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[on:]

This graphic LCD (https://www.sparkfun.com/products/10168) seems pretty inexpensive so I am about to order one.

But I'm wondering: Can this LCD be interfaced via the standard hardware SPI pins of Arduino (10,11,12,13) ? I ask so that I can conserve other pins for other connections.

The tutorial provided by Sparkfun (http://www.sparkfun.com/tutorials/300) infers that the controller on board is indeed SPI-based, but then in the pinout diagrams further down, they suggest connecting to pins 3-7, so I am a little confused!

[Reply #1 on:]

Yes. There is no MISO but you get 11 & 13.

Pin 10 is usually bagged by Ethernet, so I use D7.

Here are my pin assignments

1 RST         D6
2 CE         D7
3 DC         D5
4 DIN          D11   MOSI   11
5 CLK         D13      CLK   13
6 VCC         3v3
7 LED to GND      GND
8 GND         GND

These things do vary, and I found the LED was above ground only by some bizarre comedy of errors.  When I got it working, I stuck with the wiring. I rather regret that now, as a better-planned order might have led to some more elegant wiring on a proto board.

Better information may be found here

http://ianlangelectronic.webeden.co.uk/#/lcd-module-0/4569058582

You would be well-advised to check the background lighting before you buy. I have two 5110s. The one with a white light is excellent but the one with blue is useless and I am fortunate in that it will be used where I can get by with no light.

[Reply #2 on:]

@Nick_Pyner: Fantastic -- Thanks for the trial-based advice, and the tips. Just ordered it. This LCD seems particularly appealing for how little current it draws (in non-backlit mode).