The Build Log!

CrystalFontz 632 and 634 with an Arduino

Years ago, I purchased a couple of CrystalFontz LCDs, the 634 and 632. Both are fantastic little devices that I’ve used on various projects. Recently, I’ve been looking to hook these up to an Arduino, and I finally got around to making it work. It wasn’t completely straightforward, so here’s how you can do it yourself.

These LCDs have two means of connecting: a standard DB9 (serial) connector (labeled J1 on the board and in the datasheet), and a set of through-holes you can solder wires to directly (labeled J2). In addition, the LCDs support SPI, though we won’t be needing that for our Arduino project.

Here’s the finished product in action: an Arduino Duemilanove powering a CrystalFontz 632 LCD (though the 634 is just as easy to use as well):

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README First

Well, here we go again. I’ve decided to start a new blog to consolidate a whole bunch of mostly technical stuff I’ve written about as well as to cover new things. Primarily, this is a personal blog, and I’ll be covering the things I’m interested in:

  • I’m a Ruby on Rails and iOS developer. I’ve been writing code professionally in various languages for 10+ years. I’d estimate at least 4 or 5 for Ruby, and probably longer in Objective-C.

  • As a long-time hacker, I’ve recently (over the last two years) gotten interested in electronics. I’ve been building small-scale things using the Arduino and the Raspberry Pi.

  • About four or five years ago I started volunteering at a local Habitat for Humanity affiliate, and have since been actively involved there in renovating a 10-unit former convent into affordable condos, along with other construction projects. Recently I bought an 1890’s farmhouse and I’ve started restoring it.

  • And plenty of other things: I’m a science (and space) geek, occasional MTG and boardgame player, and devops enthusiast.

I’m available on Twitter if you’re interested in interacting more directly.