GeeekPi Raspberry Pi 4B 3.5 Inch Resistive Touch Screen Kit User Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for the assembly, operation, and maintenance of your GeeekPi Raspberry Pi 4B 3.5 Inch Resistive Touch Screen Kit. This kit is designed to enhance your Raspberry Pi 4B experience by adding a compact, interactive display and protective casing with cooling solutions. It is suitable for various DIY projects such as mini gamepads, desktop clocks, and access control viewers.

Figure 1: GeeekPi Raspberry Pi 4B 3.5-inch Touch Screen Kit

2. Package Contents

The contents of your package may vary depending on the specific kit purchased. Please verify you have all components listed for your package type.

Package 1: Display Only

• 1 x 3.5 Inch Resistance Touch Screen
• 1 x Resistance Pen

Package 2: Case with Fan

• 1 x ABS Case for RPi 4B
• 1 x Cooling Fan
• 1 x Aluminum Heat Sinks pack (4PCS)

Package 3: Full Kit (Display, Case, Fan, Heatsinks)

• 1 x ABS Case for RPi 4B
• 1 x Cooling Fan
• 1 x 3.5 Inch Resistance Touch Screen
• 1 x Resistance Pen
• 1 x Aluminum Heat Sinks pack (4PCS)

Note: Raspberry Pi board is not included in any package.

3. Product Features

• Easy to assemble design.
• 3.5-inch diagonal LCD TFT display.
• Resistive touch screen for interactive input.
• Durable ABS material case.
• Supports various operating systems: Raspbian Buster for RPi 4B, Ubuntu Mate, and Kali-Linux.
• Screen supports 125MHz SPI signal input.
• Refresh rate of approximately 5fps, suitable for video playback and gaming without flicker.
• Adjustable resolution via software (original resolution is 320x480).
• Direct connection to Raspberry Pi GPIO pins, no additional power required for the screen.

4. Product Specifications

5. Setup Guide

Follow these steps to assemble your GeeekPi Raspberry Pi 4B 3.5 Inch Resistive Touch Screen Kit.

5.1 Component Overview

Figure 2: Exploded view of kit components

5.2 Assembly Steps

1. Install Raspberry Pi: Place your Raspberry Pi 4B board onto the base of the ABS case. Ensure it is seated correctly and align the mounting holes. Apply the aluminum heatsinks to the appropriate chips on the Raspberry Pi board.
2. Install Display: Carefully align the 3.5-inch resistive touch screen with the GPIO pins of the Raspberry Pi. Gently press down to ensure a secure connection.
3. Install Case Frame: Place the top frame of the ABS case over the display and Raspberry Pi, ensuring all ports and the screen are properly aligned within the cutouts.
4. Secure Case: Attach the remaining part of the ABS case to fully enclose the Raspberry Pi and display. Ensure all clips or screws (if provided) are fastened.
5. Install Cooling Fan: If your kit includes a cooling fan, install it into the designated slot on the case. Connect the fan's power cable to the appropriate GPIO pins on the Raspberry Pi (typically 5V and GND for continuous operation, or 3.3V and GND for slower speed).

Figure 3: Visual assembly steps

Figure 4: Assembled kit, front view

Figure 5: Assembled kit, bottom view showing SD card access

6. Operating Instructions

6.1 Software Setup

To enable the 3.5-inch display and touch functionality, you will need to install specific drivers on your Raspberry Pi's operating system. The kit supports Raspbian Buster for RPi 4B, Ubuntu Mate, and Kali-Linux.

1. Download Drivers: Visit the official GeeekPi wiki page for the K-0403 model (link provided in Section 9) to download the necessary drivers and pre-configured OS images.
2. Install Drivers: Follow the instructions provided on the wiki for installing the drivers on your chosen operating system. This typically involves running a script or manually configuring system files.
3. Reboot: After driver installation, reboot your Raspberry Pi. The display should now activate, and the touch screen should be responsive.

6.2 Using the Touch Screen

The 3.5-inch display features a resistive touch screen. Use the provided resistance pen or a soft, blunt object to interact with the screen. Avoid using sharp objects that could damage the display surface.

6.3 Important Note on HDMI Output

If your Raspberry Pi is configured with GPIO display drivers for this screen, the HDMI port will typically have no signal output. The system will prioritize the GPIO-connected display.

7. Maintenance

• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry, anti-static cloth to clean the screen and case. For stubborn smudges, lightly dampen the cloth with water. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
• Environmental Conditions: Operate the kit in a clean, dry environment. Avoid extreme temperatures, humidity, and direct sunlight.
• Fan Maintenance: Periodically check the cooling fan for dust buildup. If necessary, gently clean the fan blades with a soft brush or compressed air to ensure optimal airflow.
• Heatsinks: Ensure heatsinks remain firmly attached to the Raspberry Pi's chips for effective heat dissipation.

8. Troubleshooting

8.1 Display Not Working

• Check Connections: Ensure the 3.5-inch display is securely seated on the Raspberry Pi's GPIO pins.
• Driver Installation: Verify that the correct drivers for your operating system and Raspberry Pi model have been installed successfully. Refer to the technical support section for driver resources.
• Power Supply: Ensure your Raspberry Pi is receiving adequate power from a stable 5V power supply.
• HDMI Conflict: Remember that if GPIO display drivers are active, the HDMI output will likely be disabled.

8.2 Touch Screen Unresponsive

• Calibration: The touch screen may require calibration after driver installation. Follow the calibration instructions provided with the drivers or on the technical support wiki.
• Driver Check: Reconfirm that touch screen drivers are correctly installed.
• Physical Damage: Inspect the screen for any physical damage that might affect touch functionality.

8.3 Overheating Issues

• Fan Connection: Ensure the cooling fan is correctly connected to the Raspberry Pi's GPIO pins (typically 5V and GND).
• Heatsink Contact: Verify that the heatsinks are properly attached to the CPU and other heat-generating components of the Raspberry Pi.
• Airflow: Ensure the case vents are not obstructed, allowing for proper airflow.

9. User Tips

• Backup Your OS: Before installing new drivers or making significant system changes, always create a backup of your Raspberry Pi's operating system.
• Use the Stylus: For precise touch input on the resistive screen, utilize the provided resistance pen.
• Experiment with Projects: This kit is versatile. Explore various DIY projects like portable gaming consoles, small monitoring stations, or custom smart home interfaces.
• Keep Drivers Updated: Periodically check the GeeekPi wiki for updated drivers or software that might improve performance or add new features.

10. Technical Support

For further technical assistance, detailed guides, and driver downloads, please refer to the official GeeekPi resources:

• Wiki Page: https://wiki.52pi.com/index.php?title=K-0403
• Instructional Video: https://youtu.be/M77N2biDozM

11. Warranty and Support

GeeekPi products are designed for reliability and performance. For information regarding warranty coverage and customer support, please refer to the seller's terms and conditions or contact GeeekPi customer service directly through their official channels. Keep your proof of purchase for any warranty claims.