The LCD UI Module

The LCD UI module is an 8x2 backlit LCD with a mini-joystick, an extra 'big red button', and a bicolor LED for additional feedback. It's an easy way to add interactivity to your project. The LCD is HD44780 compatible and wired for a 4-bit interface.

This module was featured in the September's Nuts And Volts Spin Zone column - you can download a pdf of the column from Parallax (pdf), or download code samples (zip).

The LCD UI Module is compatible with other Gadget Gangster Platform Modules and it has standard spacing, so you can add it to any protoboard or a breadboard.

You can download the schematic & PCB design or buy the kit on Gadget Gangster.

Build time is about 45 minutes. Warm up your soldering iron and go to the next step!

Step 1 Parts List

While your soldering iron is warming up, check to make sure you have the following parts:

Parts list

• 1x 40 Pin header strip. Using your dikes, trim this into 2x16 pin sections and 2x4 pin sections.
• 1x 2x8 Pin Socket.
• 1x 2x8 Pin header. The kit comes with box headers, but bare pin headers work just fine.
• 1x 2n3904 NPN transistor.
• 1x Switch Cap. Any color is fine, but red looks cooler.
• 1x 12mm tactile switch.
• 1x 4-direction + depress mini joystick. This one is a bit uncommon, but you can pick it up from mouser.
• 1x 8x2 Char LCD display with backlight (HD44780 compatible, which is the de facto standard for LCD character displays).
• 1x Red - Green Bicolor LED. The kit comes with a 2 lead LED, but the board also support 3 lead LED's.
• 1x Gadget Gangster LCD UI PCB. You can buy the bare PCB here.
• 1x 10k ohm thumbwheel potentiometer. This controls the contrast of the LCD
• 1x 8pin bussed 10k ohm resistor network.
• 1x 47 ohm resistor (Yellow - Violet - Black)
• 8x 220 ohm resistors (Red - Red - Brown)
• 4x 2.2k ohm resistors (Red - Red - Red)
• 1x 470 ohm resistor (Yellow - Violet - Brown)