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SparkFun 16x2 SerLCD - RGB Backlight (Qwiic)

by Sparkfun

The SparkFun SerLCD is an AVR-based, serial enabled LCD that provides a simple and cost effective solution for adding a 16x2 Black on RGB Liquid Crystal Display into your project.

SparkFun have seriously overhauled the PCB design on the back of the screen by including an ATmega328P that handles all of the screen control, meaning a backpack is no longer needed! This display can now communicate in three different ways: serial, I2C, and SPI. This version comes equipped with a Qwiic connector, bringing serial LCDs into the Qwiic ecosystem. This simplifies the number of wires needed and allows your project to display all kinds of text and numbers.

The on-board ATmega328P AVR microcontroller utilizes 11.0592 MHz crystal for greater communication accuracy with adjustable baud rates of 1200 through 1000000 but is default set at 9600. The firmware for this SerLCD is fully opensource and allows for any customizations you may need.

Note: Since the SerLCD is a 3.3V device, please make sure you convert to 3.3V logic depending on your chosen microcontroller or single board computer. Otherwise, you may risk damaging your board.

The SparkFun Qwiic Connect System is an ecosystem of I2C sensors, actuators, shields and cables that make prototyping faster and less prone to error. All Qwiic-enabled boards use a common 1mm pitch, 4-pin JST connector. This reduces the amount of required PCB space, and polarized connections mean you can’t hook it up wrong.

Get started with the SparkFun SerLCD Guide

Features

  • 16x2, Black on RGB Display
  • The AVR ATMega328p (with Arduino-compatible bootloader) is populated on the back of each LCD screen and handles all of the LCD control
  • Three communication options: Serial, I2C and SPI
  • Qwiic connection
  • Adjustable I2C address controlled via software special commands (0x72 default)
  • Emergency reset to factory settings (Jumper RX to GND on bootup)
  • Operational backspace character
  • Incoming buffer stores up to 80 characters
  • Pulse width modulation of backlight allows direct control of backlight brightness and current consumption
  • Pulse width modulation of contrast allows for software defined contrast amount.
  • User definable splash screen
  • Open-sourced firmware and Arduino-compatible bootloader enables updates via the Arduino IDE
  • Input voltage: 3.3V-9V (3.3V only via Qwiic connector and "+" pin)
  • I/O logic levels: 3.3V
  • Current consumption @ 3.3V
    • minimum with no characters
      • 4.4mA (LEDs off)
    • maximum with all character spaces filled
      • 11.9mA (red)
      • 8.9mA (green)
      • 8.1mA (blue)
      • 19.6mA (white)
  • Dimensions (LxWxH): 80.29mm x 35.90mm x 14.09mm
  • Weight: 0.0766 oz.

Documents

12 customer reviews

2 years ago
The one-liner installer works well on a clean install of Retropie. The amp is just enough to drive a T1-2121SD
by Pablo about Picade X HAT USB-C via REVIEWS.io
3 years ago
Upgraded my original Kickstarter Picade and needed this for Pi 4 compatibility. Works the charm- only wish is that audio was stereo. Other than that, it works well and was an easy upgrade! Recommended
by Chris about Picade X HAT USB-C via REVIEWS.io
4 years ago
Works perfect, very easy to setup, connecting all buttons, joystick and all has been as easy as it gets. Plus the on/off switch is a real treat compared to the old plug / unplug you're used to with the Raspberry Pi. Would recommend 100% !
by Anonyme about Picade X HAT USB-C via REVIEWS.io
5 years ago
This is a brilliant controller board for our arcade project, and makes it really easy to connect everything. We haven't tested it yet but it is a great board.
by Rodney about Picade X HAT USB-C via REVIEWS.io
5 years ago
Worked great, and even with covid shipping was really quick, Would purchase again.
by David about Picade X HAT USB-C via REVIEWS.io
5 years ago
Great service. My item was delivered next day after the order was placed. I would recommend them to order from/
by MARK about Picade X HAT USB-C via REVIEWS.io
6 years ago
An excellent bit of kit! I paired it with RetroPie and my 1980s Competition Pro joystick to create my own little piece of 8-bit gaming heaven...
by Paul about Picade X HAT USB-C via REVIEWS.io
6 years ago
This is a great little board! I wanted to power a Pi and Pi Display in a SmartPi case with USB-C for a bit more power and this was available at an opportune time. The +/- are placed with just enough space to solder a right angle connector and feed wires through the case to the display. Still waiting to get hold of a PSU but this is working well off a bench supply. Software was easy to install, and the IO will come in handy for any controls I want to add to my project.
by Richard about Picade X HAT USB-C via REVIEWS.io
6 years ago
Fast delivering nu air mail . Solide and proffessinal material . Runs perfect .
by Rob about Picade X HAT USB-C via REVIEWS.io
6 years ago
All in one solution for audio and single joystick. Could you make a 2 joystick and trackball model
by Anonymous about Picade X HAT USB-C via REVIEWS.io
6 years ago
Bought this for an arcade project along with a Pi 3 A+. Easy way to provide on/off switch functionality, an audio amp with speaker output and any extra buttons needed.
by James about Picade X HAT USB-C via REVIEWS.io

User photos