Matrix Orbital VK204-25 Legacy - Manual (Page 10)

1.3 Features
• 20 column by 4 line alphanumeric vacuum fluorescent display
• Selectable communication protocol, RS-232 or I
2 C
• Optional One-wire interface
• Six, 5V -20mA, general purpose outputs for a variety of applications
• Lightning fast communication speeds, up to 57.6 kbps for RS-232 and 400 kbps for I
2 C
• Default 19.2 kbps serial communication speed
• Extended temperature available for extreme environments of -20C to 70C
• Extended voltage and efficient power supply available
• Built in font with provision for up to 8 user defined characters
• Use of up to 127 modules on the same 2 wire I
2 C interface
• 1-wire bus that is capable of communicating with many devices over a single wire plus a ground
refernce
• Fully buffered so that no delays in transmission are ever necessary
• Ability to add a customized splash / startup screen
• Software controlled brightness with configurable time-out setting up to 90 minutes and software con-
trolled speed
• Use of up to a 25 key keypad with a 10 key buffer
• Horizontal or vertical bar graphs
• Extended temperature option
• Fits Matrix Orbital’s mountings without any modifications
1.4 Connecting to a PC
The VK204-25 connects seamlessly to a PC and it is an excellent means of testing the functionality. To
connect your display to a PC, you will require a standard RS-232 9-pin serial cable such as the one pictured
in
figure 6 on page 3 , as well as a modified 5V power adapter such as the one pictured in figure 3 on page 2 .
In order to connect your display to a personal computer follow these easy instructions:
1. Plug the serial cable into the com port you wish to use.
2. Connect the modified 5V power adapter to a power lead from your PC power supply (you will have to
open your computer case).
3. Connect the serial cable to the DB-9 connector on the back of the display.
4. Connect the 5V power adapter to the 4-pin connector on the back of the display.
Matrix Orbital VK204-25 6