Tech Question on LCD modules

[pebo]

I am looking for graphic lcd modules like used in the B777 autopilot and comm radio displays.

Knowing you to be a knowable bunch of enthusiast I thought hopefully a question here would set me on the right track.

All green about this as I have been using 7 segments displays in my building up to now.

Realize the lcd modules locks much better with the all black background when not powered (don't see the digits then), beside the extra possibility to have some smaller additional info in the displays (like V/S and FPA in the V/S window on the autopilot).

We are two B777 builders her in Norway.
We are in the process of making all our pedestal panels with a CNC machine. Most are finished cut. Paint and back lightening going on (see the picture bellow for some examples). The LCD modules are needed for the comm radio and more. Next step is all the knobs and buttons and then the displays, I/O cards, configurations, m.m ... Thinking of using the Opencocpits LCD cards for the comm radios. (?)

As mentioned, all green about that technology with this LCD display and was hoping for some hints about where to get the right displays.

Any comment and hints to point us on the right direction mostly appreciated.

Per

[hexpope]

Hi Per,

I have just finished designing the manual rudder and both panels for the trim displays. I am using Opencockpits LCD card and have 3 off these displays.

http://cgi.ebay.ie/HD44780-1602-16x2-LCM-Character-LCD-Display-Module-New-/230654642959?pt=UK_BOI_Electrical_Components_Supplies_ET&hash=item35b4168b0f

I haven't fully finshed the wiring as im waiting for OC order to arrive, but I do have the LCD screen, so if you need any mesurments I can give them to you. The screens look great on my panels when mounted.

I think I will be sticking with the 7 segment displays for the MCP and radios, but ill use a dark film over them, that way you`ll only see the numbers when they are on, and not the bare look when only mounted directly to the panel.

[jackpilot]

Smoked acrylic cut to fit Panel openings hides 7 segs when not lit.
Looks better than a film.

[pebo]

Thank you both for the input!
I guess I will be sticking with the 7 segment displays for radios and transponder panels then, trying the smoked acrylic to dim it all down.
Will look for alternative, when times come, if some combination with a small LCD module is possible when we start on a MCP for my Friend's 777 as I already have the grate FDS-B777-PRO-MX-MCP that's working grate (with small font additional info in the display windows).

Thought of the OC stepper motor card with some small stepper motors for the three trim displays already made (ruder-trim picture above) for the mechanical needle movement.
Same for a "magnetic compas".

Per

[NeoMorph]

Here is some info I found on using LED filters (I was looking for the same thing).

http://www.visionteksystems.co.uk/contrastenhancementfilters.htm

[phil744]

Phidgets LCD? thats what rob uses

http://www.flickr.com/photos/24409839@N07/5611808681/in/set-72157605054202884

[hexpope]

@phil744,

Thats the type of charactor im hoping  to achieve  with SIOC and the LCD card. Something similiar also for for the Trim settings for CPT and FO.

Like this from that  users archive

http://www.flickr.com/photos/24409839@N07/5612344062/in/set-72157605054202884/

EDIT,

I actually just seen who the builder is, very nice guy indeed exchanged a few emails over his software.

[Perik]

Hello hexpope

I have played a little bit with the USB LCD card from OC and it seems
that the only object you can control from SIOC is numbers though I may be wrong.

The documentation at http://www.opencockpits.com/uploads/manual_usblcd_eng.pdf is as usually quite bad ;-)

You'll see a few pictures from my own early 767 Fuel Panel test here:
http://www.hoddo.net/cockpit/overhead.html

[kondrat]

Perik,

Nice work!

Denis.

[hexpope]

Hello hexpope

I have played a little bit with the USB LCD card from OC and it seems
that the only object you can control from SIOC is numbers though I may be wrong.

The documentation at http://www.opencockpits.com/uploads/manual_usblcd_eng.pdf is as usually quite bad ;-)

You'll see a few pictures from my own early 767 Fuel Panel test here:
http://www.hoddo.net/cockpit/overhead.html

Hi Perik,

Nice work and detailed website I must say !

I have been away creating a small PCB that will fit right over the HD LCD so I don't have a mess of wires and can can carry two of the 10K and 100K pot's with a 40 pin male, but regarding the SIOC programming im not sure either to be honest. I do know that with the LCD program you can display any character (Static), but getting the one that moves up and down given the position of the trim on all modules will take some time to understand.  I think I might consult both OC, and Kiek on the matter and see what that brings.

I have lasered the panels for the CPT and  FO panels regarding trim etc. They look good, but that damn auto paint isn't consistant  on PSI per can. I am have varied results regarding the final paint job. I also need a black undercoat to stop light bleeding. I think I will ask for direction in that matter in another thread.