How to use 16×2 lcd display with arduino
- Arduino, Electronics, Tutorials
In this tutorial, we will explore advanced functionalities of a standard 16×2 character LCD with an Arduino Uno, including custom characters, contrast control, and backlight management.
1 Connect VSS to GND and VDD to 5V on Arduino.
2 Wire VO to middle pin of 10kΩ potentiometer; ends to 5V and GND for contrast adjustment.
3 Connect RS to pin 12, E to pin 11, D4–D7 to pins 5, 4, 3, 2 respectively.
4 Backlight anode (A) through 220Ω resistor to 5V; cathode (K) to GND.
This is the complete code to use the button with Arduino:
#include <LiquidCrystal.h>
// Connections: RS=12, E=11, D4=5, D5=4, D6=3, D7=2
LiquidCrystal lcd(12, 11, 5, 4, 3, 2);
void setup() {
lcd.begin(16, 2); // Initialize a 16×2 LCD
lcd.print("Welcome to"); // Print a welcome message
lcd.setCursor(0, 1); // Move cursor to column 0, line 1
lcd.print("Arduino LCD!");
}
void loop() {
// Nothing to do here for this basic example
}
Let’s review the code section by section:
LiquidCrystal lcd(12, 11, 5, 4, 3, 2);
Declares which Arduino pins are connected to RS, E, D4, D5, D6, and D7.
lcd.begin(16, 2);
Tells the library the display size (16 columns by 2 rows).
lcd.print("…");
Prints text starting at the current cursor position.
lcd.setCursor(column, row);
Moves the cursor to the specified column (0–15) and row (0 or 1).
Relay does not change state:
If display is blank, adjust contrast potentiometer.
Ensure correct wiring of RS, E, and Data pins.
