SENSORS/ACTUATORS

Arduino MKR WiFi 1010 - LCD

This guide explains how to use the Arduino MKR WiFi 1010 with an LCD I2C. We will learn:

How to display text on an LCD I2C screen using the Arduino MKR WiFi 1010 board.
How to display special symbols on an LCD I2C screen using the Arduino MKR WiFi 1010 board.

Hardware Preparation

1	×	Arduino MKR WiFi 1010
1	×	Micro USB Cable
1	×	LCD I2C
1	×	Breadboard
1	×	Jumper Wires
1	×	Optionally, DC Power Jack

Or you can buy the following kits:

1	×	DIYables Sensor Kit (30 sensors/displays)
1	×	DIYables Sensor Kit (18 sensors/displays)

Disclosure: Some of the links provided in this section are Amazon affiliate links. We may receive a commission for any purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you.
Additionally, some of these links are for products from our own brand, DIYables .

Overview of LCD I2C 16x2

LCD I2C Pinout

The LCD display that uses I2C has four pins.

VCC pin: This pin provides power to the LCD and should be connected to 5V.
GND pin: Connect this pin to ground (0V).
SCL pin: This pin is for the I2C clock signal.
SDA pin: This pin is for the I2C data signal.

LCD 16x2 Coordinates

LCD I2C 16x2 has two rows and sixteen columns, and the numbers start at 0.

Arduino MKR WiFi 1010 LCD I2C Coordinate

Wiring Diagram between LCD I2C and Arduino MKR WiFi 1010

When you use the USB port to give power to the Arduino MKR WiFi 1010 board.

The wiring diagram between Arduino MKR WiFi 1010 LCD I2C

This image is created using Fritzing. Click to enlarge image

When you power the Arduino MKR WiFi 1010 board using the Vin pin.

The wiring diagram between Arduino MKR WiFi 1010 LCD I2C 5V power source

This image is created using Fritzing. Click to enlarge image

※ NOTE THAT:

When you power the Arduino MKR WiFi 1010 through the USB port, you can try powering the LCD display using the VBUS pin. This means you don't need an extra power source. However, keep in mind that the VBUS pin may not provide enough power for the LCD display to work properly.

How To Program LCD I2C using Arduino MKR WiFi 1010

Add the LiquidCrystal_I2C library:

#include <LiquidCrystal_I2C.h>

Create a LiquidCrystal_I2C object:

LiquidCrystal_I2C lcd_i2c(0x27, 16, 2); // Initialize I2C LCD at address 0x27 with 16 columns and 2 rows

Set up the LCD.

lcd_i2c.init(); lcd_i2c.backlight();

Place the cursor at your chosen spot (column number, row number)

lcd_i2c.setCursor(column_index, row_index);

Show a message on the LCD screen.

lcd_i2c.print("HelloArduino MKR WiFi 1010!");

※ NOTE THAT:

The LCD I2C address may vary between manufacturers. In the code, we used the 0x27 address provided by the DIYables manufacturer.

Arduino MKR WiFi 1010 Code

#include <LiquidCrystal_I2C.h> LiquidCrystal_I2C lcd(0x27, 16, 2); // Create an LCD object with I2C address 0x27, supporting 16 columns and 2 rows void setup() { lcd_i2c.init(); // Start the LCD display connected via I2C lcd_i2c.backlight(); // Enable the LCD backlight } void loop() { lcd_i2c.clear(); // Erase all text from the display lcd_i2c.setCursor(0, 0); // Position the cursor at column 0, row 0 lcd_i2c.print("Hello"); // Output the text "Hello" at the current cursor location lcd_i2c.setCursor(2, 1); // Move the cursor to column 2, row 1 lcd_i2c.print("newbiely.com"); // Display "newbiely.com" starting at the current cursor position delay(2000); // Pause for 2000 milliseconds to allow the message to be seen lcd_i2c.clear(); // Remove all content from the display lcd_i2c.setCursor(3, 0); // Set the cursor to column 3, row 0 lcd_i2c.print("DIYables"); // Print "DIYables" beginning at the current position lcd_i2c.setCursor(0, 1); // Place the cursor at column 0, row 1 lcd_i2c.print("www.diyables.io"); // Show "www.diyables.io" starting at the new cursor position delay(2000); // Wait for 2000 milliseconds before refreshing the display }

Detailed Instructions

New to Arduino MKR WiFi 1010? Complete our Getting Started with Arduino MKR WiFi 1010 tutorial first to set up your development environment.

Connect the components to the Arduino MKR WiFi 1010 board as depicted in the diagram
Plug your Arduino MKR WiFi 1010 into your computer's USB port
Launch the Arduino IDE on your computer
Select the Arduino MKR WiFi 1010 board and its COM port
Open the Library Manager by clicking the Library Manager icon on the left side of Arduino IDE.
In the search box, type LiquidCrystal I2C and find the LiquidCrystal_I2C library by Frank de Brabander. Click the Install button to add the LiquidCrystal_I2C library.

Arduino MKR WiFi 1010 LiquidCrystal I2C library

Copy the code above and paste it into the Arduino IDE
Compile and upload the code to your Arduino MKR WiFi 1010 board by clicking the Upload button.
See the result on the LCD screen.
Try changing the text and its position.

Video Tutorial

Do More with LCD

Custom Character

If you want to show special characters or symbols (for example, emoticons), check out this guide on how to display special characters on an LCD.

Troubleshooting on LCD I2C

If your LCD screen is blank, please check this link: LCD does not work!- Checklist

Learn More

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