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Introduction
Printing data to a serial terminal is a great way to see data from a microcontroller. But, what if you want to make your project mobile and see sensor values away from your computer? Liquid crystal displays (LCDs) are a great way to output a string of words or sensor data to a display for visual feedback. In this tutorial, we'll learn about LCDs and how to print a string of words to a basic character LCD and create custom characters.
In stock
LCD-00709
This is a basic 16 character by 2 line display with a snazzy black background with white characters. Utilizes the extremely c…
13
Required Materials
To follow along with this tutorial, you will need the following materials. You may not need everything though depending on what you have. Add it to your cart, read through the guide, and adjust the cart as necessary.
In stock
DEV-13975
The SparkFun RedBoard combines the simplicity of the UNO's Optiboot bootloader, the stability of the FTDI, and the shield com…
49
In stock
PRT-12002
This is your tried and true white solderless breadboard. It has 2 power buses, 10 columns, and 30 rows - a total of 400 tie i…
48
In stock
PRT-00116
A row of headers - break to fit. 40 pins that can be cut to any size. Used with custom PCBs or general custom headers.
20
Only 11 left!
PRT-11026
If you need to knock up a quick prototype there's nothing like having a pile of jumper wires to speed things up, and let's fa…
20
In stock
LCD-00709
This is a basic 16 character by 2 line display with a snazzy black background with white characters. Utilizes the extremely c…
13
In stock
CAB-11301
This is a USB 2.0 type A to Mini-B 5-pin cable. You know, the mini-B connector that usually comes with USB Hubs, Cameras, MP3…
3
While not necessary, we'll be using a breadboard holder to hold the circuit together.
In stock
DEV-11235
We've been prototyping for a long time on these awesome little plastic plates but it's time for an upgrade. This version stil…
13
In stock
TOL-09146
This is just your basic reversible screwdriver - pocket sized! Both flat and phillips heads available. Comes with pin clip an…
3
Looking for More LCDs? There are a variety of other basic character LCDs with different colors. Here are a few other
monochrome character LCDs available in the catalog. Just make sure to check the datasheet since the pinout for the backlight is
slightly different for the RGB LCD.
In stock
LCD-00255
This is a basic 16 character by 2 line display. Black text on Green background. Utilizes the extremely common HD44780 paralle…
15
24 available
LCD-10862
This is similar to other 16x2 character LCDs that you've seen before but with one vibrant difference: The backlight is actual…
3
Depending on your LCD's specifications, the input voltage may be 3.3V or 5V. For the LCDs listed below, the input voltage for the LCD must be 3.3V. The logic levels will be the same as the input voltage.
⚡
Warning! When connecting to 3.3V basic character LCDs, make sure to connect the input to 3.3V.
Only 12 left!
LCD-09053
This is a 16 character by 2 line display that runs at 3.3V. Utilizes the common ST7066/HD44780 parallel interface ([datasheet…
5
Retired
LCD-09051
This is a 16 character by 2 line display that runs at 3.3V. Utilizes the common ST7066/HD44780 parallel interface ([datasheet…
Retired
Retired
LCD-09052
This is a 16 character by 2 line display that runs at 3.3V. Utilizes the common ST7066/HD44780 parallel interface ([datasheet…
3
Retired
If you are using a 3.3V LCD and a 5V Arduino (or
a 5V LCD and a 3.3V Arduino), you will need a logic level converter between the two boards. You'd have to use two logic level converters (like the four channel bidirectional logic level converter) to convert 6x pins at a minimum if you were using a 3.3V basic character display.
In stock
BOB-12009
The SparkFun bi-directional logic level converter is a small device that safely steps down 5V signals to 3.3V AND steps up 3.…
120
In stock
BOB-11771
This is a breakout board for the Texas Instruments TXB0104 module. The TXB0104 is a 4-bit bidirectional voltage-level transla…
8
Retired
BOB-11955
This is a breakout board for the PCA9306 dual bidirectional voltage-level translator. Because different parts sometimes use d…
3
Retired
Tools
You will need a soldering iron, solder, and general soldering accessories.
In stock
TOL-14456
This adjustable-temperature soldering iron is a great tool for when you don't want to break the bank but need a reliable iron…
16
In stock
TOL-09163
This is your basic tube of unleaded (Pb-free) solder with a no clean, water soluble resin core. 0.031" gauge and 15 grams
4
Suggested Reading
If you aren’t familiar with the following concepts, we recommend checking out these tutorials before continuing.
Binary
Binary is the numeral system of electronics and programming...so it must be important to learn. But, what is binary? How does it translate to other numeral systems like decimal?
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 IDE
A step-by-step guide to installing and testing the Arduino software on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Logic Levels
Learn the difference between 3.3V and 5V devices and logic levels.
MikeGrusin
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