Software, Numeric conversion, Hyperterminal – Matrix Orbital DD-DB1 LCD/VFD Dev Board User Manual
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Software
Numeric Conversion
All command values listed in the document are shown in decimal notation for continuity and simplicity, however, different
applications my require different numeric systems. The most basic computing numeric system is binary notation. Each
digit is a placeholder for a value equaling 2 to the power of it's position. Decimal notation can be converted using the
table below by placing a one in the largest placeholder value, subtracting that placeholder number from the decimal
number, then using the remaining number to repeat the process. The decimal number 88 is written as follows.
2
7
2
6
2
5
2
4
2
3
2
2
2
1
2
0
128 64 32 16 8 4 2 1
0
1 0 1 1 0 0 0
Table 6: Binary Conversion
0
1 0 1 1 0 0 0
128 64 32 16 8 4 2 1
5
8
Table 7: Hexadecimal Conversion
From binary, numbers can be easily converted to hexadecimal for quick interpretation and manipulation. Four bits are
converted to a single character from 0 to F, meaning a byte can be written with just two characters. These can then be
used in a look up table to locate corresponding ASCII characters, which represent bytes with a single digit. The website
is a good reference for numeric conversions, including all of those mentioned above.
Hyperterminal
Installed on most Windows computers, hyperterminal can be run by selecting run and typing 'hypertrm' in the command
line. This basic program will allow communication between a PC and your display.
When starting up a name must be given to your connection and an icon may be chosen, neither is consequential. Next,
select the appropriate communication port that your display is connected to. Finally, the port settings below must be
entered to complete the port setup.
BPS
Data Bits
Parity
Stop Bits
Flow Control
19200
8
None
1
None
Table 8: Hyperterminal Settings
Once a port is successfully set up, data can be sent to an attached display by typing on the keyboard. At this point, it may
be helpful to echo keys to the monitor. Select properties from the file menu and open the ASCII settings from settings tab.
Commands can be sent to an attached display by issuing decimal commands using the number pad. While the ALT key is
held down, four digit decimal values can be sent as a single ASCII character. For example, to clear the screen try the
following sequence.
ALT +
0254
ALT +
0088
Table 9: Hyperterminal Command Format
Any commands or text desired can be sent to the communication port using this method to provide total control of any
Matrix Orbital display.
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