PIC List:

  This is an introduction of a new serial interface LCD. Feel free to
delete it.

  Crystalfontz ( http://www.crystalfontz.com )now has some serial interface
LCDs available. These LCDs are perfect for embedded projects--especially
prototype or short run jobs where development time is the major cost.

  We have a 20x4 in reflective or backlit, and a 16x2  in reflective or
backlit.

  They all feature RS-232 at 1200, 2400, 4800 and 9600 baud. The RS-232
can be full -10 to +10 volt swing or 0 to +5 volt swing. You can set the LCD
to interpret the data stream as inverted to avoid the need for an inverting
RS-232 level converter. The displays wake up in a sort of "terminal emulation"
mode, so you can just power them up and send data. If you have ever
initialized an HD47780, you will appreciate that statement. The RS-232 is fully
buffered and no handshaking is necessary.

  The displays also have a SPI interface. Its speed is limited, but it makes
a great way to talk to the display over a minimum number of ports if you
do not have a UART available on your controller.

  The displays have cool (IMHO) horizontal bar graphs that do not have
the gaps that most bar graphs generated on a character display have. The
20x4 has "large numbers" mode that is readable from across the room.

  These displays are especially great for mounting an LCD remotely from
your project. Only +5v, RS-232 data, and ground are needed. The non
backlight models will self-power from most PC's serial ports--all you need
to connect them is a straight 9-pin female to female DB9 cable.

  They are also handy to use as a "debugging window" during the development
of projects that do not have a display.

  Crystalfontz has online ordering, reasonable shipping and will honor small
orders quickly. We will also ship internationally.

  So take a look. The base URL is http://www.crystalfontz.com the 20x4
is at:

  http://www.crystalfontz.com/products/634

The 16x2 is at:

  http://www.crystalfontz.com/products/632

  The best part (again IMHO) is the price. We are significantly less expensive
than the other serial LCDs that are available.

  If you have any questions, please e-mail me at brent@crystalfontz.com or
call at (509) 291-3514 or at (888) 206-9720, toll free.

  Thank you for your time and bandwidth.

                                Sincerely,
                                Brent A. Crosby

| Brent A. Crosby
| Crystalfontz America, Incorporated
| 15611 East Washington Road
| Valleyford, WA 99036
| toll free (888) 206-9720
| voice (509) 291-3514 facsimile (509) 291-3345
| http://www.crystalfontz.com brent@crystalfontz.com