Harrison wrote:
> I have an idea for a new project and I have zero experience with
> microcontrollers (I was a physics major) I have programmed before in Java,
> html, php, C somewhat....
>
> I'm not going to get into the details to what my project actually
> accomplishes so I'll just get into the nitty gritty technical side of it.
>
> Basically my project involves a keyboard, a flash memory card, and a small
> LCD screen. I want the keyboard to input text and have the text to appear on
> the small lcd screen, along with other text that is saved from the flash
> card. What I type will also be saved onto the flash card for future use.
>
> >From what I've gathered in the last 24 hours, to do this I need a
> microcontroller at the center of all these input/outputs. Correct me if I'm
> wrong but basically I will need a microcontroller that takes in information
> from a flash card via a flash card controller, and from what I enter in as
> text. Also the MC will send information to the lcd display controller based
> on the code I program into it.
>
> The program I write for these inputs/outputs rests in the physical
> microcontroller and can be installed via a programmer and basic/c compiler.
>
> So if I am right thus far, here are my questions..
>
> 1) Can I get all this integrated into a board? I have a feeling that I can
> because I have seen some however not to the specific LCD that I want. I want
> a larger one than what is available.
>
> 2) If I do buy an LCD, do the controllers usually handle C/basic code or
> assembly only? What exactly goes into telling an LCD what to display? Does
> the manufacturer give specific codes in assembler or C for the device? Also,
> is this the same case with the flash reader? Do most flash readers/writers
> that takes in say assembly? How exactly does do these deices all come
> together with the microcontroller?
>
> 3) What will be the biggest hurdle with this device?
>
> 4) Any good resources on the net on learning how to build this thing?
>
> I would really appreciate everyone's feedback on this, I understand my
> knowledge level is atrocious but I would really like to start this project.
> Gotta start from somewhere...
>   
The flash memory card will be the tough one, but it has been done 
several times by folks on the PIClist.
None of what you need is outside the range of a PIC. In fact, even a 
PIC16F877A could probably do
the whole thing, with the assistance of some outside RAM, like a RAMTRON 
I2C memory to handle
the 512-byte buffer needed for the SD card.

The LCD display, such as a 4-line 24-char type (my favorite) can snap 
ONTO a PCB. I do this so that
parts and ICs can be mounted UNDER it. That would make the whole thing 
slightly larger than the size
of the keyboard, whatever that entails. Again, LCD displays are simply 
bit-banging, and can be done in
any language, from MPASM to C or Pascal.

--Bob
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