> Problem: When I run it the LCD stays blank (backlight and
> everything else turns on so its not a power issue)

(I didn't see the original post so the answer may be there)

What is V+ for the LCD ? The display fades below 5V, even
though the backlight might still be on. I think the lower V+ limit
is 4.5V to see characters. And LCDs are not forgiving of reverse
or over-voltage, it is very easy to kill them

BTW, the very first thing I do, straight out of the box, with a new
LCD is protect it with a piece of acrylic. The panel glass is quite
fragile
-- 
http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive
View/change your membership options at
http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist