Can I operate a 3.5" TFT LCD Shield, LoRa Module, and GPS Module simultaneously on an Arduino Mega2560?

Hello :), I am currently working on a project with an Arduino Mega2560 and have installed a 3.5"-TFT-LCD-Shield (without touch and with an SD card). Now, I want to connect and LoRa module and a GPS module in addition to the shield.

My question:
Is it technically possible to operate all three components (TFT shield, LoRa, GPS) simultaneously on the Mega2560?

If yes, which modules are best suited, and how can I connect them without causing pin conflicts?

Thank you very much!

Mega has plenty of pins and multiple hardware serial ports. Difficult to immagine that you get in trouble with 3 devices. Obviously be aware that arduino is not a power supply and that Mega has 5V operating voltage. So any component that operates at 3.3V logic level needs level shifters with Mega.

Yes.

That would probably depend on the pins used by the 'LoRa Module' and the 'TFT LCD Shield'

Be aware the Mega is 5v logic level and a lot (most all) modern devices are 3.3V logic level.

I use a mixture of TFT displays, GPS modules and LoRa modules all the time, many times today even.

But last time I went into history and used a 5V logic level Arduino such as a Mega, was maybe 5 years back,more even.

There is no one "best". It depends on your requirements, and (often more importantly) what is actually available where you are and fits in your budget.

I can imagine getting into trouble. Shields in general are notorious for blocking ports and preventing the sharing of ports. But of course there are well-designed shields and there are badly designed shields.

@m3ga2560 it is your task to research possible components. If you post links to their detailed specs here (links that include, for example, the internal schematic of the shields/modules), the forum can advise which are compatible choices.

Are there any recommendations for modules that work well with the Arduino Mega2560, especially regarding the LoRa and GPS modules?

A lot has already been tried, but unfortunately, it hasn’t been possible to get everything working smoothly together.

The following pins, as shown in the attached image, are being used by the display shield.

Are there any additional tips on how to make it work?

Thank you for the help! :blush:

If you're planning on using the uSD card, don't forget that the SPI pins aren't on 10-13 on the Mega. It's software SPI or bending pins out and flywires.

Also, it's a rare display shield in that footprint that has level shifters on the uSD card anyhow. Some make a token effort using series resistors on SCK, SS and MOSI, but most just take the signal lines straight through to the card holder. 5V signals; 3.3V card. Oops.

Never used one shield. Sorry for that part.

Me neither!

But I have seen, on this forum, the problems they can cause if they are not well-designed.

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Hello everyone,

I'm working on a project with the following components:

  • Arduino Mega 2560
  • 3.5" TFT LCD Shield (ILI9486)
  • GPS Module BN220
  • LoRa Module RYLR896

Does this combination of components make sense in terms of compatibility and functionality?

Since the Arduino Mega operates at 5V logic levels, I want to know if I can use a single logic level converter for all TX/RX connections between the Arduino and the modules, or if I need a separate converter for each module.

I understand that the RX pins of the 3.3V modules need protection from the Arduino's 5V signals, but can one converter handle multiple connections, or is it safer to use one for each module?

Thank you in advance for your help!

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