I found this very cool LCD module with RGB backlight, and couldn't resist selling it so everyone interested can have it. Just imagine adding a whole new dimension to the rather simple and boring LCD output...
Product link: http://www.nkcelectronics.com/character-lcd-module-16x2-rgb-backli162.html
Video:
Yes, there is an Arduino board with LiquidCrystal library and PWM changing the backlight colors!!!
Cool!
Gone on my list of stuff to buy...
Does it not have the same connections as other LCD displays?
Could I still use the SerialLCD board from sparkfun?
How is the RGB backlight controlled? It is not clear from the diagrams...
Mowcius
I'll try answer some.. I don't have one so I could be totally wrong!
All the pins are exactly the same besides the last 3, they're going to be the ground for each color LED used.
The problem with the sparkfun backpack is that it uses a normal LED, the LCD has 2 extra pins, it uses a common anode LED for the back light. What that means, is the GND pin of the new LED's, will be where the PWR of the old LED was. And to control all the pins, you're going to need to sink the current, I believe the best way is using some transistors.
But yeah, it's very cool! I just wish they used common cathodes, seems like it would be easier to control with an MCU :
If I see one with a common cathode, oh I'll be snatchin it right up:)
Pins 1 to 16 are compatible with most 16x2 displays, where the last 2 are usually A (Anode +) and K (Cathode -). If you use only 16 pins, then you will use only the RED backlight. To fully use the 3-color LED, you need to add 2 more K (cathode) pins, for Green and Blue. I controlled them directly from the PWM outputs of an Arduino board. As the backlight is common anode, then each LED will lit 100% if AnalogWrite(pin, 0) is used, and be dark if AnalogWrite(pin, 255) is used. If the LEDs are driven following the manufacturer's recommendation, then use the following schematics and use the opposite values in AnalogWrite.
Ok, so basically the last 3 pins should not be connected to the serial module and should be connected to arduino PWM pins... That's simple enough 
Mowcius
Wow, I must say that this is very cool indeed. Too bad it doesn't work directly with the SparkFun LCD backpack, but modification doesn't look too difficult. And thanks for keeping the price quite affordable
Wow, I must say that this is very cool indeed. Too bad it doesn't work directly with the SparkFun LCD backpack, but modification doesn't look too difficult. And thanks for keeping the price quite affordable
Well, it works directly, from the sound of it, it's only the last pin that you don't connect and then you connect three cables to the last 3 display connections and your pwm pins. Not exactly difficult...
It is also a good price as you said. I have no need for one but it's gone on my list nontherless cos I want one!
Mowcius
That's pretty cool. They should make a serial version, that way you could use more
Yeah you can attach the sparkfun serial display but you just have to use 3 pwm pins extra from your arduino. You just have to buy the serial part seperately.
Mention it to sparkfun, I will too, and see if we can get them to stock it with a modified serial module...
Regards,
Mowcius