SD Card Data Readable Anywhere

This project started as many of mine usually do, as a honey-do. We have compiled an extensive list of our book and movie collections on our computer at home, but my wife wanted to be able to scan the list from the video store (yes, we still go to the video store).

So I created a hand held device that allows us to scroll through text files stored on an SD card. I have my video collection and science fiction book collection organized by title and saved to this card. Not having to rely on my own fading memory about what we’ve already read or seen, now we can reference our entire collection while we are in the book or video store.

The solution I came up with was to use a 20×4 LCD display and an SD card to hold the text files and display each record in four lines on the LCD. I programmed an ATMega328 to read a text line from the SD card and display it on the LCD. It’s all wired to a small circuit board.
SD Card Data Readable Anywhere
I kept the text files small by dividing the contents by author for the books and by title for movies (authors starting with the letter A will be located in the text file Books-A.txt).

The device has five switches: power, reset, menu, up and down, LCD display and SD card reader. When the menu button is pressed, the main menu is displayed. This allows us to choose File-Selector, Delay Change, Credits, Read Book List, or Read Movie List.

The ATMega328 and other components are placed on a PCB (Mega is socketed), according to schematic below. The LCD is connected to the PCB via IDE cable. The SD card is soldered right to the PCB in a position that allows the opening to be access through the box. Finally, the SD board is connected to the ATMega via shorting wires.

I wrote the code for the Arduino but it does use the tinyFAT code that was written by someone else and then included in the Arduino library as of version 022.

Part List

Qty.
Part DescriptionMfr. Part No.
1
PCB (2×3 should be big enough)21-225
1
ATMega328ATMEGA328P-PU
4
Momentary SPST PB SwitchesGPB001-R
1
On/Off SPDT SwitchTPC11FGRA2
1
SD Card ReaderU10-00062
1
Standard Regulator 5VLM7805
1
9V Battery ClipA104-R
1
Green LEDLTL-307G
1
LCD Display (I used 20×4)NHD-0420DZ-FLYBW
2
10µF Electrolytic CapacitorsR10/50
2
22pF CapacitorsDC22
1
16MHz CrystalCY16
2
Low Forward Resistance DiodesHSMS-2860-BLKG
3
10K ResistorsCF1/4W103JRC
1
1K ResistorCF1/4W102JRC
2
220Ω ResistorsCF1/4W221JRC
1
Enclosure (dictated by size of LCD – I used 5×2.75×1.5)H2853-R
1
9V Battery Holder (metal ‘U’ clip fits best)GBH-1009-R
1
ALK 9V 522 9V Battery
1
SD Memory Card (2GB) 
1
Minimalist Arduino Circuit KitBB-ARDUINO
1
ZIF Socket28-52610
1
IDE Cable (cable dictated by LCD pin count)2102-218

Note: The ATMega328 was programmed via Jameco’s Minimalist Arduino Circuit Kit with one change. The socket in the kit was replaced with a ZIF so that ICs programmed on the breadboard can easily be removed and placed into a socket on a PCB.
SD Card Data Readable schematic
Project Notes:

 

 Almost any method may be used to connect the LCD to the PCB. I used an old IDE cable so that I could remove the lid entirely while I worked on soldering up the switches.

 

The forward resistance of the diodes will affect the ON state of A0 and A1. If the MENU button is not being registered correctly when pressed, you might have to change the value in the sketch of ButtonOnValue (lowering this value will mean you could use diodes that have a higher forward resistance value). Just be careful not to lower this too much because you don’t want ghosting.

 

For more detail: SD Card Data Readable Anywhere


About The Author

Ibrar Ayyub

I am an experienced technical writer holding a Master's degree in computer science from BZU Multan, Pakistan University. With a background spanning various industries, particularly in home automation and engineering, I have honed my skills in crafting clear and concise content. Proficient in leveraging infographics and diagrams, I strive to simplify complex concepts for readers. My strength lies in thorough research and presenting information in a structured and logical format.

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