Finally fixed it. I don't recall using the old bootloader earlier and I thought the hex loader might have disturbed it since I could no longer upload sketches.? Long story but all is well when I selected old bootloader.
Never did find the compiled hex files but going from source worked fine for my 20x4 display.
Fun project for sure. W4GHV?
-- Best 73 KD8CEC / Ph.D ian lee kd8cec@... (my blog)