Emax

Hi, i've ordered quite some LCDs to experiment with, and so far i had no success!
There are some hardware guru's out there and i am interested in their opinion on these:

I have two LCD's:

1) http://uk.farnell.com/batron/bthq21605vss-fstf-led-white/lcd-module-alphanumeric-16x2/dp/9448918?Ntt=BATRON+BTHQ21605VSS-FSTF-LED+WHITE

I have to VFD's too:

http://uk.farnell.com/noritake-itron/cu16025-uw6j/vfd-module-2x16-5mm/dp/1495416?Ntt=NORITAKE+ITRON+CU16025-UW6J

First i tried the Batron in the Emulator II. 
Results: working second row, gibberish first row. What can explain this?
Both LCDs do the same

Second: VFD: worked for a while, then nothing.

I tested both LCDs and VFDs results were the same.
I dont think the VFD could be killed, but... what can explain this?

next up:

EMAX I and II:

LCDs work, VFDs are not.

In all scenarios the units ran fine when reverted to their original displays. The EII thing is the strangest.

Anyone knows a good way to test a VFD?

thanks,

adam