Waveshare 5.5-inch Capacitive Touch AMOLED Display User Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for setting up, operating, and maintaining your Waveshare 5.5-inch Capacitive Touch AMOLED Display. This high-resolution display features a 1080x1920 resolution and 5-point capacitive touch control with a durable tempered glass panel (up to 6H hardness). It is compatible with various Raspberry Pi models (Raspberry Pi OS/Ubuntu/Kali/Retropie) and can also function as a computer monitor for Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7 systems. It includes a 3.5mm audio jack for HDMI audio output.

2. Package Contents

Please verify that all items listed below are included in your package:

• 1 x Waveshare 5.5-inch HDMI AMOLED Display
• 1 x 3D Printed Case (for Raspberry Pi integration)
• 1 x USB Cable
• 1 x HDMI Cable
• 1 x 5V Cooling Fan
• 1 x Standoffs Pack (various sizes)
• 4 x Adapters (HDMI and USB)
• 1 x Screw Pack

Figure 2.1: Contents of the Waveshare 5.5-inch HDMI AMOLED Display package.

3. Product Features

• Display Type: 5.5-inch AMOLED
• Resolution: 1080x1920 (H×V) - Note: Display orientation is portrait by default. Software configuration is required for landscape display.
• Touch Control: 5-point capacitive touch with tempered glass panel (hardware up to 6H hardness)
• Interface: HDMI for display, USB for touch
• Audio: 3.5mm audio jack, supports HDMI audio output
• Compatibility: Supports Raspberry Pi OS/Ubuntu/Kali/Retropie when used with Raspberry Pi. Supports Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7 when used as a computer monitor.

Figure 3.1: Key features and specifications of the 5.5-inch Touch AMOLED Display.

4. Setup & Installation

4.1. Raspberry Pi Setup

Follow these steps to set up your display with a Raspberry Pi:

1. Prepare the TF Card: Insert the TF card containing your Raspberry Pi OS (e.g., Raspbian) image into your computer.
2. Configure `config.txt`: Navigate to the Waveshare Wiki for the 5.5-inch HDMI AMOLED display to find the necessary configuration statements. Open the `config.txt` file located in the BOOT directory of your TF card and paste the copied statements into it. This is crucial for proper display and touch functionality.
3. Assemble the Display and Raspberry Pi:
   • Screw the short standoffs onto the display's PCB.
   • Carefully align and place your Raspberry Pi onto the standoffs.
   • Secure the Raspberry Pi using the small screws provided in the standoffs pack.
   • Connect the display interfaces using the provided HDMI adapter (HDMI Adapter ②) and touch interfaces using the USB adapter (USB Adapter ②).
   • Cover the assembly with the provided 3D printed case components (Case ① and Case ③) in order, securing them with screws.
   • Install the 5V cooling fan onto the remaining case housing (Case ②) and fix it with its own screws.
   • Connect the fan to the appropriate pins on your Raspberry Pi (refer to the fan's wiring for correct polarity).
   • Finally, screw the Case ② onto the assembled unit.
4. Power On: Connect the power supply to your Raspberry Pi. The display should power on and show the Raspberry Pi OS.

Figure 4.1: Appearance and dimensions of the display board.

Figure 4.2: Device and system compatibility overview.

Figure 4.3: Connection examples with different host devices.

4.2. PC Setup (Windows)

To use the display with a Windows computer:

1. Connect the display to your computer via the HDMI and USB cables.
2. The display orientation is portrait by default (1080x1920). To change to landscape mode, open your computer's display settings.
3. In the multi-monitor setup option, choose 'extended mode' to use the display as a secondary monitor.
4. Adjust the display mode to landscape for horizontal viewing if desired.

Figure 4.4: Capacitive touch control in action.

5. Operating Instructions

Once connected and configured, the Waveshare 5.5-inch AMOLED display operates as a standard display with touch input. For Raspberry Pi, the touch functionality is driver-free for most supported operating systems. For Windows, the 5-point touch control is also plug-and-play.

• Touch Interaction: Use your fingers to interact with the screen, similar to a smartphone or tablet. The display supports up to 5-point multi-touch, depending on the operating system.
• Display Orientation: As noted, the native resolution is 1080x1920 (portrait). If you require landscape orientation, ensure you have applied the necessary software configuration as detailed in the Raspberry Pi setup section or through your computer's display settings.
• Audio Output: Connect headphones or external speakers to the 3.5mm audio jack for sound output from the HDMI source.

6. Maintenance

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your Waveshare 5.5-inch AMOLED Display, please observe the following maintenance guidelines:

• Handle with Care: The glass panel of the AMOLED display is fragile, especially without an enclosure. Always handle the display carefully, holding the PCBA (Printed Circuit Board Assembly) when plugging in HDMI or USB cables to avoid applying hard pressure to the glass panel.
• Cleaning: Use a soft, lint-free cloth, slightly dampened with water or a screen-safe cleaning solution, to clean the display surface. Avoid abrasive materials or harsh chemicals.
• Storage: When not in use, store the display in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. If possible, keep it in its original packaging or a protective case.
• Power Supply: Ensure you use a stable 5V power supply with sufficient current (e.g., 2A or 2.5A for Raspberry Pi) to prevent power-related issues like flickering or failure to power on.

7. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your Waveshare 5.5-inch AMOLED Display, consider the following common problems and solutions:

• Display Not Powering On / Green LED Flashing: This often indicates insufficient power. Ensure you are using a 5V power supply with adequate current (e.g., 2A or 2.5A). Check all power connections.
• No Display / Incorrect Resolution: Verify that the `config.txt` file on your Raspberry Pi's TF card has the correct configuration statements for the 1080x1920 resolution. For Windows, check display settings to ensure the correct resolution and display mode (extended/duplicate) are selected.
• Incorrect Display Orientation (Portrait/Landscape): The display is portrait by default. For landscape mode, you must change the software configuration in your Raspberry Pi's `config.txt` file or adjust display settings in Windows.
• Touch Not Working: Ensure the USB cable for touch input is securely connected to both the display and the host device (Raspberry Pi or PC). For Raspberry Pi, confirm that the necessary drivers or configurations are in place as per the Waveshare Wiki.
• Screen Flickering or Instability: This can be a sign of an unstable power supply or a loose connection. Check power source and all cables.
• Physical Damage (Cracks): The AMOLED glass panel is fragile. If the screen is cracked, it likely requires replacement. Handle with extreme care during assembly and use.

8. Specifications

9. Support

For additional information, detailed technical documentation, and troubleshooting guides, please refer to the official Waveshare Wiki for this product. You can also download the comprehensive user guide in PDF format:

Download User Guide (PDF)