Electronics > Beginners
Small LCD to PC motherboard for cheap front panel display - can it be done?
<< < (3/3)
macboy:
parallel interface LCDs can be connected to a parallel port directly. You will need to supply +5 V power separately. There are various programs that support output to LCDs connected this way: LCDSmartie (Windows) LCDProg (Linux) have been around for many years. Most PCs no longer have a parallel port on the back panel, but some still have a header on the motherboard. If you have one, that is actually quite fortunate, the header accepts standard 0.1" connectors ("Dupont" style) for easy wiring to the LCD.

Another option is to use an LCD with a serial (RS232/UART) interface, but those are expensive. And this also implies that you have a serial port available. Again, some PCs have only an internal header (and again, this is even better than a back panel port for this purpose).

Finally, as mentioned, there is the possibility to use a cheap Arduino clone as a USB interface module. The Arduino appears to the PC as a serial port. Any program can open that serial port and start sending bytes. The Arduino sketch will need to receive bytes on the serial port, interpret them (distinguish between commands and data to be displayed), then send the appropriate commands/data to the LCD over its parallel interface. I haven't looked, but I am sure that there are many examples of this to be found.
dmills:
I2C/SMbus IO expander hung on said bus, then Parallel to the module?

NXP and Microchip (as well as dozens of others) have suitable parts.

Then just fire commands at it over I2C by whatever api your operating system provides for the purpose (May need to be Root/Admim for this to work, or write a toy SUID program). 

Regards, Dan.
ebclr:
It's possible and easy

http://store3.sure-electronics.com/de-lp12111

https://pt.aliexpress.com/item/2016-Newest-5-25-inch-PC-Fan-Speed-Controller-Temperature-Display-LCD-Front-Panel-Hot-Promotion/32722758883.html?spm=2114.10010308.1000016.1.cP9lIH&isOrigTitle=true
VladimirM:
I agree with  ruffy91

Most of motherboards even have Serial port ready, you just need to connect to its connector board. RS232 connector is often not placed outside of PC casing, but when you enter bios, you can find option to enable serial port. So just connect Nextion display to that serial port directly on motherboard and use your program to send/receive strings to this COM port and drive display.

you can see short tutorial on how to change variable values and text string s on Displays using RS232 terminal  Docklight (any Serial port terminal will do the job here such as Docklight, Teraterm,  Bray..)
http://www.electronics-base.com/featured-components/display/nextion-display-and-docklight-adding-gui-to-your-microcontroller-projects

Once you control display with this example it is not problem to make custom program to show on display whatever you need.

I hope this helps a bit.
water:
Use the best screen possible.Not only long service life.It also feels good.
Navigation
Message Index
Previous page
There was an error while thanking
Thanking...

Go to full version
Powered by SMFPacks Advanced Attachments Uploader Mod