Is this 4x20 VFD any good?

blubberhoofd · Post by **blubberhoofd** » March 15th, 2007, 9:10 pm

hi,

I've been searching for an affordable VFD for my new HTPC for some time.

On my latest search I found this VFD on e-bay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/IEE-36904-Vacuum-Fl ... ILF:US:101

question is... will it work with LCDsmartie?

I could only find this link to the manufacturer:
http://ieeinc.com/?q=node/6

but I'm having a hard time identifying what product it would be

so has anybody here seen or even tested this display?

blubberhoofd · Post by **blubberhoofd** » March 17th, 2007, 4:23 pm

hi,

sorry but I feel the need to bump this topic as I'm looking at a limited supply

so I still really hope someone can help

Fast351 · Post by **Fast351** » March 18th, 2007, 1:21 am

http://www.ieeinc.com/specs/S036x2.pdf

That's the display specs for that display.

It has a serial mode.

Should work with the test driver at the very least.

-Mike

Fast351 · Post by **Fast351** » March 18th, 2007, 1:30 am

Yep, looked at the docs. The command set for "LCD Mode" is the same as the one I coded for the pertelian display:

http://forums.lcdsmartie.org/viewtopic. ... =pertelian

I haven't heard back from the OP, so if you get this display you can test the driver. It should do custom chars too. Looks like a nice display.

-Mike

blubberhoofd · Post by **blubberhoofd** » March 18th, 2007, 2:39 am

hi,

thanks for the reply.

did look at the doc and noticed this

The dot matrix family of Century Series VFDs is able to simulate Intel 8041/42 series, Motorola 6821 and
Hitachi 44780 interface characteristics as specified herein.

does that mean that it's defenitly compatible?

Also how does this display compare to the Noritake Itron displays like this one:

http://cgi.ebay.nl/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie ... &rd=1&rd=1

I would really appriciate your help

Fast351 · Post by **Fast351** » March 18th, 2007, 2:50 am

The noritake is parallel only I believe. I have one and it works with LCD Smartie, but IMO serial displays are a better way to go. They're more compatible with different OS's.

-Mike

Fast351 · Post by **Fast351** » March 20th, 2007, 6:55 pm

Hopefully you guys are still watching. Check this thread:

http://forums.lcdsmartie.org/viewtopic.php?t=1266