This graphic LCD (https://www.sparkfun.com/products/10168) seems pretty inexpensive so I am about to order one.
But I'm wondering: Can this LCD be interfaced via the standard hardware SPI pins of Arduino (10,11,12,13) ? I ask so that I can conserve other pins for other connections.
The tutorial provided by Sparkfun (http://www.sparkfun.com/tutorials/300) infers that the controller on board is indeed SPI-based, but then in the pinout diagrams further down, they suggest connecting to pins 3-7, so I am a little confused!
Yes. There is no MISO but you get 11 & 13.
Pin 10 is usually bagged by Ethernet, so I use D7.
Here are my pin assignments
1 RST D6
2 CE D7
3 DC D5
4 DIN D11 MOSI 11
5 CLK D13 CLK 13
6 VCC 3v3
7 LED to GND GND
8 GND GND
These things do vary, and I found the LED was above ground only by some bizarre comedy of errors. When I got it working, I stuck with the wiring. I rather regret that now, as a better-planned order might have led to some more elegant wiring on a proto board.
Better information may be found here
http://ianlangelectronic.webeden.co.uk/#/lcd-module-0/4569058582
You would be well-advised to check the background lighting before you buy. I have two 5110s. The one with a white light is excellent but the one with blue is useless and I am fortunate in that it will be used where I can get by with no light.
@Nick_Pyner: Fantastic -- Thanks for the trial-based advice, and the tips. Just ordered it. This LCD seems particularly appealing for how little current it draws (in non-backlit mode).