Overview
LCD displays, commonly seen in everyday devices like train stations and vending machines, offer an effective means of communication in Raspberry Pi projects. With a 16×2 grid capable of displaying text and characters, they are versatile additions to any setup. In this tutorial, we’ll explore how to connect an HD44780 LCD screen to a Raspberry Pi Pico using the I2C interface, along with installing a MicroPython library through Thonny. This library enables us to control the display, including writing text, managing the cursor, and adjusting the backlight, all facilitated by the simple I2C protocol for seamless integration with the Raspberry Pi Pico.
Required Parts
- Raspberry Pi Pico – 1
- An I2C HD44780 LCD screen -1
- 4 x Female to Male jumper wires -1
- Micro-USB Cable – 1
- PC to run Thonny IDE
- Wi-Fi connection
MicroPython Code/Program
If you’re unfamiliar with MicroPython, don’t worry! You can find the accompanying code for this project right here for easy reference.
Additionally, if you need a primer on MicroPython, check out our dedicated blog page for a comprehensive guide on getting started. We’ve got you covered with everything you need to kickstart your journey into MicroPython programming.
1. Connect the screen’s GND to any GND on the Pico
2. Connect VDD/VCC to the VBUS on the Pico (Note: This is a 5V pin).
3. Connect SDA to I2C0 SDA (GP0, Physical pin 1)
4. Connect SCK/SCL to I2C0 SCL (GP1, Physical pin 2)
5. Connect your Raspberry Pi Pico to your computer and open the Thonny application.
6. Open 1st link in the video and copy the text from the page.
7. Create a blank file in Thonny and paste the text into it. Save the file to the Raspberry Pi Pico as lcd_api.py.
8. Open the 2nd link from the video and copy the text from the page.
9. Create another blank file in Thonny and paste the text into it. Save the file to the Raspberry Pi Pico as pico_i2c_lcd.py.
Code snippet
With the libraries successfully installed, we can proceed to craft a test script to showcase the functionalities of the library.
Conclusion
In summary, this tutorial has shown you how to easily connect an LCD screen to your Raspberry Pi Pico and use its features effectively. By following the steps provided, you can smoothly set up the necessary components and libraries for your projects. With this knowledge and tools at hand, you’re now ready to explore and create exciting Raspberry Pi projects. Whether you’re new to this or have some experience, the simplicity and versatility of these tools offer endless opportunities for creativity and fun. So, dive in, have fun experimenting, and let your imagination soar with your Raspberry Pi Pico and LCD display.