LCD Support

[benpye]

Looking at the aprinter code, there appears to be no way to output data to an LCD for local monitoring? This would be a useful feature to have, though given the range of LCDs avaliable, not too sure how it would best be done.

[ambrop72]

Hey,
Yes, there is no support for displays now, and I'm currently working on other things.
If you would like to add support, it should be in form of a new Module (see aprinter/printer/modules). You would also need to integrate the module into the configuration/build-system by adding stuff to config_system/generator/generate.py and config_system/gui/aprinter_config_editor.py. The module would need to get the status information for display from the appropriate classes, particularly PrinterMain (general and axis-related information) and AuxControlModule (heaters and fans). Some changes will be needed in these classes to expose this information, and also to be able to access the AuxControlModule itself.

I can provide furhter assistance if you're willing to work on this.

[ambrop72]

By the way, I would personally start with supporting the common character-based displays (HD44780 stuff), rather than anything more complex. So that it would work on pretty much all platforms.

[benpye]

That sounds like a good plan. I will try and look at it sometime as it sounds like a fun project.