MODTHEBOX would like to thank Olivier from Lux-Design
for sending the VLSystem L.I.S Blue Platinum Kit for review.
Introduction:
Intelligent Serial LCD display devices are commonplace for computer ethuiasts and add a level of sophistication for platform computing. The
advantage of an Intelligent Serial LCD display is the ability to interactivity receive updated statistical information on a computer's
operational state and performance level. The solution works two fold by taking the right piece of hardware and complimenting it with
the right application software. The end result is a package that can provide vital statistics that can be read at a mere glance. For
North American audiences two companies have been in the forefront of pre-made consumer based LCD display devices,
Crystalfontz and
Matrix Orbital. Recently, we've witnessed another company emerge to raise the competition level. Today in the MTB Labs, we will be
evaluating VLSystem L.I.S Blue Platinum Kit; a new consumer based intelligent LCD display for the personal PC.
Specifications:
The VLSystem L.I.S Blue Platinum Kit is an all inclusive consumer product available in three different colour formats on the Lux-Design
website. Consumers can select blue, red or green display options with different coloured themed bezels. The L.I.S Blue Platinum Kit is
your standard 20x4 Serial LCD with voltage options controlled via a USB port. The unit that will be used in this review is the L.I.S
Blue Platinum revision 1. Here are some of the specifications taken directly from the Lux-Design and VLSystem's websites:
VLSystem L.I.S Blue Platinum Kit - Appearance Features:
Supported Character Sizes: 16x2, 16x4, 20x2 and 20x4
Module size: 74mm x 33mm
Blue backlight
Black imaging
3 different modes (red, green and blue)
L.I.S Controller rev 1.4 with power on and backlight
Hitachi HD44780 compatible
Functional Capabilities:
Display text, horizontal & vertical bar graphs and large digits
Line wrapping, scrolling, contrast, backlight and time-out setting (up to 180 minutes)
Included manual and software on CDROM
Includes PC drive bay insert
Interfaces & Speed:
Communicate method RS232C
RS232 mode: 19.2 Kbps, 8 Bits, 1 Stop Bit
4 line interface method (GND, 5V, RX, TX)
Serial COM port (9-pin)
Power Requirements:
USB terminal connector (5V)
Supply Voltage: +4.75 to +5.25Vdc
Supply Current: 10mA typical
Backlight Supply Current: 90mA typical
Click image for larger view
Click image for larger view
The VLSystem L.I.S Blue Platinum Kit arrived packaged in a colourful white cardboard box which boldly displayed the name of the product
and an image of all the available LCD versions on the top. On the left and right hand sides of the packaging were information on the
product specifications and LCD display options. VL System's did a wonderful job in packaging the components inside the kit guranteeing
their safe arrival during shiping.
Click image for larger view
Click image for larger view
The entire package was enclosed in a custom polystyrene block and included the following items:
Bypass USB and serial cable w/5v power connector
4 x 6-32 bolts and spacers
1 x Software installation CD
Six page manual
The manual included in the package covers the L.I.S Blue Platinum Kit specifications, controller setup, system requirements and
software application options. There are a few documented warnings about adjusting pin configurations on the L.I.S controller PCB
which controls backlight, power and colour configuration settings. For advanced users the included documentation should suffice
for getting this package up and running but for novices I found that the documentation was very brief and incomplete. VLSystem
does include an more expanded version of their documentation with reference photos which can be located right
here.
