Thread: Character LCDs and Macs

Character LCDs are generally plain Serial devices. Macs don't have serial ports but Keyspan makes very good USB/Serial adapters (with very good Mac OS X drivers) which make this a non-issue. I have a serial data acquisition device that is functionally similar to a character LCD that I use through a keyspand adapter on my Mac and it works flawlessly.

~Lake

These have the round serial sockets on them. Are you saying that is identical to the DB9 serial plug? You'd only have to get an adaptor?

I don't suppose the serial port to USB adaptor that I have for my PC carputer will work too?

Yep, the PC one will work perfectly. Thats how I got my GPS to talk to KisMAC. I used one from IOgear, works excellently (especially in VirtualPC, so I can load in maps)

Bugbyte - You're thinking of the adapters to the old Mac Serial connector. The only time I've ever used one of those was for my old 14.4 Modem (later I got a 28.8, woot). I'm not sure if it's line-compatible with what's on the more common DB9 connectors or what, but don't bother. What you want is the Keyspan Adapter with DB9 plugs (they have a 4 port version as well, which I've used). This product is universal between Macs and PCs, only the software is different. Both versions are on the CD that comes with it, AND both versions are available to download (and you should download anyways to get the latest revision).

Hope that helps.

~Lake

How about these display's?

USB LCD DISPLAY'S

Originally Posted by defender90

How about these display's?

USB LCD DISPLAY'S

those are great, but i had to really search the forums to find anything mac related on them, and there wasnt much.

Hi,

I don't know if you are still looking, but here there seems something usefull for the Mac:

Phidgets

And the software:

Phidgets on OS X Found in the forum at www.phidgets.com/

I want to try to have some sort of spectrum analyzer thingy somewhere using an LCD, backlit would be nice. Just to have something that looks "KITT" in the car would be neat, or one to display navigation direction, outside temp etc...