Bought LCD, no backlight?!

Other Hardware Displays
1

Just bought a new LCD screen. Turns out there is no backlight?! It has the pins for a backlight but there is no LED in the module..
Is there any way I can put a backlight into this?

Has anyone come across this before? I don't see why there is no backlight as without it I can't see a flipping thing on it unless i look really closely..

This one to be exact: http://ie.rs-online.com/web/p/lcd-monochrome-displays/5326408/?searchTerm=162C-BA-BC&relevancy-data=636F3D3226696E3D4931384E4B6E6F776E41734D504E266C753D656E266D6D3D6D61746368616C6C7061727469616C26706D3D5E5B5C707B4C7D5C707B4E647D2D2C2F255C2E5D2B2426706F3D313326736E3D592673743D4D414E5F504152545F4E554D4245522677633D424F5448267573743D313632432D42412D424326

2

This is a "reflective" LCD. It can not have a backlight. Basically there are three typs of LCDs: Reflective, transmissive and the combination of both: Transflective. Newhaven has a short summary on this:

Oliver

3

You've got to be kidding.. I had no idea about that.. There goes this one down the drain..

4

you may find connectors for a led on the right hand side (ref.picture)

5

knut_ny:
you may find connectors for a led on the right hand side (ref.picture)

Not only may you find them, the connections are there - as the picture shows (16 pin interface, pins 15 & 16 have tracks to the side of the board).

This is however, in no way helpful. I suggest you read the reference cited previously.

6

knut_ny:
you may find connectors for a led on the right hand side (ref.picture)

I hooked up those pins to 5v and ground. The data sheet said that those pins where for the backlight. But I bought a module with no backlight on it (I never knew of such thing)

I just have to pay closer attention next time I purchase something.. :cold_sweat:

7

I just have to pay closer attention next time I purchase something.

The description of the 'exact' display that you purchased clearly states that it has yellow illumination. Have you tried contacting the vendor?

Don

8

Hi, the LCD title is "16x2 reflective STN yel/grn,80x36"

In fact the Australian RS, says. "Displaytech LCD,alphanumeric,display,16x2,reflective,yellow/green,162C-BA-BC"

Tom.... :slight_smile:

9

Most LCD come with many back-light options, from no back-light and multi-colored reflective background and up to many colors LED lights.
You can tell by the full part number and its suffixes which type you have.
In any case, if you work in a lighted area, you do not need the back-light.
Just make sure yore contrast is set to its maximum (normally this should be at ground level).
have fun!