This is pretty easy. When you intialise MScomm, you need to set the RThreshold to 1 and InputLen to 1. You can then use the OnComm event. Read up on this in the VB help file. When data is received by the port, OnComm is fired and you can then react and find out what "key" was pressed.This code is ...

When I ordered my LCD, I bought the keypad and serial cable. I then butchered them taking the connector off the keypad and cable from serial cable.

Babber

Thanks TheCheeseMan, I think the manual has changed since I bought mine as I didn't think the LK204-25 would let you do that!.

Cheers

Babber

Ok, for those of you who have recently visited the link..
http://mysite.freeserve.com/winamp_remote/switch.htm
..will realise I don't know my left from my right. Now changed!!

Babber

I have an LK204-25, not the pc version. I use it as a remote control for winamp and it is not in the same room as the computer. I only turn the display on when I am using it so I want to know whether there is any way to detect whether the display is powered up? Does the LCD send anything down the ...

unit - LK204-25
Difficulty - Medium
Other - 8 button external remote control with serial cable to PC. Cable carries power to LCD. No GPOs used.

Materials needed -
1. Box - I used UK mains pattress i.e. blank socket box
2. Length of serial cable with male and female connectors.
3. 8 momentary ...

Not sure what language you are using but for VB6, my site has a couple of examples. Also, there is a program that helps you design the custom characters. Click on the pixels you want to show and it tells you the hex value.
http://mysite.freeserve.com/winamp_remote

Babber

I chose to power the display through the 3 pin header as, if memory serves correctly, you have to solder a jumper on the pcb. I'd rather not do that. Using the supplied power pins made more sense. I dont use the GPOs so I cant comment on that. Ideally, i should have used a switch that isolates both ...

I have an external display with buttons. The same cable also carries power. See here for details:-

http://mysite.freeserve.com/winamp_remote

Babber

I use a 30 foot cable (good quality shielded rs232 cable) and have no problems at all. I even run power up the cable.

Babber

Are you going to program this yourself? I have something similar - a remote for winamp. On the main play screen, the buttons play, ffwd, rwd, pause, stop, up playlist, down playlist and select playlist. When I go into the volume screen, the up playlist and down playlist buttons control volume. If ...

I have made an external remote which uses 8 switches. I have a simple diagram that explain how to connect switches in rows and columns. See http://mysite.freeserve.com/winamp_remote/switch.htm

Cheers

Babber

Got my LCD today and its pretty cool. Starting writing a program to link the display to my mp3 jukebox. Its cool and the keypad facility is even better.
Thinking about an enclosure for the display and keys - brushed stainless steel is first choice.
ps, anyone got experience of using custom ...

What is the maximum distance between the serial port and a LK204-25? A "competitor" has said that 20 metres (60 feet) is too far for their LCD with a keypad. I thought serial was good for a hundred metres (300 feet)or so.

Cheers

Babber

From the manual for the LK204-25:-
If the user intends to use pin 9 as the power source, the user must solder the 5 volt jumper point beside the DB9 connector. This is not necessarily a safe operation for a PC based application.
__________________________________________
As I am using a PC based ...