MPGuino screen dimensions

[texanidiot25]

I want to install a MPGuino into a factory console, like the over head console used in the GM S-series trucks and suvs:



My question is, what is the width & height of the MPGuino screen seen here?



I need the screen size before junkyard hunting a console. Thanks

[meelis11]

It is standard size 16x2 LCD screen.
I searched "16x2 screen" in ebay and first result had these dimensions:
Dimensions of screen: 65mm x 14mm (2.5” x 0.5”)
Dimensions of unit: 82mm x 37mm (3.2” x 1.4”)

Maybe difference would be 1-2mm in different screens.

[dcb]

You should research the datasheet for the screen you want. Here is the low-power lcd that comes with the prebuilt:

http://www.newhavendisplay.com/specs...FSPG-FBW-L.pdf

[texanidiot25]

Originally Posted by dcb

You should research the datasheet for the screen you want. Here is the low-power lcd that comes with the prebuilt:

http://www.newhavendisplay.com/specs...FSPG-FBW-L.pdf

These two match the same pin-out as the one in the prebuilt:

16x2 Character LCD (RED) - NHD-0216K1Z-FSR-GBW [NHD-0216K1Z-FSR-GBW] - $14.90 : Fundamental Logic WebStore, Electronic Kits and Components

16x2 Character LCD (RED) - NHD-0216K1Z-NSR-FBW [NHD-0216K1Z-NSR-FBW] - $14.90 : Fundamental Logic WebStore, Electronic Kits and Components

Same manufacturer too. If you have any experience with the different color LCD screens, which would be the most visible through a tinted lens, the red background, black lettering; or the black background red lettering?

Ideally, I'd like to use the black background/red lettering (2nd link), so that only the red lettering shows through the lens like the stock display, but I don't know if it'd be visible enough.

I know that in the end that it'll come down to trial and error, but I'm just curious if you've messed with red LCD screens before.

[dcb]

I like the transflective ones for good visibility in all light conditions. I've tried transmissive ones and they were more challenging to read well in daylight.

I don't like blue for night driving but green/yellow or lower frequencies seem fine. Red should be perfect for night (except that it is a warning/alarm color).

The screen dimensions should be in the datasheets for those LCDs per your original question. http://www.newhavendisplay.com/specs...-FSR-GBW-L.pdf

The other consideration I can think of is the backlight driver is meant for 20ma on the prebuilt, you will have to reduce the series resistor accordingly if you need it to be brighter and if you are not using a low power backlight with a current prebuilt board. The two you listed are low power (20ma) but something to consider if you are still shopping.

And speaking of ergonomics, It is far more practical to put it on the dash/in front of the instrument cluster, if you are planning on referencing it a lot. Helps keep your eyes on the road, less places to scan visually.

[texanidiot25]

Red is since the all of the interior is lit in red at night:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ci7UpfpQGG

I don't like a mix of colors at night... I'm already having to resist ripping out the headunit in this car (while it has great features and sounds awesome) for it's blue lighting.

I had this exact console when we had our '98 GMC Jimmy, and being just above the rear view, it was easy to check. For my project, it'll go into my Formula, with it's lower roof line the display is even closer to my line of sight. I habitually check mirrors so for me it's a good place.

Another thought I had on this console was to flip it upside down, and trim off the garage door buttons/lights/sunroof switch half of it, and shape the screen half to sit on top of the dash, just above the A/C vents. Again, going for a factory look inside the car.

Also, I have just a working knowledge of building circuits, so let me make sure I've got what you sad. The series of resisters for the 20ma screens can't be made any brighter, but if I found a display with a higher rating, I could make a lower resistance series and bump up it's brightness? Or can the 20ma screens deal with a bit less resistance?

I think after looking at the kit more, I feel good about soldering it up. The offset cost of between it and the prebuilt would cover a red screen.

[bobski]

OLED maybe?
OLED 16x2 character display

VFD is also a potential option, though more expensive still.

[dcb]

I played with vfd, I don't recommend it, too much power and readability wasn't good in direct sunlight (whereas transflective LCD is perfectly readable in direct sunlight).

http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...play-8071.html

[dcb]

oled is interesting, but may also suffer in direct sunlight.

[bobski]

Originally Posted by dcb

oled is interesting, but may also suffer in direct sunlight.

Yeah, I think they're demonstrating it's performance on that product page. If you look at the first image, the lighting is very diffuse like you would have in an office environment. The second image has sharp shadows and the display text looks weaker... I think that pic was taken outdoors in direct sunlight. [edit]Heh, yeah... It says "Direct sunlight" in the caption. -_-[/edit]
The reason VFD works so poorly in direct sunlight is that the phosphor pixels are white, so the light emitted by active pixels gets lost in the reflected light under strong lighting conditions. As suggested above and as is the case in many applications, a dark lens should help block that light. These OLED modules appear to have such a filtering lens built into the module.