How to Use Adafruit Quad AlphaNumeric Featherwing - Yellow: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The Adafruit Quad AlphaNumeric FeatherWing is a versatile and compact alphanumeric display module designed for use with the Adafruit Feather ecosystem. It features four 0.54-inch high seven-segment alphanumeric displays with a bright yellow LED color. This FeatherWing is ideal for displaying short messages, numerical data, or time, and can be used in a variety of applications such as clocks, counters, and readouts in DIY electronics projects.

• Digital clocks and timers
• Counter displays for events or devices
• Status or message display for prototypes
• User interfaces for small-scale projects

• Display Type: 4 x 0.54-inch seven-segment alphanumeric displays
• LED Color: Yellow
• Common Configuration: Anode
• Interface: I2C
• Operating Voltage: 3.3V to 5V
• Dimensions: 50mm x 23mm x 7mm (without headers)

1. Power Connections: Connect the VCC pin to the 3.3V or 5V output on your Feather board and the GND pin to a ground connection.
2. I2C Connections: Connect the SDA and SCL pins to the corresponding I2C pins on your Feather board.
3. Mounting: The FeatherWing can be directly attached to the headers on your Feather board.

• Ensure that the power supply voltage matches the requirements of the FeatherWing.
• Use pull-up resistors on the I2C lines if your Feather board does not have them built-in.
• When stacking multiple FeatherWings, ensure that the I2C addresses do not conflict.
• Avoid exposing the display to direct sunlight for extended periods to prevent damage.

#include <Wire.h>
#include <Adafruit_LEDBackpack.h>
#include <Adafruit_GFX.h>

Adafruit_AlphaNum4 alpha4 = Adafruit_AlphaNum4();

void setup() {
  alpha4.begin(0x70);  // Initialize the display with its I2C address
}

void loop() {
  alpha4.writeDigitAscii(0, 'A');  // Display 'A' on the first digit
  alpha4.writeDigitAscii(1, 'd');  // Display 'd' on the second digit
  alpha4.writeDigitAscii(2, 'a');  // Display 'a' on the third digit
  alpha4.writeDigitAscii(3, 'F');  // Display 'F' on the fourth digit
  alpha4.writeDisplay();           // Send data to the display
  delay(1000);                     // Wait for 1 second
}

• Display Not Lighting Up: Check the power connections and ensure the I2C lines are properly connected.
• Garbled Characters: Ensure that there are no conflicts with the I2C address and that the display is properly initialized in your code.
• Dim Display: Verify that the power supply is providing adequate voltage and current.

• Double-check wiring connections for any loose or incorrect connections.
• Use a multimeter to verify the voltage levels at the power and I2C pins.
• Ensure that the Adafruit_LEDBackpack and Adafruit_GFX libraries are correctly installed in your Arduino IDE.
• Restart your Feather board and re-upload the code if the display behaves unexpectedly.

Q: Can I use this FeatherWing with boards other than Adafruit Feather?

A: Yes, as long as the board supports I2C communication and operates within the voltage range of the FeatherWing.

Q: How do I change the I2C address of the display?

A: The I2C address can be changed by soldering the address jumpers on the back of the PCB. Refer to the Adafruit guide for the specific jumper settings.

Q: Can I use multiple FeatherWings in one project?

A: Yes, you can stack multiple FeatherWings, but ensure that each has a unique I2C address to avoid conflicts.