Using LCD 40 X 4

[Taurus]

Hello

I have a 40 X 4 character LCD screen, for now I only can use line 0 or 1 on the screen with the macro LCD 40 X 2.
Is it possible to redirect the E bit (lets say bit5) to (lets say bit6) in the software.
In this way I can use the lines 0 to 3 and then can write something to all the lines on the screen. Is it possible to change it in the own code of the macro and how can I do that.
What I would like to do is to use the E1 en E2 pins from the LCD, another way to do this is using an extra IC in the hardware, that redirect the E pin. Do you have a better option to solve this problem.

Thanks

[Taurus]

Hello,

Too bad, no response on my question, maybe later.
I did found another way to solve the problem, but it costs more program memory
Place two LCD macro's (select 2 X 40) on the panel, place them under each other.
Select for LCD0 and LCD1 the same pin outputs
data1 = B0
data2 = B1
data3 = B2
data4 = B3
RS = B4
Select the enable (E1) for LCD0 pin output
Enable =B5
Select the enable (E2) for LCD1 pin output
Enable =B6
This works perfect, but it was better when it was put into the macro

If someone has another solution, please let me know.

Thanks

[Benj]

Hello Taurus,

It sounds like the LCD you have is simply two of the standard LCD controllers stacked on top of each other. Quite a good idea.

I think the way you have gotten around the problem in software by using two component is a good idea. The problem with combining both of the components into a single component is that you will have problems moving from one line to another. Eg how would the code know whether to use enable line 1 or 2?

Answer is it would be hard to specify this without adding say another function that switched between enable 1 and 2. Therefore for now I would continue using 2 components and if you find you are running out of program memory down the line then let me know and I will see about helping you add this extra function to allow you to get away with a single LCD component in your program.