1. Introduction
This document provides detailed instructions for the installation and use of the NEXTION GPIO Expansion Board. This board is designed to extend the functionality of Nextion Enhanced and Intelligent Display Screens by providing additional General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) capabilities and integrated controls.
Important Compatibility Note: This expansion board is NOT compatible with basic Nextion Display or Nextion Discovery Display models. It is exclusively designed for Nextion Enhanced and Intelligent Display series.
2. Package Contents
The package includes the following items:
- 2 x NEXTION GPIO Expansion Board
- 2 x FFC (Flexible Flat Cable) for connection
Image: Two NEXTION GPIO Expansion Boards, each accompanied by a flexible flat cable for connection to a compatible display.
3. Product Features
The NEXTION GPIO Expansion Board offers enhanced control and feedback features for your compatible Nextion display:
- 6 Integrated Buttons: Includes dedicated buttons for Esc, Enter, Left, Right, Up, and Down functions, providing direct user input.
- Buzzer: An integrated buzzer provides audible feedback for user interactions or system alerts.
- LED Indicators: Built-in LEDs offer visual status indications.
- GPIO Extension: Expands the 8 GPIOs available on Nextion Enhanced and Intelligent displays, allowing for more complex interactions and external device control.
Image: Front view of the Nextion GPIO Expansion Board showing the six buttons, buzzer, and LED indicators. The reverse side displays the circuit board layout.
Image: A close-up of the expansion board, highlighting its features and reiterating that it is not for basic Nextion displays, but for enhanced and intelligent models.
4. Setup and Installation
Follow these steps to correctly install the GPIO Expansion Board with your Nextion Enhanced or Intelligent Display:
- Prepare the FFC Cable: Ensure the Flexible Flat Cable (FFC) is properly aligned with the connector on the expansion board. Gently insert the FFC into the connector.
- Connect to Nextion Display: Locate the corresponding FFC connector on your Nextion Enhanced or Intelligent Display. Carefully insert the other end of the FFC cable into this connector, ensuring proper orientation and a secure fit.
- Secure the Board: Once connected, the expansion board should sit flush with the display.
Image: A close-up view of the FFC connector on the expansion board, illustrating the mechanism to pull out the connector before inserting the cable.
Installation Video Guide
Video: This video demonstrates the step-by-step process of installing the GPIO Expansion Board onto a Nextion Enhanced Display. It shows how to connect the FFC cable to both the expansion board and the display unit.
Image: The Nextion GPIO Expansion Board successfully connected to the front of a Nextion display, illustrating the integrated setup.
Image: The rear view of the Nextion display with the GPIO Expansion Board connected, showing the cable routing and secure attachment.
5. Operating Instructions
Once the GPIO Expansion Board is correctly installed and your Nextion display is powered on, you can utilize its features:
- Button Functions: The six buttons (Esc, Enter, Left, Right, Up, Down) can be programmed within the Nextion Editor to trigger specific actions or navigate through your display's interface. Refer to the Nextion Editor documentation for detailed programming instructions.
- Buzzer and LEDs: The integrated buzzer and LEDs can be controlled via the Nextion Editor to provide auditory and visual feedback based on your application's logic.
- GPIOs: The expanded GPIO pins allow for connection to external sensors, actuators, or other electronic components, enabling more complex embedded system designs.
Related Nextion Display Operation Videos
The following videos provide general guidance on powering and programming Nextion displays, which is essential for utilizing the expansion board:
Powering Nextion Display via USB 5V
Video: This video illustrates how to power a Nextion display using a Micro USB 5V connection, a common method for initial setup and testing.
Programming Nextion Display via USB to TTL
Video: This video demonstrates the process of programming a Nextion display using a USB to TTL serial converter (CP2102 or FT232 recommended).
Programming Nextion Display via SD Card
Video: This video explains how to program a Nextion display by uploading firmware via an SD card, ensuring the card is formatted as FAT32 and is less than 32GB.
6. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Compatibility | Nextion Enhanced and Intelligent Display Screens ONLY |
| Buttons | 6 (Esc, Enter, Left, Right, Up, Down) |
| Indicators | Buzzer, LEDs |
| Connectivity | FFC Cable (included) |
| Package Dimensions | 4.02 x 3.9 x 0.75 inches |
| Item Weight | 1.13 ounces |
| Manufacturer | NEXTION |
7. Troubleshooting
If you encounter any issues during the installation or operation of your NEXTION GPIO Expansion Board, please consider the following:
- Compatibility Check: Ensure your Nextion display is an Enhanced or Intelligent series. This board is not compatible with Basic or Discovery series displays.
- Secure Connections: Verify that the FFC cable is securely and correctly inserted into both the expansion board and the Nextion display connectors. Improper connection can lead to non-functionality.
- Power Supply: Confirm that your Nextion display is receiving adequate and stable power.
- Programming: If buttons or indicators are not responding, ensure that your Nextion display's firmware has been correctly programmed to recognize and utilize the expansion board's features.
8. Warranty and Support
For further assistance or warranty inquiries, please contact the seller directly. You can typically find the 'Ask a question' option by navigating to the product page and clicking on the seller's name (e.g., 'DIYmalls') located under the 'Buy Now' button.