.. with a little rework of how different modules talk to each other and moving LCD initialization into the PCI reset logic, thus simplifying the design (so it blinks the cursor at boot now) but reducing functionality (if I screw the display up with some errant commands, I have to reboot to get the thing back).

Writing a test message worked perfectly. I only wish I could get the image off my phone to upload it here!

I will have to take some photos next week anyway so I can show the status of the case modifications, the board in action, etc.

I need a little extra software to control the LCD (i.e. submit command data) which will allow me to update fonts (i.e. draw images) and clear the display and all that fancy nonsense.

In the end I decided not to go into making the PCI design delay for slow peripherals; none of the projects (the V8 Model Motor and the Mechanical Arm) require it and it just makes the target control more confusing than it needs to be.

I already started plugging Charles' design into a stripped down version of the New Trinity Reference Design (i.e. just LEDs, Switches and Interrupts) and added counters for the rotary/line encoders. We will need some kind of buffer between the encoders and the MAXII since it's a 3.3V board and would fry with a 5V input from these little modules. I have to look at the spec sheet and see whether the one we found actually does what we think..