3.5 tft lcd shield for arduino uno mega ili9481 brands

Displays are one of the best ways to provide feedback to users of a particular device or project and often the bigger the display, the better. For today’s tutorial, we will look on how to use the relatively big, low cost, ILI9481 based, 3.5″ Color TFT display with Arduino.

This 3.5″ color TFT display as mentioned above, is based on the ILI9481 TFT display driver. The module offers a resolution of 480×320 pixels and comes with an SD card slot through which an SD card loaded with graphics and UI can be attached to the display. The module is also pre-soldered with pins for easy mount (like a shield) on either of the Arduino Mega and Uno, which is nice since there are not many big TFT displays that work with the Arduino Uno.

The module is compatible with either of the Arduino Uno or the Arduino Mega, so feel free to choose between them or test with both. As usual, these components can be bought via the links attached to them.

One of the good things about this module is the ease with which it can be connected to either of the Arduino Mega or Uno. For this tutorial, we will use the Arduino Uno, since the module comes as a shield with pins soldered to match the Uno’s pinout. All we need to do is snap it onto the top of the Arduino Uno as shown in the image below, thus no wiring required.

This ease of using the module mentioned above is, however, one of the few downsides of the display. If we do not use the attached SD card slot, we will be left with 6 digital and one analog pin as the module use the majority of the Arduino pins. When we use the SD card part of the display, we will be left with just 2 digital and one analog pin which at times limits the kind of project in which we can use this display. This is one of the reasons while the compatibility of this display with the Arduino Mega is such a good news, as the “Mega” offers more digital and analog pins to work with, so when you need extra pins, and size is not an issue, use the Mega.

To easily write code to use this display, we will use the GFX and TFT LCD libraries from “Adafruit” which can be downloaded here. With the library installed we can easily navigate through the examples that come with it and upload them to our setup to see the display in action. By studying these examples, one could easily learn how to use this display. However, I have compiled some of the most important functions for the display of text and graphics into an Arduino sketch for the sake of this tutorial. The complete sketch is attached in a zip file under the download section of this tutorial.

As usual, we will do a quick run through of the code and we start by including the libraries which we will use for the project, in this case, the Adafruit GFX and TFT LCD libraries.

With this done, the Void Setup() function is next. We start the function by issuing atft.reset() command to reset the LCD to default configurations. Next, we specify the type of the LCD we are using via the LCD.begin function and set the rotation of the TFT as desired. We proceed to fill the screen with different colors and display different kind of text using diverse color (via the tft.SetTextColor() function) and font size (via the tft.setTextSize() function).

The Adafruit library helps reduce the amount of work one needs to do while developing the code for this display, leaving the quality of the user interface to the limitations of the creativity and imagination of the person writing the code.

That’s it for this tutorial guys, thanks for reading. If you made some cool projects based on this or you just want to ask questions about this tutorial, feel free to reach out via the comment section below.

Only US$14.99, buy best 3.5 inch tft color display screen module 320 x 480 support uno mega2560 geekcreit for arduino - products that work with official arduino boards sale online store at wholesale price.

It appears to me that there is no backlight control, either through software or hardware. Neither is there a comprehensive schematic for either the screen part or for the circuit board. The controller chip, the ILI9481 does, however, appear to be well documented.

Before I start experimenting and unsoldering pins etc to see what happens, I"d be happy to hear from anyone who has any comments about this or the best way to proceed.

I also found this picture which appears to imply you may be able to make a neater job by making 2 cuts on the board without disturbing the 24 pin connector. Cut the 2 visible traces to connector pin 1 at the point above the "1" on the silk screen and to the left of the chevron "<" then make your connection to the pad of the connector. Before making the connection, check with a meter (or by confirming that the back light no longer works) that pin 1 is really then isolated from the ground plane.

I just reloaded/reran the "Bodmer_UTFT_Demo_480x320" sketch - I had to rotate the due/tft 180degrees but text is printing correctly so clearly I"m having one of those moments...

With the screen orientated correctly for the demo sketch above my bitmaps are loading upside down! (they were right way up on a ILI9486 display which is what has thrown me). I can rotate those and reload but i"ll then need to also either invert the calculation of Y axis values (GFX has 0,0 in the top left corner, normal convention is bottom left).

{"id":4846767439943,"title":"3.5\" inch TFT LCD Touch Screen Display Board 480x320 For Arduino UNO R3 Mega2560","handle":"3-5-inch-tft-lcd-touch-screen-display-board-480x320-for-arduino-uno-r3-mega2560","description":"\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e3.5 inch TFT LCD Module, Resolution 480x320, Controller ili9481 ili9468, ili9488 hx8357, or r61581.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDesigned with a TF(Micro SD) card socket on the back of board so that you can conveniently insert a card.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSupport touch screen function.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe test code is provided below.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThis kit requires certain professional knowledge and ability, make sure you know how to use it, please. We cannot provide any technical assistance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eController: ili9481 ili9468, ili9488 hx8357, or r61581\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eResolution: 480x320\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVoltage: 5V\/3.3V\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","published_at":"2020-09-23T14:45:22+08:00","created_at":"2020-09-23T14:45:21+08:00","vendor":"DIYMORE","type":"","tags":[],"price":1199,"price_min":1199,"price_max":1199,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":32576306151495,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"X30590","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"3.5\" inch TFT LCD Touch Screen Display Board 480x320 For Arduino UNO R3 Mega2560","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":1199,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0122\/7558\/0986\/products\/X30590_1.jpg?v=1600843523","\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0122\/7558\/0986\/products\/X30590_2.jpg?v=1600843524","\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0122\/7558\/0986\/products\/X30590_4.jpg?v=1600843524","\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0122\/7558\/0986\/products\/X30590_5.jpg?v=1600843524","\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0122\/7558\/0986\/products\/X30590_3.jpg?v=1600843524","\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0122\/7558\/0986\/products\/X30590_6.jpg?v=1600843524"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0122\/7558\/0986\/products\/X30590_1.jpg?v=1600843523","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":7475166085191,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":1000,"width":1000,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0122\/7558\/0986\/products\/X30590_1.jpg?v=1600843523"},"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":1000,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0122\/7558\/0986\/products\/X30590_1.jpg?v=1600843523","width":1000},{"alt":null,"id":7475166117959,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":1000,"width":1000,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0122\/7558\/0986\/products\/X30590_2.jpg?v=1600843524"},"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":1000,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0122\/7558\/0986\/products\/X30590_2.jpg?v=1600843524","width":1000},{"alt":null,"id":7475166150727,"position":3,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":1000,"width":1000,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0122\/7558\/0986\/products\/X30590_4.jpg?v=1600843524"},"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":1000,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0122\/7558\/0986\/products\/X30590_4.jpg?v=1600843524","width":1000},{"alt":null,"id":7475166183495,"position":4,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":1000,"width":1000,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0122\/7558\/0986\/products\/X30590_5.jpg?v=1600843524"},"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":1000,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0122\/7558\/0986\/products\/X30590_5.jpg?v=1600843524","width":1000},{"alt":null,"id":7475166216263,"position":5,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":1000,"width":1000,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0122\/7558\/0986\/products\/X30590_3.jpg?v=1600843524"},"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":1000,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0122\/7558\/0986\/products\/X30590_3.jpg?v=1600843524","width":1000},{"alt":null,"id":7475166249031,"position":6,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":1000,"width":1000,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0122\/7558\/0986\/products\/X30590_6.jpg?v=1600843524"},"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":1000,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0122\/7558\/0986\/products\/X30590_6.jpg?v=1600843524","width":1000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e3.5 inch TFT LCD Module, Resolution 480x320, Controller ili9481 ili9468, ili9488 hx8357, or r61581.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDesigned with a TF(Micro SD) card socket on the back of board so that you can conveniently insert a card.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSupport touch screen function.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe test code is provided below.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThis kit requires certain professional knowledge and ability, make sure you know how to use it, please. We cannot provide any technical assistance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eController: ili9481 ili9468, ili9488 hx8357, or r61581\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eResolution: 480x320\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVoltage: 5V\/3.3V\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e"}

This display can be mounted on an Arduino Mega or Due. It has a fairly high resolution of 320*480 pixels and is also quite large with 3.2 inch LCD size.

desertcart is the best online shopping platform where you can buy 3.5 TFT LCD WITH SD CARD FOR ARDUINO UNO MEGA ILI9481 NO TOUCHSCREEN from renowned brand(s). desertcart delivers the most unique and largest selection of products from across the world especially from the US, UK and India at best prices and the fastest delivery time.

desertcart ships the 3.5 TFT LCD WITH SD CARD FOR ARDUINO UNO MEGA ILI9481 NO TOUCHSCREEN to and more cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Get unlimited free shipping in 164+ countries with desertcart Plus membership. We can deliver the 3.5 TFT LCD WITH SD CARD FOR ARDUINO UNO MEGA ILI9481 NO TOUCHSCREEN speedily without the hassle of shipping, customs or duties.

desertcart buys 3.5 TFT LCD WITH SD CARD FOR ARDUINO UNO MEGA ILI9481 NO TOUCHSCREEN directly from the authorized agents and verifies the authenticity of all the products. We have a dedicated team who specialize in quality control and efficient delivery. We also provide a free 14 days return policy along with 24/7 customer support experience.

Yes, it is absolutely safe to buy 3.5 TFT LCD WITH SD CARD FOR ARDUINO UNO MEGA ILI9481 NO TOUCHSCREEN from desertcart, which is a 100% legitimate site operating in 164 countries. Since 2014, desertcart has been delivering a wide range of products to customers and fulfilling their desires. You will find several positive reviews by desertcart customers on portals like Trustpilot, etc. The website uses an HTTPS system to safeguard all customers and protect financial details and transactions done online. The company uses the latest upgraded technologies and software systems to ensure a fair and safe shopping experience for all customers. Your details are highly secure and guarded by the company using encryption and other latest softwares and technologies.

This display can be mounted on an Arduino Mega or Due. It has a fairly high resolution of 320*480 pixels and is also quite large with 3.2 inch LCD size.

This 3.5 inch TFT LCD is based on the ILI9481 LCD driver and gives a very sharp/nice picture quality and works amazing well with Arduino Uno and Arduino Mega Microcontrollers. Unfortunately this display is not a touchscreen display, however it makes it up with the included MicroSD Card Slot. No soldering, no wiring, no fuss just plug and play!

The 3.5inch TFT LCD Module is based on ILI9481 LCD driver that includes Micro SD slot. This module gives nice picture quality and works well with Arduino Uno and Arduino Mega controllers. This kind of module is not a touch screen display. No...

This 3.5 inch TFT LCD Module can be can be easy controlled by MCU such as 8051, PIC, AVR, ARDUINO, and ARM .It can be used in any embedded systems which require display high quality colorful image. Please see the sample pictures, they are taken directly from the LCD display. The Module include a 5V>3.3V regulator, touchpad IC, PWM circuit and SD card slot.

This 3.5 inch TFT LCD Module is not an ordinary 3.5 inch Module, this module has a high resolution of 480x320, Ordinary 3.2 inch has only 320x240 resolution. This module has an double resolution and extremely fine dot pitch (0.139mmx0.139mm). It also include a touchpad and 12bit onboard touchpad controller. This LCD module is suitable for user require high resolution, brilliant display quality.

The TFT LCD Module has embedded Flash IC, which contain fonts of 10 sizes and 236 icons. The LCD module support Henning Karlsen"s UTFT library, which can be downloaded here.

This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data.

I bought four MCU Friend 3.5″ TFT shields.  And, unfortunately, they have spiraled me into a deep, dark place trying to figure out how to use them.  The the documentation consists of a sticker on the antistatic bag, a picture of the shield with a list of 5 different possible LCD drivers, a pinout, and a block of code that supposedly represents the startup code.  The unfortunate part is that none of these have been exactly right – they all have errors.  This article is a description of the journey to figuring out how to use them.

It also has a picture which says the LCD has one of several different controllers (and after digging in I know for a fact that two of mine were made by Raydium and are not on the list)

And finally a table of pins.  Which is interesting as it lists 37 pins when the shield has no where near that number.  And it shows the shield as  16-bit interface which it isnt … and it shows some LEDs which aren’t there either.

I bought 4 different shields.  One came broken.  The other three are all different.  When you look at the boards there are two visibly different configurations

Next, I started down the path of trying to figure out what the controllers were by using register reads.  David Prentice (the guy who wrote/maintains the MCU Friend_kbv Arduino library) has an absolute ton of responses on the Arduino forum trying to help people figure out what their shield is.  He asks them to post the register report from his example program LCD_ID_readnew which is included as an example in the library.

When you look at these LCD controllers they all have some variant of “Read ID” which responds with 1-6 bytes.  The basic idea of this program is to look at what bytes are returned to try to identify the controller.  Here is an example of what I got when I ran the LCD_ID_readnew program on my shields:

The key thing to see in this output is the register 0x04 which says 54,80,66 which identifies this as a Raydium RM68140 LCD controller.  Here is a snapshot from the data sheet.

Unfortunately, the next thing to notice is that Register 0xBF has reg(0x00BF) FF FF 68 14 00 FF.  The unfortunate part is that this register is not documented in the data sheet beyond this one reference:

Presumably the “68 14” corresponds to a Raydium 68140, but who knows?  When I posted this on the Arduino forum, David Prentice responded (David does yeoman’s labor helping people and should be Thanked for all of his pro-bono work and putting up with a bunch of really bad questions)

After digging some more, I decided that it is super ugly out there, as you find that there are a significant number of LCD controllers that are clones, copies, pirated etc… and that they all present themselves differently.  And, in hindsight I think that this is the reason that my ILI9341 from the previous article doesnt quite work correctly.

Well, things still aren’t quite right, so for some strange reason, I keep going and try to use the startup code from the web.  In order to make it work I translate

Notice that my comments on the commands show that there are a bunch of them I dont know what they mean.  Moreover, the MIPI spec says that all of the commands after 0xAF are reserved for the manufacturer… so I am pretty sure that they don’t do anything, or maybe should’nt be used?.  The last thing that I decide to do is edit out the stuff that does not seem to make sense.  Here is the new sequence:

At this point I have spent a frightening amount of time figuring out how these screens work.  Although it has been a good learning experience, I have generally decided that using unknown displays from China with LCD drivers of questionable origin is not worth the pain of trying to sort out the interface.  Beyond that: