8 replies to this topic

[Bobbyd]

Hi

I am new to Netduino, C# (I am fairly familiar with VB.Net) and Serial communications so some assistance would be very much appreciated.

I have a 4 Digit 7 Segment Serial display the same as the one from Sparkfun, http://www.sparkfun.com/products/9766 which I would like to control from the Netduino which I believe should be possible.

This display can be controllled either by TTL or SPI, I'm not too bothered which I use however I would like to control several of these from a single Netduino if possible, not sure if this makes difference to the method used.

There are lots of articles on the web about connecting this display to an Arduino but, despite spending many hours trying, I am having problems converting the code so I thought I would ask the experts.

If anyone is able to offer any advice on the best way of connecting the two units together and some sample code that would be very much appreciated.

Thanks in advance for any assistance you can offer.

Cheers
Rob

[Mario Vernari]

You may start with the SPI tutorial by Stefan.
It explains how to connect the 74HC595 shift-registers, but the wiring and the software should be pretty similar.
I guess you may take a peek, just to take confidence.
Cheers

[Nevyn]

This display can be controllled either by TTL or SPI, I'm not too bothered which I use however I would like to control several of these from a single Netduino if possible, not sure if this makes difference to the method used.

If you are wanting to control several then you should be looking at SPI as you will need to be able to select the device receiving the command from the Netduino.

Regards,
Mark

[Mario Vernari]

I am thinking that it would be easier (maybe a lot) without any shield at all. But...OK.

[Nevyn]

I am thinking that it would be easier (maybe a lot) without any shield at all.

But it would not be as compact. I've tried Fabien's 7219 example and ran into problems - still not figured out why . Inexperience most probably. The shield should keep it all in one package and keep it compact.

Regards,
Mark

[Bobbyd]

Thanks everyone for your advice. I have previously read the SPI Tutoroial but I had forgotten about it since all the other reading. It makes a little more sense since the last time I read it but there are some differences between this tutorial and my display labeling but I think I can make some inteligent guesses on the connectivity. I will let you know how I get on. If anyone else has any suggestions then feel free to send them through, I think I am likely to be working on this for a while. Thanks again Cheers Rob

[Szymon]

Hi Rob, I wrote a library that simplifies connecting with various types of LCDs. You can read about it on my blog http://geekswithblog...id_crystal.aspx The library is hosted on CodePlex: http://microliquidcr...l.codeplex.com/

[Stefan]

Hi Rob,
I wrote a library that simplifies connecting with various types of LCDs. You can read about it on my blog
http://geekswithblog...id_crystal.aspx

Ah so that's you! We should chat some day I made my own LCD Transfer Provider based on your class as concept at the moment. I did this so it can use multiple 74HC595 IC's with the same latch pin. With my provider it's also possible to link multiple LCD's to the same SPI-pins as well If you like, I can send you my code, so you can take a look at it?

[Szymon]

Ah so that's you! We should chat some day I made my own LCD Transfer Provider based on your class as concept at the moment. I did this so it can use multiple 74HC595 IC's with the same latch pin. With my provider it's also possible to link multiple LCD's to the same SPI-pins as well If you like, I can send you my code, so you can take a look at it?

That would be great extension! If you'd like to join the project just send me your login at CodePlex.

Thanks!
-Szymon