Midas I2C LCDs

Interesting, I've not seen LCD's like that with an I2C interface before.  I think could be useful in one of my Arduino projects where pins are short and I'd rather not go to Mega.  Also, this could be useful for embedded Linux computers like the Raspberry Pi which have I2C but not many GPIO pins.

Sorry can't provide any direct experience but looking forward to seeing how you proceed.

Thanks,

Drew

There do seem to be a number of examples of LCDs interfaced with I2C, there are also some "backpacks" that can be used as a add on for existing LCDs.

http://arduino-info.wikispaces.com/LCD-Blue-I2C

http://www.ladyada.net/products/i2cspilcdbackpack/

I also found the LCDAPI and a reference to the ST7036 (the Midas display uses the ST7032) so hopefully I can use that with possibly a few tweeks.

http://arduino.cc/playground/Code/LCDAPI

Hi Drew and Andy,

    Have you looked at TI's I2C offerings? 

Never going to need a Mega with these chips.

-Bill

Hi Andy, I do not have experience of the particular set up you mention.  However, I have recently added an I2C driven LCD to a project using a 'backpack'.  This works absolutely brilliantly with only two connecctions to the 'duino + power of course, no pull up resistors are used and i used a 20 * 4 LCD.  Backpack comes from www.hobbyelectronics.co.uk and costs £8.00 + £2.00 P+P.  I have no connection to this company and thier service is excellent.

The backpack PCB comes assembled and with the necessary headers to connect it to a LCD with in line connections.   There is also an Arduino library and example software on the web site.  If you use Arduino 1.0 you will have to change a few bits of code in the library.

I am extremely pleased with this product and it works well leaving my ;duino I/O for other things.

Hope this helps

Bob

Bill, I'm only using one display so don't need a multiplexer or switch but it's good to know those exist.

Bob, cheers for the link, it's not working just this second but I'll check it out again. It's good to look at the different libraries as they have comments and different techniques for the same areas of control.

Thanks for the link.  I'm thinking this would be useful for embedded Linux computers, too, like the Raspberry Pi which have I2C but limited GPIO.

I agree.  I was recently reading the last chapter in Monk's Programming Arduino GSWS book and find the whole idea of coding HTML on uP distasteful.   I have no desire to hand code HTML on a device like the Arduino.

Does installing an Ethernet Shield necessary devolve to using HTML for data transmission or are there alternatives I may not be aware of?

If so, I will stick with USB and BlueTooth like Wireless Serial for Arduino interfacing.

-=Syntax Matters=-

Post Script:  I am currently reading Chapter 15 of Margolis' Arduino Cookbook to gain a broader understanding of the uses of Ethernet Shields.

Hi Andy,          the link I posted is wrong it should be www.hobbytronics.co.uk.  I also like some of the stuff AdaFruit and Sparkfun do but the prices in the Uk or shipping charges from the States make the items very expensive.

Since Bill mentioned the Arduino Cookbook by Margolis I'll just add that of all the books available for the Arduino this has to be one of the best with good clear explanations of how things work.

Bob

I got this working just fine. There were a couple of things I needed to do, firstly, for this particular model, Midas told me the backlight needs to be on for the text to be visible. I also had some fun with the I2C address which needed shifting a bit to the left.

http://www.workshopshed.com/2012/07/a-little-venture-with-electronics-lcd.html

Do you have experience with 2 lines 24 characters MIDAS displays? The 16 char LCD has driver ST7032 but the 24 char LCD has driver RW1062. Can I use library for the ST7032? Thank you.