More trouble with my LCD

[system]

Hello again. I'm trying to use my LCD with SPI. I think I'm connected correctly based on the example online, though obviously something is not right. My code, which is just the example, is below and pictures of my hookup are attached. Thanks for any help.

// include the library code:
#include <LiquidCrystal.h>
#include <SPI.h>

// initialize the library with the number of the sspin 
//(or the latch pin of the 74HC595)
LiquidCrystal lcd(9);

void setup() {
  // set up the LCD's number of columns and rows: 
  lcd.begin(20, 4);
  // Print a message to the LCD.
  lcd.print("hello, world!");
}

void loop() {
  // set the cursor to column 0, line 1
  // (note: line 1 is the second row, since counting begins with 0):
  lcd.setCursor(0, 1);
  // print the number of seconds since reset:
  lcd.print(millis()/1000);
}

[MAS3]

Hi.

I didn't look at your code yet.
That effect occurs when the LCD is powered, but not initialised.

But do you know that lots of these larger breadboards have a separation in the center of the power rails ?
If you did not know that, you should check if that is the case with your breadboards.
Check to see the power rails near marking 32 are connected.
If you thought they were and they aren't, you might be powering your 74595 from another source than the Arduino (i don't know, you need to check that).
And now we're at the power lines, it looks like you are connecting output H to GND instead of GND (pin 7 instead of pin 8 ).
So double check your wiring.

[justone]

From your picture it looks like you do not have the R/W or the Enalble of the LCD hooked up.

Since you cannot read from the LCD just tie the R/W pin(5) to ground.

The Enable is used as a strobe to read the data lines. Somewhere in the documentation of the software you are using should show how all the pins are hooked up.

[floresta]

But do you know that lots of these larger breadboards have a separation in the center of the power rails ?
If you did not know that, you should check if that is the case with your breadboards.

The breadboards with a separation in the center of the power rails also have a separation in the red and blue lines next to those rails so at least that is not part of his problem.

Don