[Howto] LCD HD44780

HowTo
1

This quick guide for Rpi1 rev1 and rev2 modell, using OSMC Kodi.

“By GnF : Exactly the same steps for RPi 3 model b if anyone is interested.”

Exactly the same steps for RPi 3 model b if anyone is interested.
Exactly the same steps for RPi 3 model b if anyone is interested.
Fresh installed OSMC Kodi.
and make lcdproc folder in > /home/osmc/lcdproc/
and ftp’d the Andy’s hd44780.so … or
(I have another patched .so file for rev2) works both.

  1. In OMSC menu > Updating (Scan for updates now)

  2. sudo apt-get update
    sudo apt-get install lcdproc lcdproc-extra-drivers
    (select “Yes” perform auto config upgrade)

  3. sudo apt-get install dpkg-dev gcc

  4. sudo apt-get install build-essential

  5. Then Uninsall lcdproc:
    sudo apt-get remove lcdproc

  6. Reinstall lcdproc:
    sudo apt-get install lcdproc lcdproc-extra-drivers

Unpacking lcdproc-extra-drivers (0.5.7-2) …
Setting up lcdproc (0.5.7-2) …
Fixing lcdproc configuration…

it show “fixing lcdproc configuration” thats it !!

sudo nano /etc/LCDd.conf
edit config file proper:

My config for rev2 B modell:

## This file was written by cme command.
## You can run 'cme edit <application>' to modify this file.
## Run 'cme list' to get the list of applications available on your system
## You may also modify the content of this file with your favorite editor.

[server]
DriverPath=/home/osmc/lcdproc/
Driver=hd44780
Bind=127.0.0.1
Port=13666
User=nobody
WaitTime=5
ServerScreen=no

NextScreenKey=Right
PrevScreenKey=Left
ReportToSyslog=yes
ToggleRotateKey=Enter

[menu]
DownKey=Down
EnterKey=Enter
MenuKey=Escape
UpKey=Up

## Hitachi HD44780 driver ##
[hd44780]

# Select what type of connection. See documentation for  types.
ConnectionType=rpi
D7=22
D6=27
D5=17
D4=23
RS=25
EN=24

Port=0x378

Speed=0

Size=16x2

Enable/install LCDproc via OSMC
In the OSMC manin menu got to Settings >> Add-ons >> Get add-ons >> XBMC/Kodi add-on repository >> Services >> XBMC LCDproc >> Install

sudo /etc/init.d/LCDd restart

done…

My GPIO pinouts for rev2:

Raspberry-Pi-HD44780-LCD-Current-Circuit.png800×618 138 KB

2

sry for budging in on your conversation but its was too good not to be a howto :smile:

3

np.
if i know before you moving to “how to” section, then I write better guide lol
thanks

4

Excellent tutorial @szalay
Would it be possible to provide a accompanying wiring diagram for the breadboard so that I can do the same with my Pi. Thanks so much in advance.

5

@Oscillation_Station, thanks !

you could using (default) GPIO pinouts, because tons of ppl’s using it

Edit your lines so they look like the following:

For Rev 1 GPIO
D7=22
D6=21
D5=17
D4=23
RS=25
EN=24

For Rev 2 GPIO
D7=18 *
D6=23
D5=24
D4=25
RS=7
EN=8

I’m using “lircd” too, like this my D7=18 * is busy
For Rev 2 GPIO (changed)
D7=22
D6=27
D5=17
D4=23
RS=25
EN=24

Thats all…

6

What if we have a 5volt screen and not a 3.3 one?

Also while searching for connection diagram i have found at least 6 different. If possible for a photo diagram please.

Thank you in advance.

7

Thanks so much @szalay . Could you show us a photo of your set up as well. Just for reference.

Thanks again :smile:

8

I have updated above…

Also You guys… do you have a proper driver hd44780.so for rev2 ?

@GnF what do you mean about “5volt screen” ?
sorry i’ve poor English.

9

I’m not sure @szalay , there seem to be a lot of versions of hd44780.so around. I downloaded:

sourceforge.net/p/lcdproc/patches/_discuss/thread/4c659fe3/b8f3/attachment/hd44780.so

is that the correct driver? can you give us a link for the right one?

10

Your hd44780.so driver for Rpi-2 modell only
here the right Anydy’s hd44780.so for Rpi rev2 modell
http://andypi.co.uk/downloads/raspdrivers.tar.gz
Download & extract and replace hd44780.so

11

@szalay

I have 2 hd44780 lying around. One’s logic is 3.3volt and the other is 5volt. If you connect the 5volt to a microcontroler that work with 3.3v logic you must either use a shift register or cut the line that the lcd uses to talk back.

1 Like
12

I see, My hd44780 use 5v. i never had hd44780 what using 3.3v

13

I’ve followed the tutorial to the letter, but all I get is a row of blocks on the top row (and an illuminated backlight). What does this mean?

14

Btw I’m using a Raspberry Pi 2 Model B. Is that a problem?

15

i think it means that you have done the connection right but you are not posting anything on the lcd. you are not sending something to see on it. Just to clarify

16

@Oscillation_Station

This guide for Rpi rev2, not for Rpi2, lot of different Ppi1(rev2) and Rpi2 between.
e.g:
GPO pinouts
hd44780.so driver
ConnectionType=raspberry ( NOT=rpi)
etc,etc

17

Oh well, thanks anyway. That’s the end of that then :frowning:

18

Anyway thanks for all the help guys. If @szalay or anyone gets HD44780 working with Rpi2 I’ll be the first in line. I’ll be scouring the forums until then. Thanks again

19

@ Oscillation_Station

Nah… dont give up :slight_smile:

this picture little help for hd44780.so drivers series, check the file size!

Also you could ask @mcobit in forum, he has Rpi2 modell with hd44780 works.

cheers.

UI: your .so drivers download link, for Rpi2 modell cuz match my HD44780_Pi2 .so 82 728 Kbytes :wink:

20

Hi @szalay, I just wanted you to know that I got the LCD working in the end with some extra guidance from mcobit . Thanks for all your help Szalay and for putting me on the right track with everything. It is really appreciated :slight_smile: