There is not guarantee that any of these parts will be available in the future.
Or any through hole parts.
There has always been a very small window of opportunity for a device of this type.
That is why the two years wasted is such a crime (IMHO).
--- In ComputerVoltageSources@yahoogroups.com, "John Loffink" <jloffink@...> wrote:
>
> It is true that you can get a bare bones 8x2 or 16x2 LCD for $10 or less.
> It is the support circuitry that adds the cost. Add backlighting
> (recommended) and you add another $5 or so to the cost. The LCDs you
> mention require IO that doesn't exist on the BASIC ATOM PRO controller.
> There aren't enough pins to drive it. Add decoders/drivers, serial
> interface, and other necessary parts and the cost easily doubles.
>
> Dave responded offlist that he used a surplus LCD with a serial port to
> reduce IO and processing requirements for the BASIC ATOM PRO controller.
> The serial port LCD typically has its own microcontroller onboard.
>
> I can work with Dave offlist to investigate LCD options, or we can work it
> on the list to get other design feedback.
>
> On a side note, as a general rule we should not specify surplus parts for
> this project. There is no guarantee they'll be available at any time in the
> future.
>
> John Loffink
> The Microtonal Synthesis Web Site
> http://www.microtonal-synthesis.com
> The Wavemakers Synthesizer Web Site
> http://www.wavemakers-synth.com
>
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: ComputerVoltageSources@yahoogroups.com
> > [mailto:ComputerVoltageSources@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Eric
> > Brombaugh
> >
> > LCDs aren't too expensive - typically $5 - $10. For
> > example:
> >
> > http://www.allelectronics.com/cgi-
> > bin/category/365/LCDs_(Liquid_Crystal_Displays).html
> >
> > Eric
> >
>