Matrix Orbital VK162-12 Legacy - Manual (Page 5)

1 Introduction
The VK162-12 comes equipped with 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 RS-232
• Communication over I
2 C or RS-232 (with software controlled speed)
• Use of up to 127 modules on the same 2-wire I
2 C interface
• Fully buffered so that no delays in transmission are ever necessary
• Ability to add a customized splash / start-up screen
• Use of Matrix Orbital’s "Remember" functions to save settings
• Software controlled contrast
• Backlight with configurable time out setting up to 180 minutes
• Use of 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 to Expect From the VK162-12
The VK162-12 is designed as the display unit for an associated controller. The controller may be any-
thing from a single board, special purpose micro-controller to a PC, depending on the application. This
controller is responsible for what is displayed on the screen of the display. The display 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 con-
troller 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 Not to Expect From the VK162-12
The display does not include bitmap graphics capability, except that permitted by defining special char-
acters.
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. Please note that the keypad is not used to directly
control any aspect of the operation of the display, which acts simply as a matrix to serial converter. To use
the keypad to control the display the controller must be programmed accordingly.
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