MOTM

Yellow letters on a black background would be very cool indeed, and the extra cost would definitely be worth the increased understandability of a 2x16 disp. vs. a 4 char led jobbie.  If its really necessary is another ball of wax, depends on how clever and legible you can make a 4 char.LED display and also depends on how much info youre trying to get to us through the display..  I know there are a few future modules with LED displays, so maybe the yellow/black display would differentiate the 650, or maybe people would like more of a matching red LED theme.  I think red LED displays would look great on MOTM panels, but if deciphering what the display is trying to tell me would be made alot easier with the 2x16 yel/blk then go for it.  Function over form for me.  Maybe there is a 2x16 red display? (ala MachineDrum....drool)

my 4 cents on a 1 cent topic...

~Steve

Is there a current draw difference between the LED/LCD option? Also, any
idea of the module current requirements?
Would it need +/-15 as well as +5V? Does it make any sense to derive the
+5V on board via sub regulation as opposed to a separate supply?

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Regards,
--/////--
John Blacet
Blacet Research
http://www.blacet.com

> Is there a current draw difference between the LED/LCD option? Also, any
> idea of the module current requirements?
> Would it need +/-15 as well as +5V? Does it make any sense to derive the
> +5V on board via sub regulation as opposed to a separate supply?
>

Without backlight, the LCD is nothing, like 10ma max, 4ma typical at +5V.

However, the backlight can draw 150ma at full levels. This is set by a resistor, but even at
"moderate" brightness, I'd say 70ma. Then..the 8051 uP at say 24Mhz is drawing 20ma. Call it
100ma. That's about the same as 4 average modules.

The LED design would draw about 20% MOREthan the LCD with backlight.

So, I'll use +5V supply (ie the MOTM-950) since the +-15V supply is zilch: 10ma maybe.

Paul S.