HD44780 / KS006

lcdtech · Post by **lcdtech** » June 8th, 2008, 10:08 pm

hi all

i am using the latest ver 5.4.1 beta , and followed the schematics for the lcds (Paraller interface)from this site, i used a 24x2 with Hd44780 and a 40x2 with KS006 on my laptop P4 1.8mhz and my desktop amd 64 dual core, both running XP pro.

My wiring is pin to pin correct both lcds have typical 16 pin connectors (2x8 pins) i used the HD44780 plug in, and tried to use the time multi, 5 after the LPT1, unfortunately iam getting nothing on the LCD?s.

And I did install the Paraller Port driver on the computer,and the bios configerd as ECP/EPP.

Need help please to make it work
and can i use the usb port as power for the lcd ?

thanks

Post by **caesar** » June 8th, 2008, 10:24 pm

You can use USB for power, just be careful!

How do you power the modules now?

lcdtech · Post by **lcdtech** » June 9th, 2008, 11:50 am

thanks for replying.

i used 2 ways , first i used a usb port and secound i used a bench-top PS @5vdc.

i still cant get anything on the lcd's.(except for the backlight)

Post by **caesar** » June 10th, 2008, 12:12 am

The only thing I can think about is that you didn't tie together the ground wire from the power source and the ground wire from the LPT port.

Another problem could be that you have some broad temperature displays. These use negative voltage on the contrast pin, please check the datasheet.

Anyway do you see the black blocks when you power up the displays?
If your answer is no then its about the contrast voltage/pin.
If your answer is yes then it's about ground connection or wiring faults.

lcdtech · Post by **lcdtech** » June 11th, 2008, 2:41 am

hi i do have both gnd's together , but no black blocks on display.

i do have a 10k trim one side to vdd the other to vss and the wiper to display 3rd pin witch is contrast when i fully turne it to one side somee times blocks come on but disapears after that .

i have many lcds i didnot try others till now but i think its either a software problem or port setting.

buy the way if thease lcd are the type your talinking about need negative supply whats the work around for them .

thanks

Post by **caesar** » June 11th, 2008, 9:22 am

power up the lcd and turn the wiper so that you can see the black blocks.
Now you have set the contrast and can fire up smartie.

lcdtech · Post by **lcdtech** » June 12th, 2008, 3:19 am

thanks that did it....... but it wasnot a contrast problem .

i was before starting the software first then powering up the lcd .

and now i know i should power the lcd then start the program

thanks again your a great help

Post by **caesar** » June 12th, 2008, 7:00 am

I'm happy you solved the puzzle.
Enjoy your LCD!