This repository is a collection of scripts and a listing of protocol information for the M18ST05A VFD display found in the 2006 Medion MD-8800.
The display has two rows of 16 characters for text, as well as some status segments below to indicate the media type, source, audio volume and more:
The QFP IC on back is labelled as being from Futaba, however it is not possible to find a datasheet, so it is likely to be an IC custom-made for Medion.
The exact markings can be read in the images.
- spacerace/m18st05: The first repository that shows up. While the included software didn't work for me, it was still very useful to be able to see the commands for clearing text.
- hit-karlrsuhe.de: A fairly complete listing of the control codes. This formed the basis of PROTOCOL.md.
- pipperr.de: Example code for Python 2.x. While I wasn't able to get this example code to run under Python 3, it was still useful to see the approach taken. Structs are also being used in my example code as a result.
- LCDproc's MD-8800 driver: This is the driver used in the lcdproc software, and was useful for filling in the gaps left by the other sources.
The connector (Molex 70107 series) has four pins, the first of one can be identified by a 1 and an arrow on the side opposite to the clip:
| Pin | Colour | Name | Connect to |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Red | Vcc | +5V |
| 2 | Green | TX | USB-to-serial RX |
| 3 | Black | Gnd | Ground |
| 4 | White | RX | USB-to-serial TX |
The display does not output anything, so its TX can safely be left disconnected. I'm not sure whether the data lines are 5v or 3v3, however my CP2102 board outputs 3v3 and the display seems to work fine.
The serial port is opened at 9600 baud with 1 stopbit (the default settings for pyserial).
Refer to PROTOCOL.md