RS-232 Text Display

Hi Everybody. I am looking for a 2x20 (or similar) character alphanumeric display to connect via serial RS232. I will be connecting it to a serial port on a motion controller. The motion controller simply sends ascii data out the port, similar to a com port on a pc. I just want it to display the characters I send out. All of the displays I have found are designed to work with plc's and use the plc's proprietary protocol.

Maple systems OIT
http://www.hmidirect.com/index_microoitfam.htm

http://www.accusort.com/support/pdf/manuals/Remote_Display.pdf

Maybe this'll work.

ascii

Hi....
If it is ascii data then any "dumb" terminal will work.
You can use a 486 junker with DOS and a program called Kermit.
If you want large display characters then the DL50 from Allen Bradley
will work. We use these in the mill as operator info displays. They can be read easily by my poor eye sight at 200 feet.
You can also use Windows "Hyperterminal", Procomm+, or any terminal program that your company buys. Make sure that what ever you use connects to rs232 and is ascii. Some AB displays require DH+ and some displays are dedicated to propietary protocols.
If it says RS232 and ASCii then you are safe. The DL20 has 4 lines and has both RS232 and digital inputs.
How big is the display supose to be? Will a computer monitor be OK?
I am working with a display now that is one line 80 Character. It is 24 inches by 120 inches.
There are displays that are 4 line that are 10 inches by 45 inches.

Distance is another factor, RS232 is good only for 50ft. I have got up to 80 ft but you should convert to RS422 for anything over 50ft.
Maybe in an office enviroment or where there is little electrical interfearance you may get to 100 feet. At home here I use a terminal to log into my server, it is 180 ft but if I turn on the shop HID lights, I can not connect.
Experiment and have fun. Remember, what you discover is somthing you gained. If I can learn at my age anyone can.

Take care, have a good weekend.

Bruce

If you are looking for a simple display I suggest you take a look at http://www.seetron.com/slcds.htm

I've used them before with Basic Stamps, should work I think...

Vorne

Go to www.vorne.com they have a large selection of displays you are looking for.
They are very reasonably priced. Vorne has been in the business for many years and provides first class products and very good support.

try matrix orbital.

Thanks Guys

Hey thanks guys, the combination of this site and people who use it are an amazing tool for a young engineer like myself. I can perform many searches on google and not get the narrowed results that I get when I ask a detailed question here.

Ok, back to the project. I don't want to use a dummy terminal because of the fact that I would need a pc at the machine and the fact that the display is too large. The terminals that you guys pointed me to seem to be exactly what I was looking for. All I need to do now is research each one to see which fits the application best.

Thanks again guys.

I posted the link to the Maple OIT's which I have used for years with no problems BUT I agree with Jiri that Vorne makes very reliable products. b