USER'S MANUAL
CAN bus LCD Display
TRI66.003 ver 2
10 April 2011
1
INTRODUCTION
This document details the interface, installation, and usage requirements for the
Tritium CAN bus LCD display product. It also provides information on
programming the device to implement custom functionality.
The LCD display provides an easy way to show telemetry and control information
for a Tritium WaveSculptor motor controller. The LCD display comes
programmed from the factory configured with sensible default values that will
work in a plug-and-play manner with a motor controller.
The microcontroller firmware for the device (in 'C') is available on the Tritium
website under an open-source license, as are the hardware schematics and
component overlays.
2
DEVICE OVERVIEW
The LCD display provides a 3.5 digit 7-segment liquid-crystal interface to show
numbers from -1999 to 1999, with selectable decimal point position. Up to four
different variables can be chosen to be displayed, one at a time.
The display receives data and power via a CAN bus running at up to 1
Mbit/second, with the factory default at 500kbit/sec. Alteration of either the bit
rate or the addresses for various data types currently requires reprogramming
the microcontroller, although hardware support does exist to allow remote
configuration in the future.
Four LEDs are provided on the front panel of the device to indicate which variable
is currently being displayed.
With appropriate modification of the firmware, the display is capable of reading
and displaying any variable on the CAN bus. It is not only restricted to Tritium
devices.
3
HARDWARE
3.1
FRONT PANEL
An adhesive decal protects the front of the LCD and provides a single pushbutton
switch to select between display variables. It is backed by a 0.8mm thickness
stainless steel plate to provide a mechanically strong mounting surface.
3.2
LABELS
Four transparent windows are present in the decal to allow placement of a paper
label behind the decal. This label is inserted at the factory to match the four
variables chosen for display, and once in place cannot be removed.
If you will be programming the display with your own firmware, please specify
that your display be delivered unassembled, so that you can insert your own
labels once you have finalised your firmware modifications.
3.3
POWER INPUT
Power for the display needs to be supplied along the CAN bus cable. The display
contains an internal regulated power supply and will operate successfully with a
supply of between 9V and 15V DC. The display uses less than 20mA when
operational.
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