Hello, I'm wondering if anyone has suggestions for adding an LCD display to a permanent installation. I've got a project working well on a breadboard and would like to design a custom pcb to hold all of the components together. Ideally I'd like everything on one board, ATmega, LCD, power, sensors, etc. but I haven't had luck finding schematics for the cheap 16x2 LCD modules I'm currently using. I haven't even been able to find just the displays by themselves, but maybe I'm just not searching the right terms.
Is it possible to have the LCD on the same board? Will I need some sort of standoff with an electrical connector? How are these displays typically integrated with projects?
You have options. Do you need keypad? You could buy a keypad/display pair. However, if you're just looking to display, how about an I2C LCD - you only need 4 connections to your Mega (_, +, SDA, SCLK). If you have lots of pins left over, the shield may be easier, but the I2C LCD would allow you to mount the LCD separate from the Mega.
Only differences I noticed between mine and the one in the link is that mine doesn't have the U3 chip footprint populated and jumper 1 has solder instead of jumper 3. The C1 and C2 footprints are also empty.
I would like to get the display and processor on one board if possible. If that's not feasible (clearly the manufacturer of this particular module is trying to hide the specifics with the potting on U1, U2), then I will have to design something with standoffs etc. A footprint would be useful if I go that route.
Correction to earlier post. Front mount needs 3/8" or 9mm standoffs.
PS: Epoxy is not to "obscure" p/n but is normal for high volume chip-on-board (COB) fab. Most all digital clocks, calculators, etc., use this fab technique.
Thanks, this is exactly what I need if I go with a standoff design. I'm not using an i2c backpack currently so this is perfect.
I'm hoping to keep everything on one board if possible and so will keep searching for schematics and through datasheets a bit longer.
Interesting note on the epoxy btw, I was not aware of that. In fact I've been told that the only reason that epoxy is added over single components like that is to prevent copying and that it can be difficult because of added mechanical stresses. That was from an older engineer in aerospace, so low volume I think.
The old cable boxes had epoxy poured over the entire PCB except for connector. THAT was for security. But even that wasn't absolute with the right solvent. DAMHIKT
I've seen ic's with the pn ground off. Makes it fun if parts get mixed up!
Security by obscurity isn’t.
They use black plastic as lots of IC's are unintentionally photosensitive.
