BATC Forum

Ray VK2ME asked me to remind constructors about the requirements for any extension ribbon cable for the Waveshare LCD Display. Both he and Richard VK4XRL have had problems in sourcing the correct item.

The cable needs to be from 26-pin female to 26-pin male but, additionally, you need to check the orientation of the pins. It is possible to end up with a cable where the 2 rows of pins are swapped so that display connections are a mirror image of what they should be. This can have catastrophic results!

Cables that look to be suitable are available from eBay (currently by searching for item number 201060767221). To make your own cable, the male end connectors are available from RS:

UK: http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/idc-connectors/6811736/

AUS: http://au.rs-online.com/web/p/idc-connectors/6811736/

Best advice is to check with a test meter before plugging in your display - they do seem to be quite delicate!

Dave, G8GKQ

I bought 5 for £3.95 plus 99p postage described as GPIO Extension Cable for the Raspberry Pi
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/26-Pin-GPIO-E ... Gertboard/
from a trader called bilivino on E bay. I gave 1 to G7MEG naturally.
It works fine. Red wire in the ribbon cable goes beside the nearest screen vertical edge.
73
David M0YDH

CPC have a suitable extension cable for the LCD display, part number SC13006.

http://cpc.farnell.com/pro-signal/psg-r ... dp/SC13006

I bought a couple of these a while ago and have just tried one out between the RPi3 and the Waveshare - it works fine. The only drawback is the limited length (100mm). Current stock level is 117!

Clive G3XIG.

David:

I think you are my closest "neighbour" and I am sure you can help me with my Portsdown.
I am unsure of how to connect up the modules, particularly the Pi, the LCD and the Breakout Board. Do I need the extra long Pi header or is it better to daisy-chain the boards with an appropriate cable?

I may be a good idea if we can get together on a 2metre -or other band- net. My QTH is Sutton Coldfield B74 2QA.
What do you think?

73

John G3JZF

Hi John

As a starter for your discussions with David, I would suggest putting the GPIO breakout board directly on top of the RPi (it does need a long header), and then using an extension cable to the LCD display. However, it all depends on the configuration of your box and panel.

And a reminder to be very careful with the connections on the extension cable - especially when replugging after initial tests. I have blown up one display through mis-aligning the pins, and I know of several others!

Dave, G8GKQ

gasp Dave...
I am one of them...
luckily the pi did not suffer!

Claudio

Thanks Dave for your reply to my post.
I have decided to get the extra tall PI header and pop on the BATC breakout board and then plug in the touch screen. This should get me going. My son has a 3D printer and is interested in making display surround. I'll look for -or make- a 26way male/female extension later.
I will let you know how I get on.
Thanks for your help and suggestions so far.

Bad luck Claudio -- Thanks for the warning!

73

John
Sutton Coldfield

Hi John,

I used some 15mm M3 male/female hex standoffs between the breakout board and the Pi, along with 10mm standoffs between the Pi and the case. This has worked well for me making a nice compact and sturdy unit.

73 Dave.

Hi Dave
That sounds like a good neat job and. as you say, a compact sturdy unit.
I have already ordered a tall extension plug so I will have to decide which way to proceed.
73
John

Not the best picture but gives the idea.