Published August 25, 2024 © GPL3+

Simplified LCD Breakout Board for Arduino

Simplify your LCD-Arduino connections with a custom board that streamlines wiring and offers easy contrast and backlight control.

IntermediateFull instructions provided3 hours250

Simplified LCD Breakout Board for Arduino

Things used in this project

Hardware components

Arduino UNO

Male-Header 36 Position 1 Row- Long (0.1")

Female Header 20 Position 2 Row (0.1")

Single Turn Potentiometer- 100k ohms

Software apps and online services

Arduino IDE

Hand tools and fabrication machines

Soldering iron (generic)

Story

Introduction

Connecting an LCD to an Arduino can sometimes be a bit tedious due to the number of wires and components required, such as potentiometers and resistors.

To streamline this process, I've created a custom LCD Breakout Board that simplifies these connections.

This board includes :

1. Two potentiometers to:

a. Control the backlight brightness

b. Adjust the contrast (text brightness)

2. Pins for common positive and negative terminals

3. Separate Data pins

Making it easier to hook up your LCD to an Arduino using just a few jumper cables.

(NOTE - You don’t need any libraries to use this breakout board.)

In this tutorial, I will walk you through how to make and then use this breakout board to quickly set up an LCD with your Arduino.

Steps

Step 1: Prototype Before You Solder

Before you finalize your design by soldering the components onto the perf board, you can first try prototyping the circuit on a breadboard.

You can use this circuit diagram for reference:

Connections

This allows you to test the connections, make adjustments, and ensure everything functions as expected.

During this stage, you can experiment with different configurations, such as adjusting potentiometer values, modifying the layout, or adding/removing functionality to better suit your specific needs.

Step 2: Solder the components on the perf board

Once you're satisfied with the setup, you can then proceed to solder everything onto your perf-board while keeping the connections clean and simple.

1 / 3 • Final board looks (with the LCD)

Optional: Mark Pins for Easy Identification

To make the wiring process easier and avoid confusion, you can use a permanent marker to label the pins on the breakout board. Simply mark the pin names (e.g. VCC, GND, RS, EN, D4, D5, etc.) directly on the board or near the pin headers. This step is optional, but it can save time and reduce errors during setup, especially if you plan to disconnect and reconnect components frequently.

Optional: Add Spacer Screws for LCD Support

To provide additional support and stability for the LCD, you can add spacer screws of appropriate size to the board. This will help prevent the LCD from shifting or flexing during use. When adding the screws, ensure that you carefully drill the holes in the board without damaging any existing connections. Be mindful of the placement to avoid interfering with the circuit's functionality. This step is optional but can improve the durability and reliability of your setup.

Optional: Design a Custom PCB

For a more refined and durable circuit, you can design a custom PCB. This allows for a cleaner layout and consistent connections. Use PCB design software like Eagle or KiCAD to create your design, and then have it manufactured and assembled.

Testing:

Step 1: Verify Connections on the Breakout Board

Ensure your custom LCD interface board is ready, with all components properly soldered and connected. Check for any possible shorts between pins.

Step 2: Connect the LCD to the Custom Interface Board

Attach the 16x2 LCD display to the breakout board.

(Optional: Tighten the spacer screws to provide support to the LCD)

Step 3: Connect the breakout Board to the Arduino

Using jumper wires, connect the following pins from the breakout board to the Arduino:

VCC from the board to the 5V pin on the Arduino.

GND from the board to the GND pin on the Arduino.

RS to Arduino pin 12

EN to Arduino pin 11.

D4 to Arduino pin 5.

D5 to Arduino pin 4.

D6 to Arduino pin 3.

D7 to Arduino pin 2.

Step 4: Upload the Code

Upload the given code to your Arduino using the Arduino IDE.

Step 5: Power Up and Adjust Contrast

Power up your Arduino by connecting it to your computer or a power supply. Use the potentiometers on the breakout board to adjust the contrast of the LCD until the text is clearly visible.

Step 6: Test Your Setup

The LCD begins with a start-up message (“LCD Custom Board”) followed by a loading animation (“Loading...”). It then runs a scrolling test where a solid block character moves across both lines of the display, visually checking all character positions (pixels). After the test completes, the screen shows the message “Test Completed”. If everything is working correctly, you've successfully used your custom LCD breakout board to simplify the LCD-Arduino connection!

Final LCD Output:

Watch the video to see the custom LCD interface board in action.

Troubleshooting:

No Display: Check all connections and ensure the LCD is properly seated on the breakout board.

Dim/No Text: Adjust the potentiometer to change the contrast.

Conclusion:

By using this custom LCD breakout board, you can save time and reduce the complexity of connecting an LCD to your Arduino. This project is perfect for those who frequently use LCDs in their Arduino projects and want a more streamlined setup process.

Feel free to modify and expand upon this design to suit your specific needs!

Code

LCD Breakout Board

/*
 * Project Name: Simplified LCD Breakout Board for Arduino
 * 
 * License: GPL3+
 * This project is licensed under the GNU General Public License v3.0 or later.
 * You are free to use, modify, and distribute this software under the terms
 * of the GPL, as long as you preserve the original license and credit the original
 * author. For more details, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-3.0.en.html>.
 * 
 *
 * Copyright (C) 2024  Ameya Angadi
 *
 *
 * Code Created By: Ameya Angadi
 * Last Modified On: August 25, 2024
 * Version: 1.0
 *
 */



#include <LiquidCrystal.h>

// Pin configuration for the LCD Breakout Board
const int RS = 12, E = 11, D4 = 5, D5 = 4, D6 = 3, D7 = 2;

// Initialize the LiquidCrystal object with the defined pin numbers
LiquidCrystal LCD(RS, E, D4, D5, D6, D7);

// Variable to indicate if the test has been completed
int test = 0;

void setup() {
  // Initialize The LCD with 16 columns and 2 rows
  LCD.begin(16, 2);

  // Display the initial loading screen before starting the test
  LCD.print("LCD Custom Board");
  delay(750);
  LCD.setCursor(0, 1);
  LCD.print("Loading");
  for (int a = 0; a < 3; a++) {
    delay(750);
    LCD.print(".");
  }
  delay(500);
  LCD.clear();  // Clear the LCD after the loading screen
}

void loop() {
  // Loop to create a scrolling effect that turns on all character positions (pixels) on the LCD.
  for (int i = 0; i <= 31; i++) {

    // Exit the loop if the test has already been completed
    if (test == 1) {
      break;
    }

    // Set the cursor and print a solid block character to check all the character positions (pixels) on the LCD.
    LCD.setCursor(i, 0);
    delay(200);
    LCD.print((char)255);  // Print a solid block character.

    // Start printing on the second line if the cursor moves past the 16th position
    if (i > 15) {
      LCD.setCursor(i - 16, 1);
      LCD.print((char)255);

      // If the end of the second line is reached, indicate that the test is completed
      if (i == 31) {
        delay(2000);
        LCD.clear();
        delay(200);
        LCD.setCursor(0, 0);
        LCD.print("Test Completed");
      }
    }
  }

  test = 1;  // Set 'test' to 1 to indicate the test is completed
  delay(3000);

  // Clear the LCD to display the credits
  LCD.clear();
  LCD.setCursor(0, 0);
  LCD.print("Designed by-");
  LCD.setCursor(0, 1);
  LCD.print("Ameya Angadi");
}

Simplified LCD Breakout Board for Arduino

Things used in this project

Hardware components

Software apps and online services

Hand tools and fabrication machines

Story

Introduction

Steps

Schematics

Connections

Arduino Connections

Code

LCD Breakout Board

Credits

Ameya Angadi

Comments

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Simplified LCD Breakout Board for Arduino

Simplified LCD Breakout Board for Arduino

Things used in this project

Hardware components

Software apps and online services

Hand tools and fabrication machines

Story

Introduction

Steps

Schematics

Connections

Arduino Connections

Code

LCD Breakout Board

Credits

Ameya Angadi

Comments

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