The latest versions of these LCDs have a Qwiic connector. The previous versions did not. Some of the pictures in this tutorial are from the previous version of the hardware, however because the change is rather minor, they are still relevant. The pinouts along the edge are still the same order and position (except for the left-most cluster of 4 PTH pins).
Newer versions have qwiic connector! Silk will look like "ADM1602N1". Older versions do not have a qwiic connector. Silk will look like "ADM1602N_v2.6" Also note!Throughout the tutorial, the name "
SerLCD" will refer to the hardware.
OpenLCDwill refer to the firmware.
The AVR-based serial enabled LCD (a.k.a. SerLCD) is a simple and cost effective solution for adding Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs) into your project. The PCB design on the back of the screen includes an ATmega328P that handles all of the screen control. It can accept commands via serial, I2C and SPI. The latest versions also include a Qwiic connector for solder-less single-cable connection setup. This simplifies the number of wires needed and allows your project to display all kinds of text and numbers. We offer three varieties of the AVR-based Serial Enabled LCDs:
The firmware is fully opensource and available for download at the GitHub repo here:
This allows for any customizations you may need. Uploading firmware (custom or updates), is easily done from the Arduino IDE using a Serial Basic. See firmware update instructions in the troubleshooting section of this tutorial for more info.
Also note, the example code used below is all available in the repo (along with many more examples). Before beginning this tutorial, it's a good idea to clone the repository (or download the entire repo as a zip), to grab all of the examples. But if you prefer, you can always use the "COPY CODE" button on each of the examples below.
Note that these all have identical firmware and can accept the same commands. However, you must adjust your display characters and cursor position as necessary for each model. Also note, there is a jumper on the back of each screen, and this "tells" the firmware how to correctly set the lines and columns for each screen.
Required MaterialsIf you are using Qwiic, then you will only need a Redboard Qwiic, a Qwiic cable, and a Micro-B USB cable for programming.
For non-qwiic setups, you may need the following materials in this wishlist. Depending on what you have, you may not need everything on this list. Add it to your cart, read through the guide, and adjust the cart as necessary.
ToolsYou may need a soldering iron, solder, and general soldering accessories, and screw driver depending on your setup.
Solder Lead Free - 100-gram Spool TOL-09325This is your basic spool of lead free solder with a water soluble resin core. 0.031" gauge and 100 grams. This is a good spoo…
Pocket Screwdriver Set TOL-12891What should every hacker have available to them? That's right, a screwdriver (you have to get into those cases somehow). What…
Weller WLC100 Soldering Station TOL-14228The WLC100 from Weller is a versatile 5 watt to 40 watt soldering station that is perfect for hobbyists, DIYers and students.…
Retired Suggested ReadingIf you aren’t familiar with the following concepts, we recommend checking out these tutorials before continuing.
Serial CommunicationAsynchronous serial communication concepts: packets, signal levels, baud rates, UARTs and more!
What is an Arduino?What is this 'Arduino' thing anyway? This tutorials dives into what an Arduino is and along with Arduino projects and widgets.
Installing Arduino IDEA step-by-step guide to installing and testing the Arduino software on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Logic LevelsLearn the difference between 3.3V and 5V devices and logic levels.
I2CAn introduction to I2C, one of the main embedded communications protocols in use today.
ASCIIA brief history of how ASCII came to be, how it's useful to computers, and some helpful tables to convert numbers to characters.
Note: Click on any of the images in this tutorial for a closer look!
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