Matrix Orbital Corp

I've been trying to change the default boot screen of my MX4 with one using both text and custom graphics. I've tried combinations of the available software, but have experienced the following problems with each:

BOOTLOGO: A very basic program that works fairly well with text but does not write all the graphics correctly to the EPROM and tends to treat people with 4-line displays like the poor relation.

BOOTEDIT: A more advanced program that does a slightly better job of diaplaying and positioning the text and graphics but is by no means 100% accurate at either. Also, sets fan GPO's to off during boot. Thankfully, uProject jump-started them again.

LCDC: Contains an option to save a screen as the default boot screen but has mixed results where text and graphics are concerned.

UPROJECT: Contains options to edit the text on the boot screen but due to the confusing interface, I can't work out how to use the graphics of my choice. Annoyingly, resets to 2-line display for startup settings whenver you reconnect to the relevant COM port for your display. Also, I can't locate a help file for this program anywhere.

The main problem is that none of these programs seem able to write the required information 100% correctly to the EPROM so you end up with a boot screen that partially displays gobbledy-gook.

Any help on the subject, or a boot screen program that actually works, would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
DJ

Hi DJJ123,

The programs do work fine, but what you will need to do when set up the startup screen is write to the display twice. You can try this, and it may help. I personally like using bootlogo for the start screens.

Best Regards,

Tom,

Thank you for your reply. Since my original posting, I've discovered that writing 3 times is sometimes necessary just to be on the safe side so that the final remaining "sticky" characters get written or blanked out correctly.

I'd still like to know a few things about uProject. Firstly, where can I download a manual? Considering the comprehensive interface, there must surely be one. Secondly, how can I include custom characters of my choice in the section relating to loading a startup screen?

Finally, with regard to all products previously mentioned, how long does it take to write a screen to the EPROM? With no confirmation message appearing on screen after writing, it is impossible to tell when I can safely continue with other tasks or even shut down.

Regards
DJ

DJ,


Unfortunately, we currently don't have a manual for uproject, but I can answer any questions you have about uproject.

To incorporate a custom character in the startup screen, you must create and save a custom character. The command for creating and saving a custom character is [254][194][memory location, which is from 0 to 7][custom character]. When you send the startup screen command, you only need to send the number that has the custom character stored into it. For example, say you saved a custom character in memory location 0, and you wanted a custom character in the beginning of your start up screen, you will send the start up screen command [254][64][0(custom character), and remaining characters for your display].

It definitely will take under 5 seconds to load up the start screen to the eeprom, so if you want to be safe, it will take 5 seconds.

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

Best Regards,