Raspberry Pi - LCD
This tutorial instructs you how to use Raspberry Pi with LCD display, and print text, special characters on it.
Hardware Preparation
| 1 | × | Raspberry Pi 4 Model B | |
| 1 | × | LCD I2C | |
| 1 | × | Jumper Wires | |
| 1 | × | (Optional) Screw Terminal Adapter for Raspberry Pi |
Or you can buy the following sensor 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. We appreciate your support.
Overview of LCD I2C 16x2
The LCD I2C module is a alternative to the standard LCD. It simplifies the wiring between Raspberry Pi and the LCD. The LCD I2C module also has a built-in potentiometer, which can be used to adjust the contrast of LCD.
The LCD I2C Pinout
The LCD I2C needs to be connected to the I2C interface of Raspberry Pi. It has 4 pins:
- GND pin: This needs to be connected to GND (0V).
- VCC pin: This is the power supply for the LCD, and it needs to be connected to VCC (5V).
- SDA pin: This is the I2C data signal.
- SCL pin: This is the I2C clock signal.
LCD Coordinate
The LCD I2C 16x2 has 16 columns and 2 rows, with the columns and rows being numbered starting from 0.
Wiring Diagram
This image is created using Fritzing. Click to enlarge image
| LCD I2C | Raspberry Pi |
|---|---|
| Vin | 5V |
| GND | GND |
| SDA | GPIO2 (pin 3) |
| SCL | GPIO3 (pin 5) |
Raspberry Pi Code
Detailed Instructions
- Make sure you have Raspbian or any other Raspberry Pi compatible operating system installed on your Pi.
- Make sure your Raspberry Pi is connected to the same local network as your PC.
- Make sure your Raspberry Pi is connected to the internet if you need to install some libraries.
- If this is the first time you use Raspberry Pi, See how to set up the Raspberry Pi
- Connect your PC to the Raspberry Pi via SSH using the built-in SSH client on Linux and macOS or PuTTY on Windows. See to how connect your PC to Raspberry Pi via SSH.
- Make sure you have the RPi.GPIO library installed. If not, install it using the following command:
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install python3-rpi.gpio
- Prior to utilizing the LCD I2C with a Raspberry Pi, we need to enable I2C interface on Raspberry Pi. See How to enable I2C interface on Raspberry Pi
- Install the LCD I2C library by running the following command:
pip install lcddriver
- Create a Python script file lcd.py and add the following code:
# This Raspberry Pi code was developed by newbiely.com
# This Raspberry Pi code is made available for public use without any restriction
# For comprehensive instructions and wiring diagrams, please visit:
# https://newbiely.com/tutorials/raspberry-pi/raspberry-pi-lcd
import lcddriver
from time import sleep
# I2C address 0x27, 16 column and 2 rows
LCD = lcddriver.lcd()
def display_message(line1, line2, duration):
LCD.lcd_clear()
LCD.lcd_display_string(line1, 1)
LCD.lcd_display_string(line2, 2)
sleep(duration)
try:
while True:
display_message("Newbiely", "newbiely.com", 2)
display_message("DIYables", "www.diyables.io", 2)
except KeyboardInterrupt:
pass
finally:
LCD.lcd_clear()
- Save the file and run the Python script by executing the following command in the terminal:
python3 lcd.py
- Check the LCD for the outcome.
The script runs in an infinite loop continuously until you press Ctrl + C in the terminal.