LCDproc Compiler script

I have had a lot of requests for an Intel compile of LCDproc. Here is a compile script you can use to compile it yourself. You will need to have the Apple Developer Tools installed. Then run the install.command script and it will:

1. download LCDproc
2. download libusb, if not installed already
3. set up any necessary environment variables
4. configure, compile and install LCDproc
5. run LCDproc with the default LCDd configuration
6. open the LCDd.conf file so you can edit the configuration if you want
7. open the LCDd StartupItem installer to allow you to run LCDd at start up

You may need to enter your password when prompted.

In the end you will have a fully-featured LCDproc compiled with all of the USB drivers enabled. You will need to edit the LCDd.conf file to suit your display. If you have to specify a device in the LCDd.conf file,be sure to use the cu.usbserial device, not the tty.usbserial device.

Unfortunately, because this is a default install, some drivers such as imon will not work properly without other Mac OS X specific patches.

Many USB displays will work with minor configuration file changes, including the Mac OS X USB LCD Kit.

Download the latest version now.

LCDproc installer Mac OS X

I have created an LCDproc installer for Mac OS X. It is built for G3, G4 or G5 PowerPC Macs, but I should have an Intel build available soon. Intel Macs will not be able to use it. LCDproc gets installed into /usr/local/. A start-up script is included in /Library/StartUpItems/LCDproc. It is pre-configured for the Mac OS X USB LCD Kit. Once you install, just restart as instructed and LCDproc should be running on your Mac OS X USB LCD Kit. If you don't have the Mac OS X USB LCD Kit, you can edit the configuration file in /usr/local/etc/LCDd.conf

Download the Mac OS X PowerPC LCDproc installer.

Mac OS X USB LCD Kit LCDproc code

The source will hopefully be incorporated into LCDproc and I should have a compiled download available shortly.

THe default set up is for winamp wiring, but the MAC OS X USB LCD Kit is wired a bit differently. Make sure to uncomment:
//#define USS720_MAC_USB_LCD_KIT_WIRING 1
to enable the proper wiring for the kit.

Update: 8/10/2008

The hd44780-USS720 driver code has been incorporated into LCDproc. I hope to have a compiled version available for download as soon as possible.

Mac OS X USB LCD Kit working with LCDproc

I have just finished an LCDproc driver for the Mac OS X USB LCD Kit. Sorry for the long delay on this, it had always been something I wanted to do. It should be incorporated into an LCDproc release soon.

The driver uses libusb, so it can be used on any OS supported by LCDproc. If anybody who purchased a kit is interested in testing it out, please email me.

Mac OS X USB LCD Info

Since I haven't had any LCD Kits available for a while, I thought I would clear up some details about the kit for people who want to try it on their own.

The LCD is a HD44780 compatible character LCD. It is connected to the Mac USB port using a Belkin F5U002 USB Parallel adapter. Make sure to get the correct version that uses a separate USB cable.

The pinout I used for the kit and the Mac OS X USB LCD Command Line Tool is available here: Beyond Logic Interfacing Example. With some minor changes to get power from the parallel port, the final pinout is:

Centronics
Parallel    LCD
30             1
13,14          2
30             3
36             4
29             5
1              6
2              7
3              8
4              9
5             10
6             11 
7             12
8             13
9             14

Following this pinout should allow you to use the Mac OS X USB LCD Command Line Tool on your own cable and LCD.

Group Buy is Closed...

Thanks!

GrowLCDisplay plugin now available!!

Try the GrowLCDisplay plugin for Growl that allows you to send Growl notifications to your Mac OS X USB LCD Kit!!!

Update!

All known bugs have been fixed!

Download the latest version now.

Check out a screenshot.

Post a writeback if you try it or have any problems.

Shipped First Group Buy

So if you already paid, you have been shipped the parts.

The download for the instructions and command line tool is here:
Mac_OS_X_USB_LCD.tgz

Also, if you are putting one of these together yourself, download the tool and try it out.

LCD Test Kit Group Buy!!

So I decided I would make a kit available for people who want to start playing with LCDs right now. I want to do it in the form of a group buy so that I can buy all of the parts at once at a discount rate.

The kit would include:

• HD44780 4x16 LCD
• Belkin USB to Parallel Adapter
• USB A to B cable
• Centronics to LCD cable
• header pins to connect the cable to the LCD
• a simple command line program to allow you to pipe text output (from logs, programs, etc.) to your LCD.
• Instructions
• Discount on any future products or software I make using the parallel interface.

This kit would require some soldering and is not a commercial product. If you want a nice, finished product, wait a few more months, and I should have something available.

I won't be making much money on this at all.

I think it would cost about $30 shipped if I can sell 10. So if you are interested, post a write back.

Thanks!

Parallel Port Mac OS X

Thanks hackaday!

For PC users who might not see the point:

1. Macs don't have parallel ports or serial ports.
2. This adapter is supposed to be for printing only, and LCDs require low level port control that most adapters don't provide.
3. USB LCDs are expensive.
4. USB LCDs don't come with Mac software.

I will posts some simple source code in the coming weeks if people are interested.

I may also offer a kit so people can use one of these on their Mac.

P.S. buy a new printer adapter from ebay rather than using one you already have. (My wife was ready to kill me when she couldn't use the printer.) Look for the brown dark gray ones that are not for the mac.