Can't get it to work (HD44780, LPT1, Win7x86)

[adamlar]

Hi.

Just found my old 2x20 oled display (HD44780). Last time I used it, it was working fine. Allthough then I was using WinXP, now I'm using Win7 32bit.
fractronics.se/2x20oled.shtml

Now i can't get it to work. It's connected to the moderboard's LPT-port. BIOS settings are EPP, v1.7.
The display gets its power from a 4-pin molex.

In windows device manager, the LPT-port number is set to LPT1.

I've tried both port95nt.exe and the inpout32.dll

LCDSmartie settings are, "HD44780.dll" and Startup parameters: LPT1


Any ideas??

[dperrow]

You might have to run LCDSmartie as administrator at least once to allow inpout32.dll to set up properly. Assuming you have a version of the dll that will work on Windows 7.

Dave

[adamlar]

Thanks for quick reply.

I've tried running it as admin, but no luck.

I found the inpout32.dll on this forum, not sure if it's correct for win7.
Where can I find the right one?

[dperrow]

I think a correct version can be found here:

http://www.highrez.co.uk/Downloads/InpOut32/

[adamlar]

That's the one I used. Not sure if I use it correctly..

I've used InstallDriver.exe in the Win32 folder, which said it installed and opened ok.
And I've also copied all files from the Win32 folder to the lcdsmartie folder.

Is there anything else I need to do?

[dperrow]

Is it a different motherboard? Might be another setting in the bios (Legacy support or something)

Have you had a look at the settings for LPT1 in device manager?

Can't think of anything else - I'll sleep on it.

[adamlar]

I think it's the same mb, not sure though.

i49.tinypic.co m/2zthsgh.jpg

i50.tinypic.co m/16jq4pz.jpg

i45.tinypic.co m/2v3la9d.jpg

i48.tinypic.co m/syqs1e.jpg

i46.tinypic.co m/2ik9vsk.jpg

i48.tinypic.co m/sfgj82.jpg

i49.tinypic.co m/fmjhj7.jpg

Wasn't allowed to post urls.. Sorry for swedish windows..

[adamlar]

I've tried with another motherboard with an WinXP install, and no luck with that either.

So I'm either doing something terribly wrong, or the LCD itself is broken.
I've checked all the cables and soldering(?) and it looks fine.

Is there any other way to check if the display itself is broken? Like a selftest or anything?

[dperrow]

i've mishandled, miswired, over voltaged a number of these modeuls and not killed one yet.

it's more likely to be something silly like the contrast setting or wiring.

given you can get a new one for about £2 from ebay it's probably cheapest to get another and try it.

Dave

[adamlar]

Since it's OLED, and not LCD, it's not as cheap and I can't even find one on ebay.

Anyway, thanks for all the help. Internet is awesome