Leave out transistor for testing?
 

If I understand the wiring diagram/schematic properly, the transistor is being used to allow pin 9 on the Arduino to turn the backlight on and off on the LCD. Am I correct in that assumption? If so, it should be OK to leave the transistor off of the circuit for now (I don't have one handy) and it should work fine with the exception of having a backlight? If I want a backlight for now I could take +5V and tie it directly (through a manual switch) to LCD pin 15, right?

Thanks for the assistance!

Jeremy

Never mind... I found a local RadioShack that actually had some in stock (albeit not even in the transistor drawer) and picked up a pack. Now if I can get some time over the weekend I'll start tinkering.

Jeremy

Just FYI for the next person, some have used the ratshack ( thats a term of affection :) ) PNP2907 general purpose pnp , part 276-2023 comes in quantity one instead of 15.

That's a name I haven't heard for years! Thanks for the tip. I just went ahead and bought the 15 pack (276-1604) since I figure I'll use them eventually anyway, and next time I need one I'll be set.

Thanks for the advice!

Jeremy

I had to mention that I just looked up ratshack in the urban dictionary for a laugh :)