I2C LCD on softi2c

Using Arduino Displays
#1

Hi,

first post. Have looked around but found no solution yet.

I have a 16x2 LCD display which can be controlled via the library LiquidCrystal_I2C
(more info here: http://arduino-info.wikispaces.com/LCD-Blue-I2C )

This library uses the Wire library arduino.cc/en/Reference/Wire
but I need to move the SPI pins in order to free the analog lines for some sensors, so I was thinking of using the softI2C: http://playground.arduino.cc/Main/SoftwareI2CLibrary

Is there a LiquidCrystal_I2C which does not include Wire.h?
I have tried to modify the LiquidCrystal_I2C.cpp, but I am just a beginner and am stuck when I have to pass the display size with:

LiquidCrystal_I2C lcd(0x27, 2, 1, 0, 4, 5, 6, 7, 3, POSITIVE); // Set the LCD I2C address
lcd.begin(16,2)

where “begin” is defined in the code:

void LiquidCrystal_I2C::init(){
	init_priv();
}

void LiquidCrystal_I2C::init_priv()
{
	///Wire.begin();
	_displayfunction = LCD_4BITMODE | LCD_1LINE | LCD_5x8DOTS;
	begin(_cols, _rows);  
	i2c_init();
}

void LiquidCrystal_I2C::begin(uint8_t cols, uint8_t lines, uint8_t dotsize) {
	if (lines > 1) {
		_displayfunction |= LCD_2LINE;
	}
	_numlines = lines;

	// for some 1 line displays you can select a 10 pixel high font
	if ((dotsize != 0) && (lines == 1)) {
		_displayfunction |= LCD_5x10DOTS;
	}

	// SEE PAGE 45/46 FOR INITIALIZATION SPECIFICATION!
	// according to datasheet, we need at least 40ms after power rises above 2.7V
	// before sending commands. Arduino can turn on way befer 4.5V so we'll wait 50
	delayMicroseconds(50000); 
  
	// Now we pull both RS and R/W low to begin commands
	expanderWrite(_backlightval);	// reset expanderand turn backlight off (Bit 8 =1)
	delay(1000);

  	//put the LCD into 4 bit mode
	// this is according to the hitachi HD44780 datasheet
	// figure 24, pg 46
	
	// we start in 8bit mode, try to set 4 bit mode
	write4bits(0x03);
	delayMicroseconds(4500); // wait min 4.1ms
	
	// second try
	write4bits(0x03);
	delayMicroseconds(4500); // wait min 4.1ms
	
	// third go!
	write4bits(0x03); 
	delayMicroseconds(150);
	
	// finally, set to 4-bit interface
	write4bits(0x02); 


	// set # lines, font size, etc.
	command(LCD_FUNCTIONSET | _displayfunction);  
	
	// turn the display on with no cursor or blinking default
	_displaycontrol = LCD_DISPLAYON | LCD_CURSOROFF | LCD_BLINKOFF;
	display();
	
	// clear it off
	clear();
	
	// Initialize to default text direction (for roman languages)
	_displaymode = LCD_ENTRYLEFT | LCD_ENTRYSHIFTDECREMENT;
	
	// set the entry mode
	command(LCD_ENTRYMODESET | _displaymode);
	
	home();
  
}

Is there already a solution? Or maybe it’s too easy to require an own solution?
In the meantime I continue learning

Thanks,
Leonardo

#2

There are some other approaches. You may have already thought of this.

You can use a different back pack on your LCD and use the hardware serial pins or use soft serial on some other pins.

http://www.inmojo.com/store/liudr-arduino-and-physics-gadgets/item/serial-lcd-back-pack---phi-panel/

#3

Use a Pro Mini with two extra analog pins.

#4