Matrix Orbital LK204-25 Legacy - Manual (Page 4)

1.Introduction
Your LK204-25 has the following features:
 20 column by 4 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 16 modules on the same 2-wire I 2 C interface
 Fully buffered so that no delays in transmission should be necessary
 Software controlled contrast
 Backlight with configurable time-out setting up to 180 minutes
 Use up to a 25 key keypad with a 10 key buffer.
 Six general purpose outputs for a variety of applications
 Horizontal or Vertical bar graphs
 Variable power options, +5V or +7V to +15V or +7V to +30V
 Extended temperature option.
 Fits our PC Bay inserts without any modifications
1.1What it Does
The LK204-25 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 LK204-25.
The LK204-25 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 six electronic or electro-mechanical devices by
issuing commands to the display unit. These can be used for controlling LEDs, relays, etc.
1.2What it Does Not Do
The LK204-25 does not include bitmap graphics capability, except that permitted by defining special
characters.
1.3Keypad 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 LK204-25, which acts simply as a matrix to serial converter. If you want to
use the keypad to control the LK204-25 display you must program your controller accordingly.
1.4Setup for Testing
Before setting up your application you may want to try out the LK204-25. This is easily done with a PC.
Here's what you'll need:
LK204-25 rev 1 4