Make your own USB LCD controller! - bit-tech.net Forums

ch424 · 23rd Jun 2006, 23:41

Hi everybody

Ages and ages ago, I posted this and many people said they'd like a guide. So here it is!

This is a guide for making an LCD that connects to your computer using USB, primarily intended to be external. You can see mine here. To make the board smaller, it doesn't have the GPOs.

This thread should also be used for suggestions on how to improve the circuit, add new features, and fix bugs in the firmware.

Schematic and layout
First of all, the schematic.

The PCB layout in colour.

And a 300dpi printable version.

Component list:
R1; R8; R9; R10: 10k
R2; R7: 4k7
C1; C2: 22pF
C3; C5: 100nF
C4: 220nF
C6: 100uF
Q1; Q6: BC184L
RV2: 4k7 preset
LCD1: HD44780/KS0066U compatible
X1: 4MHz
T5: USB B (bought from Farnell)
J2: ALPS 11mm rotary encoder (from RS, part 263-2930)
BUZ1: miniature buzzer
U1: PIC18F2550 DIP28

Note that I've used a transistor for the buzzer, so you can connect someting else there instead... mod on!

The connection to the rotary encoder works like this: (diagram)
Pin 2 on encoder goes to pin 1 on J2
Pin 3 on encoder goes to pin 2 on J2
Pin 5 on encoder goes to pin 3 on J2
Pins 1 and 4 on encoder go to pin 4 on J2

Firmware
Here.

Installing in Windows
XP/2000: Download this to your desktop and tell Windows to use that as a driver when it asks.
Vista 64-bit: see scorpia's post
I think Vista 32-bit works with the XP/2000 method, I'm not sure though.

This is the required programmer config (assuming 4MHz crystal). The USB voltage regulator is critical, as the PIC won't even try to start up without it.

Supported commands:
Position: 254 71 [col] [row]
Home: 254 72
Underline on: 254 74
Underline off: 254 75
Blink on: 254 83
Blink off: 254 84
Define custom: 254 78 [c] [8Bytes]
Clear display: 254 88
Backlight on: 254 66 [mins] (mins is just discarded)
Backlight off: 254 70
Backlight brightness: 254 152 [value]
GPO off: 254 86 [1-4]
GPO on: 254 87 [1-4]
Set GPO PWM: 254 102 [1-4] [0-100] (works as a percentage)
Buzzer off: 254 86 5
Buzzer on: 254 87 5

Computer software
This will work with LCDSmarite, if you set it to a Matrix Orbital serial LCD.

And finally... mine in action:

Any questions, feel free to ask!

ch424

DougEdey · 24th Jun 2006, 08:11

Is this the one that works with 4x20 displays?

ch424 · 24th Jun 2006, 08:15

Anything up to 20x4, as long as they're HD44780 or KS0066U compliant. KS0066FF00 is incompatible.

It doesn't work with 40x4 displays.

ch424

DougEdey · 24th Jun 2006, 08:16

Excellent!

Now I'll have to breadboard it since i have no etching tools.

Cheers ch424

steveo_mcg · 24th Jun 2006, 10:14

This looks really handy but I really don't have the skills... but if some would like to make one extra I could suitably reimburse them for their time and effort

woof82 · 24th Jun 2006, 10:49

Pr0! You didn't route the datalines through the powersupplies.

Vocko · 24th Jun 2006, 17:22

I have a HD44780 unit that connects to parallel port. Is it possible to mod it so I can connect it to USB ?

thnx

newbiedude · 24th Jun 2006, 18:12

what was the total cost of the parts that you got?

ch424 · 24th Jun 2006, 18:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vocko

I have a HD44780 unit that connects to parallel port. Is it possible to mod it so I can connect it to USB ?

Yes, that's precicely what this circuit does - and more!

As for total cost... £10 plus the cost of the PCB (£3?) and an LCD (£16-£35?)

ch424

DougEdey · 24th Jun 2006, 22:18

YEt another question for you CH424, can this be adapted for a T6963C LCD? Not a NxM display though, has 20pins...

Valo · 25th Jun 2006, 14:01

hmm... what does it exactly do? do I need programmer to make that thing work?

ch424 · 25th Jun 2006, 15:12

Doug, no it can't, sorry.

Valo, have a look at the FAQ: http://forums.bit-tech.net/showthread.php?p=490773
This basically connects to your computer, and can show system info, temperatures, time/date, track/album/artist name from itunes/media player/winamp, control winamp, say when you have new emails, show RSS feeds - and more!

ch424

Vocko · 25th Jun 2006, 23:11

Rotary knob and the buzzer are used for what ?

ch424 · 26th Jun 2006, 08:53

Navigating menus, changing tracks, controling volume etc. You can set the buzzer to buzz under certain conditions: e.g. when you get an email or if your temps get too high.

ch424

olly_lewis · 26th Jun 2006, 16:42

Very nice mod guide, nice pictures and its clearly explained I might even give it a try, once I get a little funds for the parts of course....

ch424 · 26th Jun 2006, 17:51

Not really free: the price is that it takes 6 weeks for delivery. If you just pay £4 you can get one next day!

ch424

tm36usa · 27th Jun 2006, 04:48

I'm Really tempted to do this as I have an lcd that ive never used in my parts bin. Just A link I thought might be usefull. Got it from TX297 on irc. Its a PIC programmer maded out of spare parts ( read: cheap) http://s95417013.onlinehome.us/ktekx/5.htm

Hope that helps everyone as much as it helped me.

Edit: Schematic for the programmer is here: http://www.olimex.com/dev/images/pic-pg1-sch.gif

ch424 · 27th Jun 2006, 08:19

Wow, that's brilliant! Thanks!

ch424

H2O-G33K · 28th Jun 2006, 02:15

Excellent. I'd been thinking about having a crack at implementing what you've done for a while now. Good effort - I'll give it a go when I get back from my holidays

One~Zero · 4th Jul 2006, 13:08

Excellent work ch424!!

Do you know if they make that PIC in a SMD package? I'd like to make it as small as possible....but then again, how could I upload the hex to a SMD PIC....?

This is just what I was looking for to try out on my 4x20 PLED

23rd Jun 2006, 23:41	#1
ch424 Design Warrior Join Date: May 2004 Location: Oxford, UK Posts: 2,576	Make your own USB LCD controller! Hi everybody Ages and ages ago, I posted this and many people said they'd like a guide. So here it is! This is a guide for making an LCD that connects to your computer using USB, primarily intended to be external. You can see mine here. To make the board smaller, it doesn't have the GPOs. This thread should also be used for suggestions on how to improve the circuit, add new features, and fix bugs in the firmware. Schematic and layout First of all, the schematic. The PCB layout in colour. And a 300dpi printable version. Component list: R1; R8; R9; R10: 10k R2; R7: 4k7 C1; C2: 22pF C3; C5: 100nF C4: 220nF C6: 100uF Q1; Q6: BC184L RV2: 4k7 preset LCD1: HD44780/KS0066U compatible X1: 4MHz T5: USB B (bought from Farnell) J2: ALPS 11mm rotary encoder (from RS, part 263-2930) BUZ1: miniature buzzer U1: PIC18F2550 DIP28 Note that I've used a transistor for the buzzer, so you can connect someting else there instead... mod on! The connection to the rotary encoder works like this: (diagram) Pin 2 on encoder goes to pin 1 on J2 Pin 3 on encoder goes to pin 2 on J2 Pin 5 on encoder goes to pin 3 on J2 Pins 1 and 4 on encoder go to pin 4 on J2 Firmware Here. Installing in Windows XP/2000: Download this to your desktop and tell Windows to use that as a driver when it asks. Vista 64-bit: see scorpia's post I think Vista 32-bit works with the XP/2000 method, I'm not sure though. This is the required programmer config (assuming 4MHz crystal). The USB voltage regulator is critical, as the PIC won't even try to start up without it. Supported commands: Position: 254 71 [col] [row] Home: 254 72 Underline on: 254 74 Underline off: 254 75 Blink on: 254 83 Blink off: 254 84 Define custom: 254 78 [c] [8Bytes] Clear display: 254 88 Backlight on: 254 66 [mins] (mins is just discarded) Backlight off: 254 70 Backlight brightness: 254 152 [value] GPO off: 254 86 [1-4] GPO on: 254 87 [1-4] Set GPO PWM: 254 102 [1-4] [0-100] (works as a percentage) Buzzer off: 254 86 5 Buzzer on: 254 87 5 Computer software This will work with LCDSmarite, if you set it to a Matrix Orbital serial LCD. And finally... mine in action: Any questions, feel free to ask! ch424 __________________ The Alligator Intel Q6600 @ 3GHz \| Asus P5QL-E \| 4GB x OCZ Platinum \| ASUS HD4850 \| Yuraku YV24WBH1 \| 2x 1TB Samsung F1 \| Vista Ultimate Last edited by ch424; 25th Apr 2009 at 09:55.

24th Jun 2006, 08:11	#2
DougEdey I pwn all your storage Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Southampton Posts: 13,933	Is this the one that works with 4x20 displays? __________________ Burnout: Paradise Stats!XBL: DougEdey Bindi PSN ID: DougEdey Twitter

24th Jun 2006, 08:16	#4
DougEdey I pwn all your storage Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Southampton Posts: 13,933	Excellent! Now I'll have to breadboard it since i have no etching tools. Cheers ch424 __________________ Burnout: Paradise Stats!XBL: DougEdey Bindi PSN ID: DougEdey Twitter

24th Jun 2006, 10:49	#6
woof82 I am a Dremel Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Oxford Posts: 1,797	Pr0! You didn't route the datalines through the powersupplies. __________________ ! AVAST ME HEARTIES!

24th Jun 2006, 22:18	#10
DougEdey I pwn all your storage Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Southampton Posts: 13,933	YEt another question for you CH424, can this be adapted for a T6963C LCD? Not a NxM display though, has 20pins... __________________ Burnout: Paradise Stats!XBL: DougEdey Bindi PSN ID: DougEdey Twitter

24th Jun 2006, 08:15	#3
ch424 Design Warrior Join Date: May 2004 Location: Oxford, UK Posts: 2,576	Anything up to 20x4, as long as they're HD44780 or KS0066U compliant. KS0066FF00 is incompatible. It doesn't work with 40x4 displays. ch424

24th Jun 2006, 10:14	#5
steveo_mcg Bye bye Chrismas Taz Join Date: May 2005 Location: Edinburgh Posts: 4,088	This looks really handy but I really don't have the skills... but if some would like to make one extra I could suitably reimburse them for their time and effort

24th Jun 2006, 17:22	#7
Vocko Minimodder Join Date: May 2004 Location: Serbia, Belgrade Posts: 22	I have a HD44780 unit that connects to parallel port. Is it possible to mod it so I can connect it to USB ? thnx

24th Jun 2006, 18:12	#8
newbiedude What's a Dremel? Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 15	what was the total cost of the parts that you got?

25th Jun 2006, 14:01	#11
Valo Hypermodder Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Bristol Posts: 814	hmm... what does it exactly do? do I need programmer to make that thing work? __________________ resistance is futile

25th Jun 2006, 15:12	#12
ch424 Design Warrior Join Date: May 2004 Location: Oxford, UK Posts: 2,576	Doug, no it can't, sorry. Valo, have a look at the FAQ: http://forums.bit-tech.net/showthread.php?p=490773 This basically connects to your computer, and can show system info, temperatures, time/date, track/album/artist name from itunes/media player/winamp, control winamp, say when you have new emails, show RSS feeds - and more! ch424 __________________ The Alligator Intel Q6600 @ 3GHz \| Asus P5QL-E \| 4GB x OCZ Platinum \| ASUS HD4850 \| Yuraku YV24WBH1 \| 2x 1TB Samsung F1 \| Vista Ultimate

25th Jun 2006, 23:11	#13
Vocko Minimodder Join Date: May 2004 Location: Serbia, Belgrade Posts: 22	Rotary knob and the buzzer are used for what ? Last edited by Vocko; 25th Jun 2006 at 23:27.

26th Jun 2006, 08:53	#14
ch424 Design Warrior Join Date: May 2004 Location: Oxford, UK Posts: 2,576	Navigating menus, changing tracks, controling volume etc. You can set the buzzer to buzz under certain conditions: e.g. when you get an email or if your temps get too high. ch424

26th Jun 2006, 16:42	#15
olly_lewis Hypermodder Join Date: May 2006 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 756	Very nice mod guide, nice pictures and its clearly explained I might even give it a try, once I get a little funds for the parts of course....

26th Jun 2006, 17:51	#16
ch424 Design Warrior Join Date: May 2004 Location: Oxford, UK Posts: 2,576	Not really free: the price is that it takes 6 weeks for delivery. If you just pay £4 you can get one next day! ch424

27th Jun 2006, 04:48	#17
tm36usa I am a Dremel Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Deep Underground Posts: 1,593	I'm Really tempted to do this as I have an lcd that ive never used in my parts bin. Just A link I thought might be usefull. Got it from TX297 on irc. Its a PIC programmer maded out of spare parts ( read: cheap) http://s95417013.onlinehome.us/ktekx/5.htm Hope that helps everyone as much as it helped me. Edit: Schematic for the programmer is here: http://www.olimex.com/dev/images/pic-pg1-sch.gif __________________ Project Double Helix 01110100011011010011001100110110011101010111001101 100001

27th Jun 2006, 08:19	#18
ch424 Design Warrior Join Date: May 2004 Location: Oxford, UK Posts: 2,576	Wow, that's brilliant! Thanks! ch424 __________________ The Alligator Intel Q6600 @ 3GHz \| Asus P5QL-E \| 4GB x OCZ Platinum \| ASUS HD4850 \| Yuraku YV24WBH1 \| 2x 1TB Samsung F1 \| Vista Ultimate

28th Jun 2006, 02:15	#19
H2O-G33K Multimodder Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Malvern [UK] Posts: 240	Excellent. I'd been thinking about having a crack at implementing what you've done for a while now. Good effort - I'll give it a go when I get back from my holidays

4th Jul 2006, 13:08	#20
One~Zero Multimodder Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: NH, USA Posts: 213	Excellent work ch424!! Do you know if they make that PIC in a SMD package? I'd like to make it as small as possible....but then again, how could I upload the hex to a SMD PIC....? This is just what I was looking for to try out on my 4x20 PLED __________________ Your LCD is the window to your soul

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