This web page was last updated on Wed, 02 Jul 08 at 1004 hours
There are two projects out on the net right now which have upgrade pathes that specifically include the very nice crisp Hantronix miniature 2x16 display (only 2.1" wide). One is the AMQRP PIC-EL project and the other is Tom Lackamp's All In One Remote for Canon, NIkon, etc cameras. The problem in using it is, of course, the Flat Flex cable (FFC) to connect it. This page offers the display bundled with a small pcboard and the appropriate connectors that adapts from the FFC to a standard .100" spaced 16 pin header
There have been many upgrades and mods for the original PIC-EL kit. One of them involves upgrading the display, but was always a compromise because the upgraded unit hung out over the side of the board and case. One ham found a solution that happened to use one of my recently introduced products. (73 de n1bq)
From: "Basil Rabinowitz"
Date: February 19, 2007 7:57:30 PM EST (CA)
To: "Craig Johnson", "Brian Riley" , "George Heron"
Subject: PICEL upgrade
Hello Craig, hope all is well with you.
I have now done a compete upgrade of my PICEL original to a PIC-EL II ... and I mean all the changes. I was able to add or swap out all the resistors, capacitors and the diode very easily. I have a ZIF socket that I insert into an IC socket soldered onto the board. This lifts it up and allows the handle to close fully - I also changed the header with all the shunts on it to a right angle one rather than an upright one for the same reason.
But here is the really exciting piece. The LCD was the really hard one. I hated that big clunker hanging over the edge of the board. Well, there is a Hantronix miniature 2x16 LCD with backlight and 16x2 that fits perfectly on the front two holes from the original 8x1 LCD from version 1. Of course it is much narrower. The only problem is that it comes with those tiny flat ribbon cables so I was trying to figure how to connect it. Along comes Brian Riley with the perfect connector for these gems, his K107RA FFC/FPC Ribbon Adapter
The only warning it to be very careful how you assemble this connector - it is not bilateral - there is a right side up effect. I also only used a 14 pin connector and added the resistor and earth jumper for the backlight from the 15th and 16th pins across the top of this connector to the 1st and 2nd pins. It is really neat and really crisp and clear to read. Brian also has similar LCD's available. I left the 14 pin Sip socket in place although I could have mounted Brian's adapter directly to the board and it would have been a little lower profile.
I have now mounted it in the PACTEC enclosure that it was designed to fit - so I am not afraid of putting it down on any wires etc. I did not put the top or sides on it, only the bottom. The last thing I need to do to finish this up is to build up and connect a DDS card.
I have attached some photos. Thanks a lot for a great project (and thanks a lot Brian for your adapter).
73, Dov (Basil) Rabinowitz ad0v
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