MAKE | Using the MakerShield

By Michael Castor
Category: Arduino
Time Required: 15 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate

LCD Screens look complicated but using an Arduino it’s not too bad at all. This tutorial will teach you how to hook up an LCD display to an Arduino using a MakerShield. All the components you need for this build are included in the Ultimate Microcontroller Pack.

Steps

Step #1:

First, gather your parts. You'll need 12 jumper wires, your LCD screen, male headers, an assembled MakerShield with mini breadboard, and an Arduino.
The LCD Screen needs some header pins soldered to it. Break out your soldering iron and snap off a row of 16 headers.
Next, we'll solder the headers into place.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You've built your very own LCD Shield! That wasn't too bad, was it?

6 Responses to Using the MakerShield – LCD Display

Michael Castor on July 5th, 2012 at 5:52 pm said:

Technically it is a 5v backlight but it works fine with 3v. (Plus, I was out of 5V pins )

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Michael Castor on January 2nd, 2013 at 6:13 pm said:

Hi Jim,

Yes, all the LCDs are backlit. Unless there’s an issue with the wiring (polarity reversed) the backlight should light up. If not, it probably needs replaced. Contact me at askamaker@makershed.com and I’ll get you a new one. (but I think you already have.)

Thanks!

-Michael

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DaveGun on January 20th, 2013 at 11:39 pm said:

I had the same problem, the backlight didn’t light using the 3v, but everything else worked. I connected just the backlight (pin 15 & 16) to 5V & ground and the backlight works. I’m using the LCD from the Ultimate Pack. It looks like this LCD needs 5V for the backlight.

Dave

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Joe on February 8th, 2013 at 3:02 am said:

Just like DaveGun, my backlight only works at 5V. 3V isn’t enough for mine either. My LCD was from the Ultimate pack as well.

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Michael Castor on February 19th, 2013 at 5:42 am said:

Hmm, it sounds like there may have been a part change since 5V seems to do the trick. I’ll grab a display from the latest batch of kits to verify.

Regarding the black box issue, double check that the jumper in front of the potentiometer is set to 5V and give the potentiometer a twist. You should be able to lighten it up to make it readable.

Let me know if this didn’t do the trick!

-Michael

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Bob Moody on April 8th, 2013 at 5:16 pm said:

I just finished my MakerShield. I already had the LCD project done on another breadboard and transferred it over. Works like a charm. I can also confirm that the 3.3V for the backlight does not work. It took 5V, which is a little difficult considering there isnt another header 5V.

I did add one feature. I took the backlight ground over to BTN1. Now the light is normally off and you can press the button to turn it on.

-Bob

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