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Product:
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Crystalfontz 632 16x2 USB LCD Kit |
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Price:
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$102 (CAN) / $75 (U.S)
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Supplied By:
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HighSpeed PC
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Author:
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Hi-TEK
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Date:
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May 3rd, 2004
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Rating:
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MODTHEBOX would like to thank Scott from HighSpeed PC
for sending the Crystalfontz 632 16x2 USB LCD Kit for review.
Introduction:
System maintenance is a standard requirement of all PC's and must be performed on a regular basis to
keep performance levels high. Consumers have a wide variety of different applications and tools
available to fix both hardware and software related issues. One solution to the problem is to deploy
system monitoring solutions that provide updated statistics on a PC's overall performance. In the past,
standard monitoring tools have been combined with fan controllers, temperature displays and baybus
devices. The intelligent LCD display still remains one of the more popular system monitoring tools for
its ease of use and configuration options. Crystalfontz America Inc based out of Valleyford, WA has been
producing a wide range of popular LCD units for the last several years. Today in the MTB Labs, we will
be evaluating the new Crystalfontz 632 16x2 USB LCD Kit, an intelligent LCD display designed for the
personal PC.
Specifications:
The Crystalfontz 632 16x2 USB LCD Kit is one of several different LCD based displays available on the
Crystalfontz website. Consumers have the option of selecting from serial, USB and character based LCD's.
The 632 16x2 USB Kit is a revision of the original 632 serial kit which featured v1.3 of the CGROM
(Character Generated Rom). Here are some of the specifications taken directly from the Crystalfontz
website:
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Crystalfontz 632 16x2 USB LCD Kit - Key Specifications:
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| Crystalfontz 632 16x2 USB LCD Kit: Manufactured by Crystalfontz |
| Large display area in a compact 108mm x 43mm (4.25" x 1.69") package. |
| USB to RS-232 interface (2400, 4800, 9600, and 19200 baud) |
| The USB converter board and its compact connector does not add to the overall thickness of the module |
| Large, easy to read characters: 7.3mm (0.287") character height |
| LED Backlit is 19.9mm (0.783") including DB-9 connector |
| Extended voltage (9-15v) and 5v power inputs standard on all modules for the controller. Backlight is 5v only |
| Unique "Scrolling Marquee" feature continuously scrolls a message across the display without host intervention |
| Single board construction, no connectors to fail |
| Negative voltage for contrast generated on board |
| Buffered communication |
| The CGROM is an enhanced version with many more useful characters: numeric superscripts, icons, mathematical symbols, some fractions, a great variety of arrows, many currency symbols, and more |
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The Crystalfontz 632 16x2 USB LCD Kit arrived in a standard cardboard box and was sealed with anti-static
bags and protective bubble wrap. On the outside of the package were Crystalfontz labels which identified the parts
and model number. The unit that was sent in for review is the 632 16x2 USB version with a black drive
bay overlay.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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Out of the box, the LCD mounting bracket is the size of a half-height 5 1/4" drive bay and is protected
by a thick and hard coated black lexan overlay. Additional components include a set of four mounting
screws and a USB interface and power cable. Consumers will be disappointed to know that the Crystalfontz 632
16x2 USB LCD Kit did not ship with any documentation and application software. A visit to the Crystalfontz
website reveals that there are several links available that provide both installation documentation
and software support which
should have been included in the package.
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