3.2" ILI9341 34pins version with NodeMCU - Blank screen

[herreran24]

Hi guys,

• I'm trying to make the ILI9341 34pins version work with the ESP8266 with no luck.

I'm using the following condiguration in the user_setup.h file from the TFT_eSP library:

#define ILI9341_DRIVER

#define TFT_CS PIN_D8 // Chip select control pin D8
#define TFT_DC PIN_D3 // Data Command control pin
#define TFT_RST PIN_D4 // Reset pin (could connect to NodeMCU RST, see next line) Tried both approachs
#define TFT_RST -1 // Set TFT_RST to -1 if the display RESET is connected to NodeMCU RST or 3.3V

So:

Display SDO/MISO to NodeMCU pin D6
Display LED to NodeMCU pin 3.3V
Display SCK to NodeMCU pin D5
Display SDI/MOSI to NodeMCU pin D7
Display DC/RS (or AO) to NodeMCU pin D3
Display RESET to NodeMCU pin D4
Display CS to NodeMCU pin D8
Display GND to NodeMCU pin GND (0V)
Display VCC to NodeMCU pin 3.3V

Using the example TFT_Ellipse from TFT_eSPI library, but just blank screen.

Also tried the graphictest example from Adafruit_ILI9341 library using
#include "SPI.h"
#include "Adafruit_GFX.h"
#include "Adafruit_ILI9341.h"

#define TFT_DC 9
#define TFT_CS 10

Same result

• Also, and sorry mi ignorance, but what are all the other pins for? Shouldn't be WR and RD connected to somewhere?

Thanks!

[david_prentice]

Most TFT controllers can use different interface signals e.g. 4SPI, 3SPI, Parallel 8080-8, 8080-16, 8080-18, ...

The interface type is configured in hardware via the IM0, IM1, IM2 pins.

Most Ebay displays are already configured for 4SPI or 8080-8 or 8080-16.
You can not access any of the IM# pins.
Some displays might let you select between 8080-8 and 8080-16.

Only Adafruit and EastRising sell displays with accessible IM# pins.

Your display is Parallel 8080-16.
The ESP8266 does not have enough pins for 8080-8 and certainly not enough for 8080-16.

The ESP8266 will drive 4SPI just fine. Buy an SPI display. Use the TFT_eSPI library.

David.

[herreran24]

Hi David,

Great explanation, thank you for your time.

Also, I'd like to ask you a favor, where could I learn more about it, cause, for example I do not know what IMx pins are, so I'd like you to guide me on how to fish.

Thank you again!

Norberto

[herreran24]

I believe that this one will work on ESP8266:

2.2 or 2.4 or 2.8 inch SPI TFT LCD ILI9341 to Arduino Uno

[david_prentice]

It looks like a regular Red SPI ILI9341 display.
But since I can't see the pcb, I can't identify it accurately.

In the text, the author says that he used an Adafruit board (which tend to be blue)

If you want my opinion please post a link to the actual display that you have bought (or intend to buy)

David.

[herreran24]

the one I intend to buy is https://www.monarcaelectronica.com.ar/productos/pantalla-tactil-spi-tft-lcd-color-2-8-lector-sd-arduino-mona/?variant=98188511

It's in spanish, but you can see the PCB

[david_prentice]

Yes, that is a regular Red SPI with Touch Controller.. It should work fine with the ESP8266.

[herreran24]

Thank you David. I'll buy it.

About direction, can you suggest me something to read to learn more about it?

[david_prentice]

I suggest that you buy the Red SPI display.

Then run all of Bodmer's TFT_eSPI examples.
This will show you what can be done with the display e.g. graphics, images, Touch, SD card, ...

You can develop your own projects by picking up ideas from the library examples.

Regarding IM# pins. Read the ILI9341 datasheet.
Quite honestly, there is no need to know all the hardware details. You just need to know how to use TFT_eSPI library.

David.

[herreran24]

Again, thank you for your help and time!

[herreran24]

David, because of your help!!!

And by the way, do you think the other TFT (blue PCB) can be used with Mega and/or Raspberry Pi 1-B?

Again, thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[david_prentice]

The RPi does not have enough pins.
The Mega has enough pins. You just need twenty one level shifters.

A Due has enough pins.

[herreran24]

Again David, you are the ONE!

Thank you!