Society of Robots - Robot Forum

Electronics => Electronics => Topic started by: ojas1010 on March 01, 2013, 01:30:06 AM

Title: awnted some help for display
Post by: ojas1010 on March 01, 2013, 01:30:06 AM
this is not a hardcore robotics project
but i m making a computer case in that i want to include an lcd chip small one maybe 4-7 inches
i just wanted to know how i can connect it to the computer to display some message or computer stats???
also i wanted to make sliding doors small ones with a switch
if anyone can help it is appreciated(if both switches can be combined then awesome!!!)
i m not a pro in robotics i m a begineer so

http://www.rhydolabz.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=88&products_id=752 (http://www.rhydolabz.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=88&products_id=752)
Title: Re: awnted some help for display
Post by: newInRobotics on March 01, 2013, 03:21:18 AM
First thought is to use microcontroller to drive LCD. uC can then be connected to PC via USB, for that You need uC that has USART feature. Also, for USART <--> USB comms You need to get TTL to USB converter (try eBay).
Title: Re: awnted some help for display
Post by: jwatte on March 01, 2013, 03:28:46 PM
Do you want a graphic LCD or a text mode LCD?

For text mode, look at the 16x2 or 20x2 character LCDs based on HD44780 controller. They should run about $10. Then you need a USB microcontroller to control it somehow -- an Arduino Uno for $30 could do it, or a Leonardo clone: http://imall.iteadstudio.com/itaeduino-leonardo.html (http://imall.iteadstudio.com/itaeduino-leonardo.html)
If you want color, look at a small LCD shield like this one: http://www.robotshop.com/productinfo.aspx?pc=RB-Ada-75&lang=en-US (http://www.robotshop.com/productinfo.aspx?pc=RB-Ada-75&lang=en-US) or this one: http://imall.iteadstudio.com/im120419008.html (http://imall.iteadstudio.com/im120419008.html) with a shield adapter: http://imall.iteadstudio.com/im120417008.html (http://imall.iteadstudio.com/im120417008.html)

Then you have to actually program it to display whatever you want! And perhaps program the computer to send information to the display.

Another alternative is to buy a separate Microsoft SideShow compatible USB display, assuming you can still find one... ( http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/12/usb-enabled-picolcd-sideshow-display-may-soon-be-a-collectors-i/ (http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/12/usb-enabled-picolcd-sideshow-display-may-soon-be-a-collectors-i/) )