So as you can tell in the subject, I am trying to hook up a 16 X 2 character LCD on an Arduino Uno. I'm using a breadboard and it has my LCD on it( I've used soldered pins). The Problem is that no matter how I try to mix up the connections, I can only ground one of the LCD pins or the LCD will automatically shut off. Therefore in tutorials like : Wiring a Character LCD | Character LCDs | Adafruit Learning System, I can't get past putting the second GNDed pin in( in this case I can't go past putting LCD pin 1 into GRD because it immediately shuts off)
For example: Putting the LCD pin 16 into Arduino GND is ok, but if I try to also put LCD pin 1 into Arduino GND, then the LCD will shut off immediately and the led and power light on my actual arduino board will dim.
For example: Putting the LCD pin 5 into Arduino GND to make the LCD go in Write Mode is ok, but if I try to also put LCD pin 1 into Arduino GND, then the LCD will shut off immediately and the led and power light on my actual arduino board will dim.
I have tried other combinations but as you can see, making two LCD pins go to GND just isn't working out, this means I can't make the LCD go in Write mode and Have logic, or have a backlight and have it in write mode, or have logic and have a backlight. Could someone please assist me? :~
Never ever wire up any circuit with the power on.
It is the best way to destroy components.
Always wire up the whole of the circuit and then apply the power.
Tried that as well:) and resetting it a lot. But I needed to mess with it while it was on to best determine the problem, which I did. I can't connect more than 1 LCD pin to GND and I don't know why or how to fix it.
@Grumpy Mike
I don't know if your really trying to help or if your a troll but this problem went on before I messed with wires while arduino was on( no I didn't blow/break/hurt anything). Also, wiring is wrong? That's a great help(sarcasm). If you have more specific answers then please post them. So far your responses have been vague and obvious answers. I don't want to be mean, but if you don't have anything more specific man, don't post anymore...
So my question is: Why can I only hook up one LCD pin to GND? Rewiring might work? I've done that and was following the supposedly "best" tutorial: Wiring a Character LCD | Character LCDs | Adafruit Learning System. Something doesn't work? They definitely "work" seeing as my Arduino will make LEDs blink fine and do other sketches fine. My breadboard definitely works fine as well. So does my LCD since everything about it works except for the fact that I can only connect 1 of it's pins to GND at a time. I can get it to turn on but if I try to connect the logic ofc that means setting another pin to GND which turns off the LCD for me.
I'd say you probably have a short circuit.
Review your soldering joints to make sure no 2 pins are joined by a solder bridge.
Also, if you have a multimeter, test for shorts by checking each pair of pins (ie 1+2, 2+3, 3+4, etc.).
Also, wiring is wrong? That's a great help(sarcasm).
Well I could say you miss wired pin 7 but as you provided absolutely no information as to how you wired it other than saying I followed this tutorial what do you expect?
You are faced with several possibilities:-
Your components are faulty
The tutorial is wrong
You wired it up wrong
I can't think of anything else apart from a breakdown in the laws of physics in your presence.
My money is on 3. However unless you provide some evidence of what you did how can anyone tell?
As a matter of interest what sort of answer were you expecting?
So my question is: Why can I only hook up one LCD pin to GND?
No!!!!!!, if you continue on that train of thought forget electronics and take up knitting.
Thanks! Yes, it probably is the soldering. There is a long "bridge" where pins 1-5 are and that is most likely my real issue that's not allowing me to connect up the logic of the LCD. Therefore, does anyone know methods on perhaps how to undo the soldering if it's possible? That would be the greatest help.
