Can't get LCD from starter kit to display, could use some assistance.

Other Hardware Displays
1

Hey,

I have tried all the troubleshooting I could find online, and I still don't know what the issue is. I'm totally at a loss and thought I'd try asking here.

Here is my wiring setup -- as far as I know, this should be correct, so I'm confused why it isn't working.

720×1280 1.26 MB

The potentiometer is wired, and correctly adjusts the contrast on the screen.

1280×720 808 KB

My code is extremely simple, consisting of only this:

#include <LiquidCrystal.h>
LiquidCrystal lcd(12,11,5,4,3,2);
void setup() {
  lcd.begin(16,2);
  lcd.print("test");
  
}

void loop() {
 
}

Nothing show up on the screen. Before you ask, yes, I've adjusted the contrast, and all it does is remove the black boxes. I am at my wit's end, and can't figure out why this isn't working. If someone could help me, I would really appreciate it.

2

Your wiring "looks" ok. Only you can identify the wires and pin numbers accurately.

A paper checklist is a good idea.
Takes you 5 minutes to draw up the list.
And 5 minutes to test each wire. And tick off the list.

Note that breadboards can be loose. And wires sometimes break (inside the insulation)

David.

3

It's hard to tell because of the angle but it appears that you may be using Arduino pin 13 which isn't listed in the constructor.

Don

4

The R/W pin (pin 5) on the LCD should go to ground.

5

groundFungus:
The R/W pin (pin 5) on the LCD should go to ground.

That connection looks OK to me, although I would have used a black wire.

Don