Arduino and LCD0821 problem.

Forum 2005-2010 (read only) Hardware Interfacing
#1

Hi guys, I just got a MatrixOrbital display (similar to the one used in this example: http://www.arduino.cc/playground/Learning/SerialLCD) here’s a link to the manual: http://www.matrixorbital.ca/manuals/LCDVFD_series/LCD0821/LCD0821_rev_20.pdf

I’ve completed the wiring and have used the following code:

// Arduino and LCD setup 
#include <SoftwareSerial.h>
  SoftwareSerial mySerial=SoftwareSerial(6,7);
  //backlightOn(0);  // turn the backlight on all the time
void setup()
{
    pinMode(6, INPUT);
  pinMode(7, OUTPUT);
    mySerial.begin(19200);      
}




//  MAIN CODE

void loop()
{ 
  clearLCD();
  // print text to the current cursor position
  // start a new line
  mySerial.print("Hello");
  delay(5000);
}


// clear the LCD
void clearLCD(){
  mySerial.print(254, BYTE);
  mySerial.print(88, BYTE);
}


// start a new line
void newLine() { 
  mySerial.print(10, BYTE); 
}

The problem is that instead of “Hello” the display just shows some random gibberish. I have tried resetting the display to its factory settings but no joy. Any ideas?

#2

SoftwareSerial is obsolete. Try using NewSoftSerial instead. Or the hardware serial port/software.

#3