LCD display using less outputs

Forum 2005-2010 (read only) Hardware Troubleshooting
1

Hi all,

Today i received my LCD display and with this tutorial i hooked it up to my Arduino.
Everything works fine but there is a big disadvantage; the LCD screen needs 8 digital i/o pins. I need those pins to complete my robot and was wondering; is it possible to shrink the amount of outputs used. Can't i use the TX pin 1 for example? I'm using the same LCD screen as used in the tutorial (Specifactions).

Dimby

2

You might want to try the LCD117 Serial LCD Kit (Displays – Modern Device) at Modern Device Company.

Cheers,
Ivan

3

Actually, since its a HD44780 chip, you only need 6 total lines from the Arduino. You need 4 for data, 1 for enable, and 1 for RS. See HERE for information on the LCD4Bit library. I can guarantee it works for my Sparkfun HD44780 compatible chip, and works for many others. I have a thread around here somewhere that I posted pics in, I'll see if I can find it.