 char *BlankRow = NULL;
 
 // default LCD contrast & brightness
-const UINT DefaultLcdContrast = 70;
+const UINT DefaultLcdContrast = 0;
 const UINT DefaultLcdBrightness = 150;
 
 //-----

      }

      // adjust display contrast so we can see the results
      LcdContrast = index * 3;
      analogWrite(mc_Contrast, LcdContrast);

      // show brightness value in row 1

  int old_contrast = LcdContrast;
  
  // convert contrast value to a display value in [0, 15]
  int index = LcdContrast / 8;

  if (index > 15)   // ensure in range
    index = 15;
