Understanding the 256k GD2 memory limit

[steved]

I am very new to using custom displays with a µcontroller. I am frequently running up against the 256k limit of the GD2 library and looking for some clarification on that limit. Is that limit set by the hardware? If I use a microSD card and the load command, can I load more than 256k on a screen draw? IE say I had 200k of assets loaded, but also wanted another 100k from jpgs on the microSD card that I wanted all of them displayed is that possible? If it is does that affect the update rate? Any good resources for reading are appreciated. Thanks

[jamesbowman]

The limits on display memory come from the hardware.

The GD2 used the FT800 which had 256 Kbytes.
The GD3 and 3X, use the FT81x series, which have 1 Mbyte.

I'm not sure which chip the Newhaven shield uses th BT813, so it has 1 Mbyte:

www.newhavendisplay.com/nhd50800480ftctxlctp-p-9573.html


I'm assuming you are hitting these limits in gd2asset? If so, you can switch to gd3asset which has the higher 1M limit for the 81x series.

[steved]

Thanks James. I will look at the GD3 asset tool tomorrow.