The first task in building the LCD News Reader is to solder a 16-pin male header to the LCD. The header needs to be cut to a length to match the 16 LCD copper pad holes. Figure 14-2 shows the male header cut to the appropriate LCD length. Insert the 16-pin male header through the copper pad holes and solder them one by one to the LCD printed circuit board (PCB). Figure 14-3 shows the male header soldered onto the LCD PCB.
Place the LCD onto the solderless breadboard, as shown in Figure 14-4. Wire LCD pin number “1” to ground and “2” to +5VDC. Attach the center pin of the 10KΩ potentiometer to pin number “3” of the LCD. Wire the remaining 10KΩ potentiometers pins to +5VDC and ground as shown in the diagram. With the LCD wired to the solderless breadboard, apply power to it using the Arduino. Adjust the 10KΩ potentiometer until the LCD’s top row displays pixel squares, as shown in Figure 14-4. Complete the rest of the tester wiring using the Fritzing diagram shown in Figure 14-5.
Figure 14-2. The 16-pin male header cut to match the length of the LCD copper pad holes
TECH NOTE
A header is an electrical connector.
Figure 14-3. Male header soldered onto the LCD PCB
TECH NOTE
A special board with electronic components soldered to copper pads and traces is called a printed circuit board (PCB).
Figure 14-4. Testing the LCD wiring on a full-size clear breadboard
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