Configuring and Connection for D I/O

[crazyKing]

Hi,
 
I need advice on configuring the LCD through the D I/O.
 
My current situation is, i am to display readings on the LCD measured/recorded by the compact field point. I'm now stuck at whether should i first use a PIC to drive/control the LCD or can i have direct connection between the D I/O and the LCD and program it through LabVIEW. Is this possible? How should i go about it.
 
Another connection that i have to deal is the pushbuttons and toggle switches. Can they have direct connections as well?
 
All these items are to be place on a front  panel.
 
Thanks!
GoodDay!!

[AnalogKid2DigitalMan]

No info on your LCD makes it hard to suggest anything. What do the specs sheets define for drive and data signals? A link to a datasheet would help.
On the pushbutton/toggle switches, are you talking about real switches as opposed to controls on the front panel? Real switches are easily connected to digital inputs, look at your DAQ card manual for example connections.

[crazyKing]

Hi,
the datasheet that I have for the LCD only state the properties of the LCD like the voltage, current and pin 1 to 16 designations. It has not much info. My LCD module is TC1602A-01. What I can get from the website, <a href="http://www.tinsharp.com/en/products.php?page=4&amp;myNav_class[0]=4" target="_blank">http://www.tinsharp.com/en/products.php?page=4&amp;myNav_class[0]=4</a>
do i have a PIC to drive the chip? can i configure directly the LCD through LabVIEW? I can use LabVIEW to program the LCD right?
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As for the pushbuttons and switches, for the connection part, im aware that i can have direct connections following the D I/O manual. But do i have to configure anything before it is applied in to LabVIEW, as in like any settings that I have to set before using LabVIEW to program.
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Thanks!
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[crazyKing]

Hi,
can anyone advice on this?&nbsp;much help needed... &nbsp;thanks!

[crazyKing]

Hi, thanks for the reply.I have acquired the Compact FieldPoint-2120, Strain Gauge Module and 2 modules of 8channel D I/Os. I'm currently working on data logging. I'm suppose to display the results/measurement by the cFP-2120 onto the LCD and the number is suppose to be fluctuating from different ranges up to 10,000 Newtons. I have a 16x2 character LCD module(not from NI). I'm aware that I need to initialize the LCD but I'm not sure of
where to start from. Can I initialize with LabVIEW or I have to use another programming software to initialize or act as and driver for the LCD? I heard that its almost impossible to use another program to embed into LabVIEW.As for the LCD, if its possible to use just LabVIEW, do I use binary codes to configure the displaying numbers through direct connection off the D I/Os?Thanks!Cheers,K

[Matt_S.]

Hi Crazy King,

This all depends on how the LCD. How are you supposed to cotnrol it?
Most LCDs will let you use either RS-232 or RS-485 to control it. If
you have to use straight DIO, you should be able to do this with the FP
module if you want. You just need to know the correct protocal. This
will be found in the manual for that particular LCD. In either of these
3 cases, you should be able to use LabVIEW with no problems to control
that LCD. Could you possibly post the model number/manufacturer of that
LCD?

Thanks!
Matt S.

[Matt_S.]

Using a boolean array would be a perfectly fine way to program this LED
display as long as it takes digital input (and I'm assuming it does).
As far as how to initialize it, that'd be up to the manufacturer of
that display to tell you.&nbsp; Maybe someone else on the forums here
has used that same model?

-Matt S.