GP-1 RS-232 Terminal

Shown with some optional or user-supplied components and breadboard

Many microcontroller projects could benefit from a full-blown user interface, but developing one can be prohibitive. Now, with the GP-1 kit you can connect an ordinary PS/2 keyboard and a common Hitachi-style LCD display to any computer that can use RS232. This easy-to-build kit has many exciting features:

	Configurable to work with different size LCDs
	Parameters stored in EEPROM
	VT100-style command set
	Optional line wrapping, scrolling, and line end treatments
	Selectable echo modes
	Hardware selected baud rate 19200, 9600, 2400 or 1200 (all at 8 bits, no parity, 1 stop bit)
	Hardware (RTS/CTS) handshaking
	DB9, DCE RS232 connector
	True RS232 from onboard 5V supply
	Includes PS/2 connector
	Can be used without keyboard for smart displays, or without LCD for keyboard-only input
	Correctly displays ~ and \ characters

Key Links

	Manual
	GPMPU28 Manual

This versatile kit can be customized to use different power supplies or provide TTL level outputs, if required. Imagine the power of a multi-line VT100-style terminal in your next project. You can use an industrial keyboard in a harsh environment or a small keyboard or numeric keypad where space is at a premium. Nearly any 14-pin Hitachi-style LCD will work including many popular vacuum fluorescent displays (VFDs) and most surplus LCD units.

All you supply is an LCD, a keyboard, an optional LCD contrast voltage (depends on your LCD module; often you can simply connect the contrast voltage to ground) and a DC power supply (the GP-1 has an onboard 5V regulator, or you can supply 5V regulated directly to it). Now your Basic Stamp, PIC, or other micro project can have a full text terminal. You can even use the GP-1 to talk to modems (cross cable required) or even a PC.

You can read the manual online. This kit is based on our GPMPU28 board, and you may want to read the manual for that board as well.

Please note that this is a kit and does require soldering and basic electronic tools. This allows you to customize the board to fit your needs. All the parts are through hole, and the solder masked board is very easy to assemble.

GP-1 complete kit $49.95 each

Serial cable (DB9 female to male, 6') $8.99