Matrix Orbital LK162-12 Legacy - Manual (Page 4)

LK162-12 rev 4 4
1. Introduction
Your LK162-12 has the following features:
16 column by 2 line text display
built-in font with provision for up to 8 user-defined characters
Speeds from 1200 bps to a lighting fast 19.2 Kbps over RS232
Communicate over I 2 C or RS232 (with software controlled speed)
Use up to 127 modules on the same 2-wire I 2 C interface
Fully buffered so that no delays in transmission are ever necessary
Add your own Splash/Start-up screen
Software controlled contrast
Backlight with configurable time-out setting up to 180 minutes
Use up to a 12 key keypad with a 10 key buffer.
Seven general purpose outputs for a variety of applications
Horizontal or Vertical bar graphs
Variable power options, +5V or +9V to +15V
Extended temperature option.
1.1 What it Does
The LK162-12 is designed as the display unit for an associated controller. The controller may be anything
from a single board, special purpose microcontroller to a PC, depending on the application. This controller
is responsible for what you see on the screen of the LK162-12.
The LK162-12 provides a simple command structure to allow text and bar graphs to be displayed on the
screen. Text fonts are built in, and use standard ASCII mapping. Provision is made for up to 8 user-defined
characters.
The screen is backlit for low-light situations. Backlighting may be turned on or off under program control.
Contrast is adjustable to compensate for differing lighting conditions and viewing angles.
General purpose outputs allow the controller to switch up to seven electronic or electro-mechanical devices
by issuing commands to the display unit. These can be used for controlling LEDs, relays, etc.
1.2 What it Does Not Do
The LK162-12 does not include bitmap graphics capability, except that permitted by defining special
characters.
1.3 Keypad Interface
The keypad interface takes row/column input and converts it to ASCII characters, which are delivered out
the RS-232 or I
2 C port to the associated controller. Note that the keypad is not used to directly control any
aspect of the operation of the LK162-12, which acts simply as a matrix to serial converter. If you want to
use the keypad to control the LK162-12 display you must program your controller accordingly.
1.4 Setup for Testing
Before setting up your application you may want to try out the LK162-12. This is easily done with a PC.
Here's what you'll need:
A power cable with a 4 pin connector (same connector as used to connect 3.5 inch floppy
drive). Do not connect the LK162-12 to an unmodified spare power connector in a PC. To
modify such a cable see section 2.1.1.