What if I wanted to add an LCD?

[clinefx1]

I don't have a particular project in mind but what if I did want to add an LCD to a controller setup?
What are the basics and what should I understand before jumping in?
How do chose the right one for me?  Also, what do I sacrifice to have one running?

[JonnyMac]

The cleanest approach is going to be with a serial LCD; it takes just one pin and you can send all the data you want with SEROUT instructions (meaning it doesn't take a lot of code space to do cool things).  It will cost you a little more money versus buying a raw LCD and connecting it, but I think in the end you'll find using a serial display is worth the extra in time/hassles saved over a raw (parallel) LCD.

As it turns out, Parallax is having a sale:

-- http://www.parallax.com/detail.asp?product_id=27977
-- http://www.parallax.com/detail.asp?product_id=27979

These can be connected right to the Prop-1 or Prop-2 with a three-pin extension cable.  The web site includes demo code for the BS1 (Prop-1) and BS2 (Prop-2); some written by yours truly.

If you decide you want to try to hook up a surplus $5 LCD to your controller, download "StampWorks" from the Parallax site as it shows how to do direct LCD control.