Arduino LCD 16x2 Display Guide

This guide explains how to display "Welcome to Fab Academy" on a 16x2 LCD using an Arduino and the Adafruit_LiquidCrystal library.

1. Required Components

• Arduino Board (Uno, Mega, etc.)
• 16x2 LCD Display
• I2C Module (PCF8574T)
• Connecting Wires
• External Power Source (if needed)

2. Wiring Instructions

LCD Pin	Arduino Pin
VCC	5V
GND	GND
SDA	A4 (Uno) / 20 (Mega)
SCL	A5 (Uno) / 21 (Mega)

3. Arduino Code

#include <Adafruit_LiquidCrystal.h>

int seconds = 0; 
Adafruit_LiquidCrystal lcd_1(0);

void setup() {
    lcd_1.begin(16, 2);
    lcd_1.print("Welcome to Fab");
    lcd_1.setCursor(0, 1);
    lcd_1.print("Academy");
    delay(2000);
    lcd_1.clear();
}

void loop() {
    lcd_1.setCursor(0, 0);
    lcd_1.print("Time (sec): ");
    lcd_1.setCursor(11, 0);
    lcd_1.print(seconds);
    
    lcd_1.setBacklight(1);
    delay(500);
    lcd_1.setBacklight(0);
    delay(500);
    
    seconds++;
}
    

4. Explanation

• lcd_1.begin(16,2); – Initializes the LCD with 16 columns & 2 rows.
• lcd_1.print("Welcome to Fab"); – Displays text on the first row.
• lcd_1.setCursor(0, 1); lcd_1.print("Academy"); – Moves to the second row and prints "Academy".
• delay(2000); lcd_1.clear(); – Keeps the message for 2 seconds and then clears the screen.
• lcd_1.setBacklight(1); – Turns ON the backlight.
• lcd_1.setBacklight(0); – Turns OFF the backlight (blinking effect).
• seconds++; – Increments the time counter.