HD44780 using a USB cable

[taylormsj]

Hey, i just bought a 2x16 character HD44780 display.

My pc doesn't have a parallel port, so i bought this

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... K:MEWNX:IT

USB to parallel cable.

However this doesnt work. I just get first line of blocks on the display, nothing works using LCD smartie.

I read around, and saw something about FTDI chips. I dont think ill be able to that wiring, as im not so good at this, however, is there any way i can still use this display?

http://www.usbnow.co.uk/Cables-USB_to_R ... _info.html

This says it has FTDI chips in the cable, would this work??

Thanks you !!

[caesar]

Most probably not, no USB to parallel converter works. Either FTDI or not.

Using the FTDI chips and a special driver is a whole lot different and uses another method of communication to the lcd.

[mattcro]

That 2nd cable you linked to won't do what you want either - it's a USB to serial port (RS232) cable.

The FT245 modules are about the easiest way to get an LCD connected to USB for use with Smartie if you're prepared to do some soldering. See http://forums.lcdsmartie.org/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=1540 for more info.

Another easy USB interface is the LCD2USB module. See http://www.harbaum.org/till/lcd2usb/index.shtml for details. You can get kits on eBay and http://www.lcdmodkit.com/ sells complete modules. You still need to do a little bit of soldering though...