPB-T20a but I am not clear on how to select the parallel port using testdriver.dll, seems like only Com port is supported.
any help is greatly appreciated.

[mattcro]

That VFD is not compatible with the HD44780. To use the VFD with the test driver, you need to configure the VFD to use the serial interface. It looks like you also need to make a serial level converter (RS232 levels to logic levels) for this VFD. This can be as simple as a transistor and a few resistors to invert the signal and limit it to logic levels.

VFD datesheet: http://www.datasheetarchive.com/pdf/1099193.pdf

[zinkpig]

thanks for the links. I understand the level conversion part but I am confused about the serial interface, there seems to be no TX pin on the VFD where would I connect the level converted serial output to ?

[mattcro]

There's a pin called "Sin/Test" which I assume is the serial input to the module (at TTL logic levels). There's no transmit from the module. I think the serial input is available on both the power and data connectors. You'll also need a ground connection to the serial port.