My LCD screen does not have a backlight, but I can't get to the portion on the page where it talks about being able to change the contrast. I have soldered everything properly and connected the first 3 LCD pins the way that it describes and I get nothing. Does anyone have any experience with this screen? Maybe I am not using a proper screen, but I have seen others use it. Please help! I just want to be able to apply power to the screen and make sure that it is capable of working. Then I will try and get the 'hello world' going and move from there.
Like we always say, if you did everything right, it would have worked. Upload the code YOU used, and hi-res pics of the connections. We'll help you if you do the above.
That display appears to have two sets of 16 pins but the abbreviated datasheet does not mention if both of them are implemented. Take a look at your board and make sure that you are using pins that are actually connected to the components on the pc board. Also make sure that you have used the three pins closest to the end of the board for your power and contrast connections.
The 'H' in the part number indicates that this device is capable of operating over an extended (low) temperature range. Unfortunately this means that you must apply a negative voltage to the contrast pin (pin 3).
If you look at the 'Power Supply' diagram on your abbreviated datasheet you will see the lower end of the potentiometer connected to VEE instead of the normal location which is VSS. For testing purposes you can use a battery. Connect it's positive terminal to VSS and use the negative terminal as your VEE supply.
First of all, thank you for the great advice. However, how do I know how much voltage to supply as Vee? Also- is there a way to apply a negative voltage with the Arduino board? I have a 10k pot, can i put a 10k resistor in series with it? Sorry for all of the questions I am just a total newbie with electronices.. not my specialty. Again any help would be very much appreciated. Thank you.
I got it working! Wow that was exciting. Don was right - needed to supply the negative voltage to the contrast pin. I supplied -6V through a 10k resistor and then a 10k potentiometer. Grounded one side and ran the wiper to pin three on the lcd (contrast pin). Works beautifully from there with the digital interface. This makes me think the microtip lcds are really not a bad option if you know how to use them. I bought three for 6$ a piece.. seems very affordable to me.