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LCD16x2Arduinocode

The final thing I would mention is to check the pin numbering on the PCB.  The LCD module I bought only had the numbers 1 and 16 on the far sides of each of the pads.  This made it a little confusing when trying to figure out which wire to hook where.

So why do we need an LCD that is compatible with the Hitachi HD44780 driver?  It’s because the LiquidCrystal Library that we will be using to control the LCD from the Arduino uses the driver as its standard.  The functions in the library won’t necessarily work on other types of LCD screens.

The one I use in this video tutorial series has a set of 16 pads at the top of the LCD and 16 pads at the bottom.  What this provides for is more flexibility in where you can connect your wires to control the LCD.

Coding lcd arduinoprojects

The LCD you buy will have 16 pads where you will hook up wires or headers to connect to your Arduino, but many manufactures have made modules that also have a second set of 16 pins that are simply duplicates of the first.

Coding lcd arduinoprogramming

Notice some verbiage as we talk about LCDs, you will keep seeing the two words “LCD Module”.  This is because, when you buy LCD screens – you are more than likely going to buy it as a “plug-and-play” module.

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Programming Electronics Academy members, check out the Liquid Crystal Display Course to practice building GUIs with LCDs.

Displays with more than 80 total characters require more than one enable pin (because more than one controller chip is needed), so will not be pin compatible with the type shown here (even though 40 x 4 is listed in the text). If you look up “40×4 lcd arduino”, you should find a number of resources.

Luckily for us the Arduino website has a great pin layout for us to follow – but I wanted to make one that was step by step – so follow the pictures below and you should be golden.

LCDconnection withArduino

LCD ArduinoI2C

The LCD screen itself is a subcomponent of the module, which includes other components and circuitry that make interfacing with the LCD screen far more accessible.

LCD16x2ArduinoI2C

LCDs can also come in different colors – so you don’t have to go for the standard martian green.  Plus, they can have backlights to help make the characters to stand out better in different light settings.

Let’s cut to the chase – the MOST important thing you need to ensure when you are buying your LCD is that is compatible with Hitachi HD44780 driver.  Let me say that bigger:

That just about sums everything I can think of when it comes to deciding on your LCD module – so lets go ahead and hook one up!

Does these potentiometer would do? Thank you for your time. https://www.ebay.ca/itm/10pcs-3362P-Potentiometer-103-10K-3362-Potentiometer-Adjustable-Resistance/282769787008?hash=item41d6648880:g:3qAAAOSwH3haISeC

For example, if you plan on mounting your LCD panel in some type of enclosure, maybe the bottom pins would be more accessible.  You can also use some pads on the top and some on the bottom – since they connect to the same thing on the LCD module the top and bottom pins are interchangeable.

Coding lcd arduinosoftware

You may also consider soldering on pin headers to the module.  These make connecting your LCD to a breadboard for prototyping about a million times easier. You may not be able to find a 16 pin header, but they are made to be clipped to your desired length.

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[…] wasn’t here yet and I wanted to get this part done as well I used the part that I had. I used this tutorial to set it up, and needed a lot of wires, a potentiometer, and the screen itself.  (To make it […]

But don’t worry.  This driver is so common it is pretty much the standard.  If you can’t find any documentation to support whether or not the LCD you want to buy will work, then check the pin out.  Does it have 16 pins?  If the answer is yes, you should feel pretty comfortable that it is compatible.

LCD Arduinocode I2C

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[…] How to set up an LCD with Arduino 2. LiquidCrystal Library Functions Tour Part 1 3. LiquidCrystal Library Functions Tour Part […]