Converting LCD Module to USB

MaD2ko0l · Post by **MaD2ko0l** » June 14th, 2009, 11:40 pm

hi,

have recetly found a little lcd module and have managed to hook it up to a parallel port on an old pc i had knocking around.

now i want to hook it up to usb so i can use it on my main system running vista64 that doesnt have a parallel port on it.

i was looking at the USBMOD4 or USB245R found on this page, but looking at the datasheets, i am unsure on actually wiring it up.

would this usb controller work ok? or is there a better way to convert this to usb?

the lcd module i have is a Topway LMB162A.

please bear in mind that this is more or less the 1st venture into electronics

thanks for the help

MaD2ko0l

Post by **mattcro** » June 15th, 2009, 9:55 am

You're on the right track for getting an LCD wired up through USB. It looks like the USBMOD4 is the one to go for, because there is already a Smartie driver to use modules based on the FT245 - see http://forums.lcdsmartie.org/viewtopic.php?t=1540 for details. Bear in mind that the pinouts on the modules are different, so you'll have to match up the names/functions...

usling · Post by **usling** » June 16th, 2009, 8:58 pm

mattcro wrote:see http://forums.lcdsmartie.org/viewtopic.php?t=1540 for details.

I use that solution. Just use one of the schematics in that thread. Piece of cake

MaD2ko0l · Post by **MaD2ko0l** » June 18th, 2009, 6:41 pm

ok i got the USB245R and im currently using whirleyes schematics from http://forums.lcdsmartie.org/viewtopic.php?t=1540

however, when i plug it in via the usb, i dont get anything pop up from windows about installign a driver.

can anyone shed some light on why it isnt being detected?

i have tripple checked my wiring and it all seems to be correct.

i have tryed this setup on xp and vista and it just isnt being detected.

i have got power to the usb/lcd because i see the big blocks along the top row of the lcd.

can anyone help me out?

thanks

MaD2ko0l

Post by **mattcro** » June 18th, 2009, 9:43 pm

Do you get any popups in the system tray about new hardware detected, or hardware errors?

Also look in device manager (in control panel > system) for any hardware issues.

Have you tried plugging the module into the USB port without the LCD connected? You may have a wiring problem. The module should normally be detected by Windows when plugged in, but I guess a wiring error could prevent it enumerating properly.

Note that the pinout of your module is different - how have you connected up your module?

MaD2ko0l · Post by **MaD2ko0l** » June 18th, 2009, 9:52 pm

oops sorry, thought i said how i wired it up

anyway i wired it up like did whirleyes

and no i dont get any popup in system tray and i cannot find it in device manager, i have also used usbview.exe to show what use devices are being used and it wasnt listed on there at all.

and no i havent tryed connecting the usb controller with out it being wired up as i have had to solder straight to/from the contrller/lcd

i will unsolder and reconnect and see if that does anything...will i be ok to just unsolder everything but the power cables from the lcd?

thanks for the help

MaD2ko0l · Post by **MaD2ko0l** » June 18th, 2009, 10:54 pm

argh, i feel liek a right muppet now

it might help if i push in the usb connector all the way

DOH!

all the wiring was correct so thats a good start.

anyways, thanks for the help

MaD2ko0l

Post by **mattcro** » June 19th, 2009, 9:26 am

Doh! Ah well, I guess it's working fine now?

MaD2ko0l · Post by **MaD2ko0l** » June 20th, 2009, 1:27 am

yes, all is working fine now.

now i just need to learn how to wright some plugins as some dont work or are not included/written yet