Summary of Quickly: KS0108B Graphic LCD 128×64 + Arduino
This quick post explains how to connect a SparkFun KS0108 128x64 graphic LCD to a non-Mega Arduino, noting these pixel-addressable displays need many wires and sometimes negative dimmer voltage (but this module includes required circuitry). It points to the Arduino GLCD KS0108 library for driving the display and warns Arduino Megas wire differently.
Parts used in the KS0108B Graphic LCD 128×64 + Arduino:
- SparkFun KS0108 128x64 Graphic LCD module
- Arduino (non-Mega) board
- Connecting jumper wires
- Potentiometer for contrast/dimmer (on module)
- Arduino GLCD KS0108 library (software)
This is an incredibly quick post, and it is actually here simply because this thing was a pain to figure out how to hook it up. But, I wasn’t able to do anything with it more than the Arduino library was able to do out of the box.
So, if you have this screen sold from SparkFun, and you wanted to hook it up to your Arduino, here is how you do that.
Hooking it up
LCD screens of this type are more difficult to work with than ones specifically designed for text. With these you have individual pixel control, so you can draw completely custom graphics with it. But it also means you have to keep track of a lot of pixels, hence all the extra wires. Making matters worse, many of these screens actually require a negative voltage on the dimmer pot to get an image from it. But luckily this particular one includes all the circuitry needed.
Note: this is hookup for the non-mega Arduino. The Arduino Megas actually connect differently to this screen. Just make sure to connect all the wires to the Arduino as seen on the right. You can click on the image to get a closer look.
To drive this graphic display you need a library, and for that, Arduino has you covered: http://www.arduino.cc/playground/Code/GLCDks0108
I know this is a lame excuse for an article. But like I said, it is just here incase you need to know how to hook it up.
For more detail: Quickly: KS0108B Graphic LCD 128×64 + Arduino
- How do I connect this SparkFun KS0108 screen to my Arduino?
Connect all the wires to the Arduino as shown in the referenced image, using the non-Mega wiring arrangement. - Does this display require a negative voltage for the dimmer pot?
Many similar screens do, but this particular module includes the necessary circuitry so negative voltage is not required externally. - Can I use an Arduino Mega with the same wiring?
No, the Arduino Megas connect differently to this screen. - What library do I need to drive this graphic display?
Use the Arduino GLCD KS0108 library linked from the Arduino playground. - Why are these graphic LCDs more difficult than text LCDs?
Because you have individual pixel control, which requires managing many pixels and more wires than text-only displays. - Will the out-of-the-box Arduino library handle this display?
The author could not do more than the Arduino library provides out of the box, and recommends that library for driving the display.
