Arduino LCD Help!?!

Question

Hi,

I have purchased an lcd from tadyaelectronics.com to hook up to my arduino. When I follow the schematic (http://arduino.cc/en/uploads/Tutorial/LCD_bb.png) and upload the code the top row is just tan squares. How can I fix this problem?

Thanks in Advance,

Nehemiah Branson

Robert Peter Oakes · Accepted Answer

OK, so i set up the same on my display, same wiring, same code If the variable resistor is not set correctly then you can get the symptoms you describe, measuring the voltage on Vo (Pin 3 of the LCD.. from the left in your diagram), i get a good display at ~1.3v, it will go blocks if the volts are nearer to zero and will go clear if much above that toward 5V so it is possible that your screen is working and that you need to carefully adjust the contrast, if you can measure the volts on the pin, what are you getting now, and then try to adjust very slowly either way to try get a display you will need to check your wiring carefully to make sure there are no mistakes, and like I said, check the voltage on the Vo pin, adjusting the pot should make it change between 5V and 0V, you will need it to be about 1.3ish, this may vary between LCD makes but with luck this will solve your problem I am assuming the Arduino is ok and that you have a good LCD. Your symptom is very much like I get when the adjustment is not correct on Vo. If this does not fix your issue, take a good quality picture of your wireing and post it, maybe one of the viewers can see an error or suggest something. If you have a second display, i would try that one too Good luck peter