Hi,
i want to use this display with arduino:
http://at.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Lumex/LCD-S3X1C50TR-B/?qs=co%252bsI3njzXnmFIFs5WuecQ==
I already controlled it using shift registers (because there is one pin for each digit), but they bleached out after a time (I didn't know that I have to use 3-5V AC.
Does anybody have a suggestion?
Thanks!
max713:
Hi,
i want to use this display with arduino:
http://at.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Lumex/LCD-S3X1C50TR-B/?qs=co%252bsI3njzXnmFIFs5WuecQ==I already controlled it using shift registers (because there is one pin for each digit), but they bleached out after a time (I didn't know that I have to use 3-5V AC.
Does anybody have a suggestion?
Thanks!
Use an LCD MODULE such as: Basic 16x2 Character LCD - RGB Backlight 5V - LCD-10862 - SparkFun Electronics or Standard LCD 16x2 + extras [white on blue] : ID 181 : Adafruit Industries, Unique & fun DIY electronics and kits
There is no point is using a bare LCD panel and then trying to drive all the segments yourself (and as you found you need a 50% duty cycle square wave drive or else you ruin the LCD).
These modules have an HD44780 or compatible driver chip in them. Just use the Arduino LiquidCrystal library and you're all set.
Krupski:
There is no point is using a bare LCD panel and then trying to drive all the segments yourself.
Amen to that!
The second one cited by Krupski is probably most suitable and costs little more than the one you trashed, you don't need the pretty colours on the first one, but noting that you do have to use the backlight for these to be visible and that requires 30 milliamps or so.
Now if you really wanted four 7-segment digits and as large as possible, there is a coding trick to generate such characters using both lines of the 1602 display - allowing for the gap between, it is quite functional.
Thanks for the answers, but I am looking for a display to use in a project as shown in the foto.
I should just look nicely, but there's no need for the reflective surface.
max713:
Thanks for the answers, but I am looking for a display to use in a project as shown in the foto.I should just look nicely, but there's no need for the reflective surface.
Are you trying to project the LCD image on a wall? Or do you just want that "transparent" look?
Concerning "reflective surfaces", you need a reflective surface for an LCD to work. The way an LCD works is, unenergized, the liquid crystal material is in a random state. Light comes into the display, goes through the liquid crystal, goes through a polarizer and is then reflected back out by a silvered backing ("mirror") on the back of the LCD panel.
When a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal, all it's molecules line up and form a polarizer. This polarizer is setup at right angles to the fixed polarizer in the panel. So, now light comes in, is POLARIZED by the liquid crystal, then is blocked by the fixed polarizer and it not reflected back out (i.e. that segment appears black).
It is interesting to note that if you take apart an LCD module and peel off the fixed polarizer, you will no longer see the digits. But if you view the LCD through the polarizer you removed (or through any other polarizer such as "Real3D" movie glasses) you will see the digits. And, by rotating the polarizer relative to the LCD, you can make black segments on clear background, or clear segments on a black background.
If you really want to use a bare LCD panel for it's looks, you may be able to take an LCD module, remove the LCD glass and (using a LOT of thin wires) connect the panel to the LCD body (to make use of it's controller). But, the contacts on the LCD glass are just an ultra fine (atoms thick) coating of metal - so thin that it's transparent - and there's no way to attach wires to it.
An LCD module uses a conductive ribber strip to connect the LCD glass to the PC board.
The only alternative might be to buy an LCD glass with WIRE or PIN leads, then wire it to an LCD module that you removed the glass from (to make use of it's controller).
Or, maybe you could use a string of shift registers and constantly throw data at the LCD glass to both turn on and off the segments (to satisfy the AC drive requirement) and also to display your data.
Good luck........