Additional features



The following additional features were to be available:

  • Once configured the interface/controller should require no external intervention
  • Have the capability for the user to modify the PIC code (should that become necessary)
  • Where possible use power from the USB interface
  • Cater for LCD screen sizes of 2x16, 2x20, 4x16 and 4x20
  • To have PC based software that allowed the user to:
    • Set display size - lines and characters
    • Set the port number
    • Set the cursor On/Off
    • Set cursor type (underline / block)
    • Set wrap On/Off
    • Set scroll On/Off
    • Create/modify user defined 'load screen'
    • Select load screen option
    • Show current user defined screen
    • Save the load screen to the PIC's memory
    • Save and load user defined screen to/from disc
    • Be able to reboot the display/interface
    • Be able to clear the display
    • Be able to 'test' the display/interface
    • Provide details of the currently active module - size, scroll on/off etc
    • Provide version details for both the PC based software and that contained within the PIC


The final design incorporates all of these features.