4 Line I2C LCD Control Panel Getting Started Guide
This guide will teach you how to connect and use the RobotGeek 4 Line I2C LCD Control Panel.
This guide will refer to the RobotGeek Geekduino, the Arduino Compatible microcontroller recommended for use with RobotGeek products. However this kit will also work with the Arduino Uno, or other Arduino variants.
Kobe 10 MentalitySetting up the Arduino Software
Geekduino Getting Started Guide
If you have not already set up your Geekduino/ Arduino compatible board, please see the Geekduino Getting Started Guide. This guide will assist you in getting set up with the Arduino software as well as install libraries and test sketches for RobotGeek Robots and this LCD display.
Control Panel Assembly
4 Line I2C LCD Control Panel Assembly Guide
Assemble your LCD Control panel by following the guide, then come back here to wire and program your device.
Wiring the LCD
The RobotGeek I2C LCD is electronically compatible with any microcontroller with a 5v I2C connection. Here is an example of wiring the LCD
The following diagrams show the LCD separate from the I2C module for clarity. However each RobotGeek I2C LCD comes with the LCD and module pre-soldered.
Sensor Shield
This LCD was designed for use with the RobotGeek Sensor Shield. The LCD will connect directly to the Sensor Shield's I2C port using a 4 Pin Sensor Cable.
| Sensor Shield Pin | LCD Pin |
|---|---|
| SCL | SCL |
| SDA | SDA |
| 5V | VCC |
| G | GND |
| Device | Sensor Shield Pin |
|---|---|
Up Button 9mm Pushbutton
|
AIO-0 (as DIO-14, on Signal and Ground) |
Down Button 9mm Pushbutton
|
AIO-1 (as DIO-15, on Signal and Ground) |
Play Button 9mm Pushbutton
|
AIO-2 (as DIO-16, on Signal and Ground) |
Stop Button 9mm Pushbutton
|
AIO-3 (as DIO-17, on Signal and Ground) |
Testing the LCD and Buttons
When you installed the RobotGeek Tools and Libraries, you installed the library and examples for the LCD. You can find the HelloWorld sketch in the 'Examples' menu.
File -> Examples -> LiquidCrystal-I2C -> LCD4LineSelect
Now load the sketch onto your Geekduino. If everything is hooked up correctly the LCD will display a list of colors. You can scroll through the list with the up and down buttons.
Library Documentation and Other Examples
The library and examples for the I2C LCD is based off the original Arduino LiquidCrystal library, which is included in the RobotGeek Libraries and Tools.
RobotGeek I2C LCD Library Documentation page
The RobotGeek I2C LCD Library Documentation Page lists and explains the various functions available from the RobotGeek I2C LCD Library all functions beyond setup work the same between the LiquidCrystal library and RobotGeek I2C LCD Library.
The library is available as part of the RobotGeek Libraries and Tools download, which you should have setup in the Geekduino Getting Started Guide.
More information about each example can be found in the header/comments of each sketch.