lcdproc/docs/README.serialVFD

	The serialVFD-driver should work with all NEC FIPC8367 based VFDs:
	NEC FC20X2JA
	NEC FM20X2KB-AB
	NEC FC20X1SA-AB/AA
	...
	Tested only on: NEC FM20X2KB-AB
	The driver also works (tested) on "KD Rev 2.1" (an ATMEL AT90S....
	based FM20X2KB-AB replacement).
	Note: Above char. 128 the FIPC-displays and KD's charactersets
	are different.

	The driver may work or will be easy to get working on the following
	Displays / Controllers (not tested!).
	Display:		Controller:
	FUTABA M204SD01AA	FUTABA 5P00A016
	Noritake CU20026SCPB-T	(microcontroller)
	Noritake CU20045SCPB-T28A	?
	... or compatible.
	(most Futaba/Noritake 7x5 dot VFDs with serial(rs232) interface
	(including  serial(rs232)/parallel types))
	Maybe there are little changes in the commands to do to get all
	functions to work correctly. But because of the similarity of the
	protocols, it wont be much work.

	If you want to add a new device to the driver add a new section
	to the displaytype-switch-case in the init-function and fill it
	with the correct commands for the display.
	(Try which displaytype works best with your display, copy and modify
	it's section that is the easiest way I guess.)


        On this page I found pictures and datasheets from the VFD's:
	http://www.maltepoeggel.de/html/vfd/index.html


	It is possible to switch the display off and back on while the server is
	running. It may take a few minutes untill the next full refresh makes
	the display show everything correctly.


	To enable the bignumbers on 2-line displays (only this driver supports
	this yet) you have to edit "/clients/lcdproc/chrono.c" before compiling.
	In function "big_clock_screen" you have to replace the "4" by a "2" in
	this line: "if (lcd_hgt < 4)"



	This driver uses the serial mode of the displays.
	It is NOT possible to connect most of the displays directly to the
	serialport. The signal has to be inverted. I use the following
	circuit to do that job.

	Computer                                          Display
	                                                  (signal)
	HDD Powerconnector
	color(Voltage)

	red(+5V)    --------------------------------o----- +5V
	                                            |
	black(GND)  --------------------o           |
	                                |           R
	                                |           R 10k
	Serial(SUB-D 9Pin female)       V*          R
	pin(signal)                                 |
	                                            |
	3(TxD)  --RRRR--o--o      o-----------------o----- RxD
	          10k   |  |      |
	                |  |     C|
	                |  |   -----  BC547c (or similar NPN)
	                R  | B|  /  |
	            10k R  o--|-|   |
	                R     |  \  |
	                |      --->-    A*
	                |         E|    |
	                |          |    |
	5(GND)  --------o----------o----o----------------- GND

	Shield  ------------------------------------------
	optional

	*connect near display


	The pins on the different displays vary.



	FM20X2KB-AB:

	CN1:
	Pin 33 <--- RxD
	(Testmode: connect pins 25 & 26 then power up)

	CN2:
	Pin 1  <--- +5V
	Pin 2  ---- GND



	KD Rev 2.1:

	blue connector (6pin in a row) (the important one!):
	--------------------------------
	| +5V  +5V  RxD  GND  GND  GND |
	--------------------------------
	NOTE: hold the display in that position where you can read
	the "KD Rev 2.1" marking normally!

	gray connector (10pin 2 rows):
	Do not use. (the ATMEL ISP connector I guess)

	The two jumpers next to the gray connector:
	Normally not used.
	You can activate two different testmodes with them.