You may be right about using a Mega168 may be better and perhaps cheaper. At the time I was looking into this, there were almost no affordable I2C LCDs around, that changed… I would like to have a LCD+backpack for about $10-15. There are sources for cheap 2x16 LCDs, all I need is the backpack. I thought to have both serial and I2C because I can connect it to a FTDI and print from the computer, or have it plugged all the time in an Arduino board (using I2C), even when uploading code. Of course, we can use software serial, but it sometimes interferes with ohter libraries. Yes, ATmega168 or even a Mega8 should work fine, if they are available easier.
…a year ago, so I may rewrite the code for ATmega168 in Arduino (the one for Atmega8 is in assembly and USART only) but my biggest problem was choosing the command set.
Tell me if you are interested, we can talk about the commands and other details.
My lcd+backpack I used for my controller https://www.robotshop.com/letsmakerobots/node/27429 falls right into that price point. It uses an Arduino, has a FTDI port, I2C breakout, and digital pin 9 and 10 broken out for use with the newsoftserial library and of course has some power and gnd pins around. It also has a pot for adjusting the contrast. Not saying it is in the perfect state, but it could do what you say right now.
Here's a super simple, easy encoder board. Use it for motors, Line following, floor sensing. Uses the super common QRD1114. Ready for purchase as single board or completely populated now!
I tried to make that logo (from “about”-page, top menu, you can find all logo in vector) - but our logobot is just not cut for small print IMO. Someone shoudl have thought of that
However, though logo’s look good, I think the link to the page where the board is discussed / comes from will be of much greater use. And that goes well in small resolutions.
Yes, the logobot does not make for a good silkscreen but it might work. The bigger the better of course. This is a standard 50% threshold bitmap @ 200x200 pixel res. version of the bot (1" square):
this one is 1/2" square
The 1/2" looks real small in EAGLE, but hey, something is better than nothing!