S16204A LCD Display

[Logic Rules]

Hi Guys,
I am getting a little frustrated trying to interface thePICAXE 18X, and the S16204A LCD Display from Microtips. Has anyone managed to get this CHEAP little LCD going?
I have followed all of the data I can get my hands on but nothing comes up on the display.
I get it to fire up; The backlight, and all but when I try to output data to it, it just displays 16 x 2 boxes.
As this is my first attempt to serout I am probably going about it all wrong but it looked good to me; until nothing showed.
I'm running a very simple program:

' Test display

initdisplay:
pause 500
serout 1,T2400,(254,128)
serout 1,T2400,("Hello1234")
end

The data comes up in the simulation but not when I run it.
The datasheet says there is only 1 serial input needed, to pin3, and a cuppla other pin setups. The VDD, and VSS is split with the V0 thru a 20K pot. I have managed to set it evenly; of course there is probably another split config that has not been explained in the datasheet so I am at this point seeking help. There is, most likely, many other things that I have not considered. But ain't dat wat lernins all 'bout?
Please help if you can.

 

[SD2100]

If your getting just dark boxes then it could be the contrast pin voltage is too low. if it has one.

The VDD, and VSS is split with the V0 thru a 20K pot.

maybe thats what this is ???

 

[ylp88]

Is this a serial LCD? I can't find a datasheet for "S16204A" but looking at "S16204", those which I've seen run from a 4-bit or 8-bit interface. Perhaps you can provide a link to the data you are referring to?

ylp88

 

[Logic Rules]

Hi,
Microtips has 3 different models in the MTC-16204 category. The datasheets all seemed similar so after finding a way to fire it up I chose to go with the MTC-S16204XRGHS because of the BG light; I had to pick one. I do not see anything indicating whether or not it is a serial device.

MTC-S16204XRGHS
2 lines by 16 regular characters, STN, Reflective, Gray background, High operating temperature range, Six o’clock viewing angle, with KS0066 or equivalent controller

http://www.microtipsusa.com/Products_characterLCD_PDF.asp

Thank you for your comments

 

[Tom2000]

It's a parallel interface. Search for 'HD44780'.

Hippy has written a very elegant code example for driving these LCDs.

And here's a site that presents just about everything you need to know about what to do with your LCD.

Tom

 

[Logic Rules]

Hey Tom,
No fair; After some diligent searching, and comparing I found what I was looking for, Happy Hippy's site. I found that site yesterday, and setup exactly as he stated, except for the "byte" Symbol, it's a reserved word. I changed it to "dbyte" and all worked perfectly.
I'm feeling quite proud of myself; I think I''ll go have a be.., soda.
But thank you for your efforts.