How to Use Adafruit 3.5in 480x320 TFT FeatherWing: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The Adafruit 3.5in 480x320 TFT FeatherWing is a vibrant, full-color display module that provides a high-resolution interface for Adafruit Feather boards. With its 3.5-inch screen and 480x320 pixel resolution, it is an excellent choice for projects requiring graphical output, such as handheld games, data monitors, or interactive control panels.

• Portable gaming systems
• Data visualization for sensors
• User interfaces for projects
• Image and video display

• Display Size: 3.5 inches diagonal
• Resolution: 480x320 pixels
• Interface: SPI
• Touch Screen: Resistive touch overlay
• Backlight: LED

1. Connecting to a Feather Board:

   • Align the headers of the TFT FeatherWing with the corresponding sockets on the Feather board and press gently to connect.
   • Ensure that the pins are correctly aligned to avoid damaging the board.

2. Powering the Display:

   • The TFT FeatherWing is powered through the Feather board. No additional power supply is needed.

3. Programming the Display:

   • Use the Adafruit GFX library for drawing graphics and text on the screen.
   • Use the Adafruit STMPE610 library if you need to read touch inputs.

• Static Sensitivity: Handle the display with care to avoid electrostatic discharge damage.
• Power Requirements: Ensure that your Feather board can supply enough current for the display, especially when using the backlight at full brightness.
• Screen Protection: Consider adding a screen protector to prevent scratches on the touch surface.

#include <Adafruit_GFX.h>    // Core graphics library
#include <Adafruit_TFTLCD.h> // Hardware-specific library

#define LCD_CS A3 // Chip Select goes to Analog 3
#define LCD_CD A2 // Command/Data goes to Analog 2
#define LCD_WR A1 // LCD Write goes to Analog 1
#define LCD_RD A0 // LCD Read goes to Analog 0
#define LCD_RESET A4 // Can alternately just connect to Arduino's reset pin

Adafruit_TFTLCD tft(LCD_CS, LCD_CD, LCD_WR, LCD_RD, LCD_RESET);

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600);
  tft.reset();
  uint16_t identifier = tft.readID();
  tft.begin(identifier);
  tft.fillScreen(BLACK);
}

void loop() {
  // Basic test code to display colors
  tft.fillScreen(RED);
  delay(500);
  tft.fillScreen(GREEN);
  delay(500);
  tft.fillScreen(BLUE);
  delay(500);
}

Note: This example assumes the use of an Arduino UNO with the Adafruit TFTLCD library. Make sure to install the library using the Arduino Library Manager before uploading the code.

• Display Not Lighting Up: Check the connections between the FeatherWing and the Feather board. Ensure that the pins are correctly aligned and fully inserted.
• Touch Not Responsive: Verify that the T_CS and T_IRQ pins are properly connected if using the touch features. Also, ensure that the STMPE610 library is correctly installed and initialized in your code.
• Garbled or No Display: Make sure that the correct driver is selected in your code for the TFT controller. Reset the board and re-upload the code if necessary.

• Check Connections: Loose or incorrect connections are often the cause of issues. Double-check all connections.
• Update Libraries: Ensure that you have the latest version of the Adafruit GFX and other relevant libraries.
• Power Supply: Insufficient power can cause the display to malfunction. Make sure your Feather board is supplied with adequate power.

FAQs:

Q: Can I use the TFT FeatherWing with boards other than Feather? A: While designed for Feather boards, with proper wiring and code modifications, it can be used with other microcontrollers that support SPI.

Q: Is the display sunlight-readable? A: The TFT FeatherWing is not optimized for sunlight readability. It is best viewed indoors or in shaded areas.

Q: How do I calibrate the touch screen? A: Use the calibration sketch provided with the STMPE610 library to calibrate the touch screen for accurate input.