Hello -
Thanks for providing this forum to support a useful and fun utility.
Before I go to far, I picked up a new Ahanix HTPC case which includes a VFD controller board (2x16 w/ parallel interface).
Without the board connected to the parallel port, what is the expected behavior of the display? Several posts have indicated the display should be backlit with the application of power. My display is completely blank. I have checked the 5 and 12 volt rails and the power is correct.
If my display is DOA I want to get it replaced before I configure Smartie.
Thanks....Scott
Our new official repo is on github
LCD Smartie version 5.6 is released!
Download it now: https://github.com/LCD-Smartie/LCDSmartie/releases
LCD Smartie version 5.6 is released!
Download it now: https://github.com/LCD-Smartie/LCDSmartie/releases
New Smartie user - Stuck in 1st gear
Moderators: _X7JAY7X_, caesar, IFR, mattcro, limbo, Fast351, hydrolisk1792
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limbo
- Plugin Author
- Posts: 1604
- Joined: February 13th, 2005, 7:38 pm
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Do you know the type of the VFD?
Manufacturer, type, pinout, size?
Usually VFD's do;t have backlight because their function is to light up (fluoresce) the characters. So the no indication actually isn't an indication of a faulty display.
In any case you should refer to the manufacturer manuals and technical documentation to check wirings, pinouts, power and power up behavior.
Good luck with your project.
Manufacturer, type, pinout, size?
Usually VFD's do;t have backlight because their function is to light up (fluoresce) the characters. So the no indication actually isn't an indication of a faulty display.
In any case you should refer to the manufacturer manuals and technical documentation to check wirings, pinouts, power and power up behavior.
Good luck with your project.
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skykingoh
- Posts: 2
- Joined: December 18th, 2007, 5:12 am
Got it working!
Thanks for the input. After choosing to execute Smartie in Win 2k compatibility mode in Vista the display initialized and I am enjoying customizing the display.
I have extensive experience in programming micro-controllers and interfacing TTL devices.
A parallel port is essentially an 8 bit TTL interface so I hope I can help with some of the hardware issues and will lurk around the forums.
Windows is a difficult environment for real time programming, it thwarts most attempts to write to the registers on the I/O controller. I am just learning of HAL virtualizes UARTS and other controllers.
Great job on the programming, keep up the good work.
Scott
I have extensive experience in programming micro-controllers and interfacing TTL devices.
A parallel port is essentially an 8 bit TTL interface so I hope I can help with some of the hardware issues and will lurk around the forums.
Windows is a difficult environment for real time programming, it thwarts most attempts to write to the registers on the I/O controller. I am just learning of HAL virtualizes UARTS and other controllers.
Great job on the programming, keep up the good work.
Scott