1. Introduction
This manual provides detailed instructions for the assembly, installation, and operation of the GeeekPi 3.5-inch TFT LCD Touch Screen with an ABS case, designed specifically for the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B. This kit enhances your Raspberry Pi experience by adding a compact display and protective enclosure, along with cooling components.
Image 1.1: GeeekPi 3.5-inch Touch Screen with Case for Raspberry Pi 4.
2. Package Contents
Verify that all components listed below are included in your package:
- 1 x ABS Case for Raspberry Pi 4B
- 1 x 3.5 inch TFT Resistive Touch Screen
- 1 x Aluminum Heatsinks Set
- 1 x Touch Pen
- 1 x 30x30x7mm Cooling Fan
Image 2.1: Visual representation of included components.
3. Assembly Instructions
Follow these steps to assemble your GeeekPi 3.5-inch Touch Screen with the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B and case. Ensure the Raspberry Pi board is powered off before beginning assembly.
- Install Heatsinks: Carefully place the aluminum heatsinks onto the corresponding chips of your Raspberry Pi 4 Model B. Refer to Image 3.1 for correct placement.
- Mount Raspberry Pi: Place the Raspberry Pi board onto the base part of the ABS case. Ensure it sits securely.
- Install Cooling Fan: Attach the 30x30x7mm cooling fan to the designated position on the 3.5-inch display board. Connect the fan's power cable to the appropriate pins on the display board. Refer to Image 3.2 for fan placement.
- Connect Display: Carefully align and insert the 3.5-inch TFT resistive touch screen onto the GPIO pins of the Raspberry Pi. Ensure all pins are correctly seated.
- Install Frame: Place the middle frame of the ABS case around the display and Raspberry Pi assembly.
- Close Case: Secure the top part of the ABS case onto the assembly. Ensure all parts snap together firmly.
Image 3.1: Recommended heatsink placement on Raspberry Pi 4 components.
Image 3.2: The display board features a pre-determined position for the cooling fan to aid in heat dissipation.
Image 3.3: Overview of the four main assembly steps.
Image 3.4: Exploded view showing the layers of assembly: case base, Raspberry Pi, display, and case top.
The assembled case provides access to all necessary ports and includes an opening for the SD card, as shown in Image 3.5.
Image 3.5: Bottom view of the case, highlighting the SD card slot and rubber feet for stability.
4. Driver Installation
To enable the 3.5-inch touch screen functionality, specific drivers must be installed on your Raspberry Pi operating system. The screen supports Raspbian, Ubuntu, and Kali Linux systems.
4.1. Using Pre-configured Images (Recommended for Raspberry Pi 4B)
For Raspberry Pi 4B, it is recommended to use the pre-configured images provided by GeeekPi. These images include the necessary drivers pre-installed, simplifying the setup process. Download and write the image to your TF card using a tool like Etcher.
- Refer to the official GeeekPi support page or the provided documentation for the latest download links for pre-configured images.
Image 4.1: Example of driver download links and instructions for various Raspberry Pi models and OS versions.
4.2. Manual Driver Installation
If you prefer to use your existing Raspberry Pi OS installation, you can manually install the LCD drivers. This method requires command-line access to your Raspberry Pi.
Steps for LCD Driver Installation:
sudo rm -rf LCD-show
git clone https://github.com/goodtft/LCD-show.git
chmod -R 755 LCD-show/
cd LCD-show/
sudo ./LCD35-showIf your Raspberry Pi is equipped with GPIO display drivers (e.g., MPI2411, MPI2418, MPI2801, MPI3201, MPI3501), the HDMI port will not have signal output after driver installation. To switch back to HDMI display mode, execute the following commands:
cd LCD-show/
sudo ./LCD-hdmiFor more detailed information or alternative driver downloads, refer to the official documentation or the wiki page provided by GeeekPi.
Image 4.2: Commands for manual LCD driver installation and switching to HDMI output.
5. Operating Instructions
5.1. Touch Screen Calibration
After installing the drivers, you may need to calibrate the touch screen for accurate input. This can be done using the xinput_calibrator program.
Steps for Touch Screen Calibration:
- Install Calibrator: Open a terminal and install the calibrator with the command:
cd LCD-show/
sudo dpkg -i xinput-calibrator_0.7.5-1_armhf.deb - Run Calibration: Click the Menu button on the taskbar, navigate to Preference > Calibrate Touchscreen.
- Follow Prompts: Complete the touch calibration by following the on-screen prompts. A reboot may be required for the calibration to take effect.
- Save Parameters (Optional): You can save the touch parameters by creating a
99-calibration.conffile. This step is not always necessary if the file already exists or if calibration persists after reboot.
6. Specifications
Key technical specifications for the GeeekPi 3.5-inch Touch Screen and Case kit:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 3.5 Inches |
| Resolution | 320x480 pixels |
| Display Type | TFT LCD |
| Touch Type | Resistive Touch |
| Compatibility | Raspberry Pi 4 Model B (Case only for Pi 4B, screen compatible with any Pi version) |
| Operating System Support | Raspbian, Ubuntu, Kali |
| SPI Signal Input | 125MHz |
| Refresh Rate | Approximately 50fps |
| Product Dimensions | 7 x 1 x 3.5 inches (assembled) |
| Item Weight | 5.1 ounces |
Image 6.1: Dimensional overview of the assembled product.
Image 6.2: Summary of screen features including resolution, touch control, and system support.
7. Troubleshooting
This section addresses common issues that may arise during the installation or operation of your GeeekPi 3.5-inch Touch Screen.
7.1. Display Not Working / White Screen
- Driver Installation: Ensure that the correct drivers for your specific Raspberry Pi model (e.g., Raspberry Pi 4B) and operating system version are installed. Outdated or incorrect drivers are a common cause of display issues.
- Pre-configured Image: If manual driver installation is problematic, try using a pre-configured OS image provided by GeeekPi, which includes the drivers.
- Connections: Verify that the display is securely connected to the Raspberry Pi's GPIO pins. Loose connections can prevent the display from functioning.
7.2. External Monitor Issues After Driver Installation
- HDMI Output: After installing the LCD drivers, the HDMI output may be disabled. To switch back to HDMI, use the command
sudo ./LCD-hdmifrom within theLCD-show/directory.
7.3. Overheating
- Heatsinks and Fan: Ensure all aluminum heatsinks are correctly applied to the Raspberry Pi's chips and that the cooling fan is properly installed and connected. Verify the fan is spinning when the Raspberry Pi is powered on.
- Airflow: Confirm that the case vents are not obstructed to allow for adequate airflow.
7.4. Touch Screen Unresponsive or Inaccurate
- Calibration: Perform the touch screen calibration as described in Section 5.1.
- Driver Integrity: Reinstall the touch screen drivers if calibration does not resolve the issue.
8. Warranty and Support
GeeekPi products are covered by a manufacturer's warranty. For specific warranty terms, technical support, or further assistance, please contact GeeekPi customer service through their official website or the platform where the product was purchased. Ensure you have your purchase details and product model number available when contacting support.
