User manual

first looking at the associated data sheet to avoid damage to
the LCD .
LCD-modules with lighting always require a little care. Some
manufacturers do not apply the LED backlighting contacts to pins
15 and 16, but to pins 1 and 2. Again, check the manufacturer's
data sheet before connecting the LCD.
Info
The LCD of the learning package has the LED-connections on pin
15 (+ = anode) and 16 (- = cathode).
If you have no data sheet at hand for the LCDs, e.g. if you have
purchased the LCD on an electronics flea market, you need to track
the tracks to find the backlighting connections. They are usually
a little thicker than the other tracks. When you are sure which
connections are responsible for lighting, you can use a mul-
timeter set to diode testing to determine polarity. The passage
duration must return a passage voltage between 2 and 4 V. Another
option would be to identify the LED-pins and polarity when making
the LED light up with a mains unit or a battery of approx. 5 V
and a relatively high ballast (approx. 1–4.7 kΩ). The high
ballast has a relatively small danger of destruction of the LCD.
THE ARDUINO™
LIQUITCRYSTAL LI-
BRARY
As we have already learned in the function test, the Arduino™
LiquidCrystal Library has a number of functions specifically
determined for output on the LCD. Now you will learn more about
the LCD functions.
LiquidCrystal specifies with which Arduino™-pins the LCD is
connected. The LCD can be configured in 4- or 8-bit mode. To use
it in 8-bit mode, you need to indicate eight instead of four data