Lab5 using REVISED LCD V5 MBED Library

Summary

This tutorial covers the setup and use of the Grove backlit LCD and four-digit segment display. It explains the process of compiling and utilizing various functions for the LCD, such as text display, cursor control, and RGB color settings. The script demonstrates clearing the display, setting up colors, and displaying text, along with handling the four-digit segment display by setting brightness, turning on a colon, and displaying numbers. The content is geared towards understanding how to use these displays effectively in projects, with a focus on practical implementation and example outputs.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Grove backlit LCD display has undergone revisions, with version 5 offering more features and requiring no hardware modifications.
• 😀 The LCD should be connected directly to the I2C connectors on the Grove shield for proper functionality in version 5 and later.
• 😀 The script demonstrates how to compile and use functions available for the RGB LCD through a drop-down menu after compilation.
• 😀 Key functions of the RGB LCD include 'blink', 'no blink', 'clear', 'cursor', 'no cursor', 'locate', and 'print' for text display.
• 😀 Colors can be customized using 'set color' commands, with values 0 to 3 for white, red, green, and blue, respectively.
• 😀 The 'set RGB' function allows users to create custom colors by adjusting red, green, and blue values.
• 😀 The 'clear' command is used to reset the display, and 'locate' positions the cursor on the screen.
• 😀 The script demonstrates how to display 'hello world' on the LCD with a blinking cursor and specific color settings.
• 😀 The four-digit segment display can be controlled with functions like 'clear', 'set colon', and 'set brightness' to configure its appearance.
• 😀 The segment display can show numbers (e.g., '1234') with custom brightness and a colon in between the digits, demonstrating real-time display adjustments.

Q & A

What is the main topic of lab five?

Lab five focuses on the Grove backlit LCD, display, and interrupts. It covers the setup and features of the Grove LCD display and introduces programming concepts related to the display and interrupts.

How does the Grove LCD version 5 differ from earlier versions?

Version 5 of the Grove LCD has more features and functionalities compared to version 4 and earlier versions. Notably, version 5 requires no hardware modifications and can be directly connected to the I²C connectors on the Grove shield.

What is the purpose of compiling the code in the script?

Compiling the code ensures that all the available functions for the RGB LCD are displayed. After compilation, the various public member functions, such as cursor control, color settings, and printing, become accessible for use in the program.

Why does nothing appear when typing 'RGB LCD.' in the script before compilation?

Nothing appears because the code has not been compiled yet. Compilation is necessary to make the functions of the RGB LCD available for use, allowing the user to select from various options in a dropdown menu.

What are some key functions of the Grove RGB LCD displayed after compilation?

Some key functions include 'blink' (to make the cursor blink), 'no blink' (to stop the cursor from blinking), 'clear' (to clear the screen), 'cursor' (to display a cursor), and 'locate' (to move the cursor to a specific position). These functions help in controlling the LCD's behavior and display.

What does the 'set color' function do in the context of the RGB LCD?

The 'set color' function allows users to set predefined colors for the display. For instance, set color 0 is white, set color 1 is red, set color 2 is green, and set color 3 is blue. Additionally, 'set RGB' allows for custom colors by adjusting the levels of red, green, and blue.

What does the code 'rgbl LCD dot RGB 0x0000 0x80 0x80' do?

This code sets the LCD's background color to teal. The values '0x0000 0x80 0x80' represent the RGB values that define the teal color on the display.

What is the significance of using 'locate' in the script?

The 'locate' function is used to position the cursor at a specific location on the LCD screen. In the script, it locates the cursor at column 0 and row 0, which is the top-left corner of the display.

What does the 'segment' function refer to in the context of the script?

The 'segment' function refers to controlling a four-digit display. It is used to manipulate and display data on a four-digit segment display, allowing functions like clearing the display, setting the colon, adjusting brightness, and writing numbers.

How does the 'set brightness' function work in the script?

The 'set brightness' function controls the brightness of the four-digit segment display. The brightness ranges from 0 (dim) to 7 (brightest), and in the script, it is set to 5, which is a middle level of brightness.