Im a newbie, got a bit confused...

[xenogenic]

im relatively new to this kinda thing.
Im interested in setting up a 'temperature monitoring station' for my car pc but i need a little help .

The products from matrix o. i will be using are
-3 temperature probes
-LCD2041-GW

now i saw the X-board X-series, do I need this?

Now this temperature sensor station im making i want the probes to go directly to the lcd, not to the computer even though i want to have the module connected to the computer for displaying some cool msgs too.

Im not to sure which devices i need as it basically sounds like a stand alone system. this is because the computer boots directly into my frontend app, so it doesnt load other stuff like the antivirus, printer software and the normal stuff in the msconfig.

Also can the modules be programmed, like to read out Cpu temp, Ram temp, Enclosure temp?

any suggestions is greatly appreciated.

[Tom]

Hi xenogenic,

Thank you for posting at the forum.

The LCD2041-GW won't be able to sense any temperature probes or do other functions, such as, turning on fans or setting up a start screen. The models that can sense temperature is the LK/VK/PK-202-25, LK/VK/PK-202-24-USB, or the MXxx series units.

The X-board also doesn't have the ability to sense temperature.

The temperature probes these units use are dallas one wire temperature probes. The probes LCDC is specifically programmed for is the DS18S20 temperature probes, which can be found at http://www.matrixorbital.com/product_in ... an-cooling

These units are not stand alone, so they need some type of controller, with software loaded inside it. For your application, it looks asthough you will be using a pc, and you can program LCDC to send the display data like cpu temp, ram temp, enclosure temp, etc.

For more detailed information on LCDC, you can refer to the website at http://www.lcdc.cc/about.htm For more detailed information on the listed displays that will work for you, you can refer to the manuals at http://www.matrixorbital.ca/manuals/

If you have anymore questions or concerns, please feel free to post.

Best Regards,

[xenogenic]

Thanks so much for replying.

So I did some checking and these are the screens I liked;
LK202-25
LK202-25-GW
PK202-24-USB
VK202-24-USB

now I read this thread explaing the types;
http://www.lcdforums.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=2896

Can the VK202-24-USB change color...like have to different colors displaying at the same time>?

I know that the Lk and Pk cant change color.

I am leaning towards the PK202-24-USB due to its high temp. survival and wider viewing angle plus its usb.

Now I will be using the dallas temp probes that your company sells.
The manuals says that the modules can support up to 32 1-line inputs but on the board im only seeing 4 connections. Can you explain what ive got to do if i want more?

So summarizing for my project, the following goodies I shall acquire:
3 Dallas temp probes,
PK202-24-USB.
Do I need anything else?

Of the LCD's ive chosen it the PK202-24-USB the best>?
which would you recommend>?


Thank you

[Tom]

Hi xenogenic,

The vfd wont' be able to display two simultaneous colors. The color of the vfd is changed by using a different color filter.

If you were thinking about using extra 1-wire probes, you will need to connect the probes onto the same lines. On the circuit board, they are connected on the same line or bus. For example, you will need to connect all the pin 1s together, all the pin 2s together, and all the pin 3s together for the probes. The way the display distinquish the differences between probes is because each probe has a unique 64bit address.

If you are just sensing temperature, then that is all you need for the accessories. It will depend on what you want to do with the unit.

I can't say PK202-24-USB is the best or the worst. It is all a matter of preference. You are getting a good unit though because it is bright, and it has a large viewing angle. If you are leaning towards the PK202-24-USB, I will still recommend the PK202-24-USB.

If you have anymore questions or concerns, please feel free to post.

Best Regards,

[xenogenic]

Hey Tom, thanks for replying.

Im definitely purchasing the PK202-24-USB.

Now I got kinda confused with the extra probes, lemme just confirm how you connect them.
if more than 4 probes, ill have to open them out and connect all pins 1s together and likewise for pins 2 and pins 3, then reconnect them to the board.
if less then 4 I just use the 4 connection sockets provided in the back.
right?

Thanks man.

[Tom]

Your welcome xenogenic,

You won't need to open any headers up, but you can break a connection on a wire and solder them together to attach to the same pinout, but you need to make sure all the pins of the temp probes are connected together. As mentioned pin 1 needs to be connected to each other, pin2, etc.

Four or less probes can just be connected to the individual headers.

If you have anymore questions or concerns, please feel free to post.

Best Regards,

[xenogenic]

Thanks so much Tom.

You guys at Mo are really helpful. makes me want to shop away!!


Thanks man.