myke predko wrote:
>
> Tony,
>
> >I saw only millisecond delays in the spec sheet and in desperation
> >wrote delays loops several seconds long.nada
> > I suppose I must have damaged something?
> >        Thanks  Tony M.
>
> Before you dispair, commit hari-kari, or go out and buy another LCD, there
> are somethings that you can do:
>
> 1.  Check all your connections.  The first time I did an LCD Project (using
> Walt Bank's code), I got nothing (and then noticed that the R/W line was
> left floating...
>
> 2.  Make sure that what you are doing is pretty simple; ie just try to put
> "A" on the LCD.  Don't go for the full implementation right from the start.
>
> 3.  Look for documentation; I didn't have a lot of luck with the FAQs on the
> internet (a *lot* of problems/errors).  But, the Optrex Data Sheet from
> Digi-Key (around $3.00) is pretty accurate (I've only found one
> inconsistancy/error so far).  I've never been able to find a Hitatchi Data
> Sheet for the 44780 (even from the local Toronto Hitatchi office) - they
> seem to treat them like the family jewels.
>
> 4.  Even without anything valid, you should be able to turn up the contrast
> and see the dots of the characters become visible.  If you don't see this,
> look at your power and contrast connections.
>
> 5.  You can build a simple, manual controller using a dip switch (with
> pull-ups) and a single-shot (ie 74121) and figure out what's the problem
> pretty easily.
>
> I've been there; I'm convinced that LCDs are pretty easy to use, just a real
> bugger the first time.
>
> Good Luck,
>
> myke
>
> Today, the commercial sector is advancing computer and communication
> technology at a breakneck pace.  In 1992, optical fiber was being installed
> within the continental U.S. at rates approaching the speed of sound (if
> computed as total miles of fiber divided by the number of seconds in the
 year).
>
> Aviation Week and Space Technology, October 28, 1996
 Your words of encouragement are appreciated and come at a good time.The
possible problems you suggested I tested long before.I suppose your
suggestion of manually operating the device is where I'll go from here
but unsoldering a ribbon cable is not much fun.Thanks Tony M.