Wiring Up the Circuit
The hardware and tools required for this project are an Arduino Uno, a graphic LCD (we will be using R 144 by 32 graphic display), a breadboard, jumper wires, a 30 Ohm resistor, a USB type A to type B cable, the Arduino IDE, Microsoft Paint, and the LCD assistant software. To begin, we will wire up the circuit. First, find the data sheet for the graphic LCD in the data sheet. You will find a table with the pin descriptions of the display. In our example, we will be looking at the parallel interface table, which is the default interface for this display.
Example Code
Next, we will look at the example code on our website. Using the data sheet and example code as a reference, you should now be able to wire the circuit. This is what our finished circuit looks like.
Creating the Custom Graphic
Next, we will copy the example code into the Arduino IDE. If you don’t have the Arduino IDE installed, you will need to go to the website and download and install the latest version of the Arduino IDE. Once installed, open a new sketch and then copy and paste the example code into the sketch. Now it’s time to create the custom graphic. Open a new file in Microsoft Paint. Go to file, properties, select black and white under colors, then set the width and height equal to the resolution of your display.
Drawing the Image
Now you can start drawing the image. Remember that the image will be displayed in black and white, so it is important to keep this in mind when creating the image. Once you are happy with the image, save it as a .bmp file.
Converting the Image
The next step is to convert the image into a format that the Arduino can understand. To do this, we will use the LCD assistant software. Open the software and load the image you just saved. You will then be able to adjust the brightness and contrast of the image. Once you are happy with the image, click the convert button. This will generate a .h file which contains the data for the image.
Uploading the Image
The last step is to upload the image to the Arduino. To do this, copy the .h file into the same folder as your sketch. Then, in the sketch, include the .h file at the top. Finally, upload the sketch to the Arduino. Once the sketch is uploaded, the image should be displayed on the LCD.
And that’s it! You have now successfully created a custom image on a graphic LCD using an Arduino Uno. The same principles can be applied to any microcontroller with a graphic LCD display.
Creating a Graphic
The first step in creating custom LCD graphics is to use the available tools to create a graphic that you wish to show on the display. Once the graphic is complete, save it as a monochrome bitmap (BMP) file.
Converting the Graphic
The next step is to convert the graphic into a data array that can be used in the Arduino program. To do this, go to the LCD Assistant website and click the “LCD Assistant.zip” download. Once the download is complete, open the file location and extract the zip folder. Then, in the extracted folder, run “LCD Assistant.exe”. When the program is open, go to “File” > “Load Image” and select the BMP file that you created. First, set the bit orientation to horizontal. Next, go to “File” > “Save Output” and save the output with a “.h” extension. Then, add the file to the Arduino libraries folder. You will also need to open the file in a text editor and delete “const” before “unsigned char”.
Including the Data Array
There are two ways to include the data array into the code. The first is to manually copy and paste the data array into the code. Open the file and copy the array definition into your Arduino code. The second option is to include the library file in the code. First, verify the file is within the Arduino libraries/Arduino folder. Then, type “#include ” to include the file. Now the data array is available for use within the program.
Adding the Data Array to the Display Function
The next step is to add the data array to the display function. At the bottom of the code, enter the name of the data array in the “disp()” function.
Uploading the Code
Now it’s time to upload the code to the Arduino Uno and see the graphic on the display. Plug the Arduino Uno into a USB port on your PC.
Installing the Arduino IDE
To begin creating custom LCD graphics, the first step is to install the Arduino IDE. This is a free, open-source software that is used to write code for the Arduino microcontroller. It can be downloaded from the official Arduino website. After the download is complete, the software should be installed and ready to use.
Creating the Sketch
Once the Arduino IDE is installed, the next step is to create the sketch. This is the code that will be uploaded to the Arduino board. The code should include the instructions for drawing the custom graphic. This can be done by using the LiquidCrystal library, which is included in the Arduino IDE. The library includes functions for drawing shapes and lines, as well as for writing text.
Uploading the Sketch
Once the sketch is written, it needs to be uploaded to the Arduino board. This can be done by connecting the board to the computer via USB. The board should be detected by the Arduino IDE, and the sketch can then be uploaded. The sketch will be compiled and then uploaded to the board.
Testing the Sketch
Once the sketch is uploaded, it should be tested to make sure it is working correctly. This can be done by connecting the Arduino board to a LCD display. The display should be connected to the board using the appropriate pins. Once the connections are made, the sketch can be tested.
Viewing the Custom Graphic
Once the sketch is uploaded and tested, the custom graphic should be visible on the LCD display. The display should first fill the screen, then clear, and finally display the custom graphic. This should be the result of the sketch that was uploaded to the board. If the graphic is not visible, then the sketch may need to be adjusted or re-uploaded.
Creating custom LCD graphics with Arduino is a relatively simple process. The first step is to install the Arduino IDE and create the sketch. Once the sketch is written, it should be uploaded to the board and tested. Finally, the custom graphic should be visible on the LCD display. With a few simple steps, anyone can create custom LCD graphics with Arduino.
