ideaspark® ESP32 Development Board with 1.14 inch ST7789 TFT LCD Display User Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for the setup, operation, and programming of your ideaspark ESP32 Development Board with an integrated 1.14 inch ST7789 TFT LCD Display. This board combines the powerful ESP32-WROOM-32 module with a high-resolution color display, offering a compact solution for various Internet of Things (IoT) projects and embedded applications.

Figure 1: ideaspark ESP32 Development Board with 1.14 inch LCD

2. Product Overview and Features

The ideaspark ESP32 1.14'' LCD board integrates the functionality of a traditional ESP32 Devkit V1 module with a vibrant 1.14-inch TFT LCD display. This design eliminates the need for complex wiring, simplifying project development.

• Integrated Display: Features a 1.14-inch, 135x240 pixel full-color TFT LCD with an ST7789 driver, compatible with SPI interfaces.
• Powerful Core: Based on the ESP32-WROOM-32 module, incorporating a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth dual-mode chip.
• Connectivity: Equipped with a USB Type-C port for power supply and program download, utilizing a CH340 driver.
• Low Power Consumption: Built with TSMC Ultra-low power consumption 40nm technology for efficient operation.
• Versatile Applications: Ideal for IoT projects, network status displays, data monitoring, Internet Weather Stations, Graphic Plotters, and similar applications.

Figure 2: Back view of the ESP32 Development Board

3. Pinout Diagram

Understanding the pinout is crucial for connecting external components and utilizing the board's full capabilities. The 1.14-inch LCD uses specific SPI pins for communication.

Figure 3: Pinout Diagram for ESP32 1.14 inch LCD Board

LCD SPI Connection Details:

• MOSI: D23/GPIO23
• SCLK: D18/GPIO18
• CS: D15/GPIO15
• DC: D2/GPIO2
• RST: D4/GPIO4
• BLK (Backlight): D32/GPIO32

4. Getting Started with Arduino IDE

To begin programming your ESP32 board using the Arduino IDE, follow these steps:

4.1. Install CH340 Driver

The board uses a CH340 chip for USB-to-serial communication. You will need to install the appropriate driver for your operating system. Search for "CH340 Driver" on Google or Bing and follow the installation instructions. Windows 10 is recommended.

4.2. Configure Arduino IDE for ESP32 Boards

To enable ESP32 board support in the Arduino IDE:

1. Open Arduino IDE, go to File > Preferences.
2. In the "Additional Boards Manager URLs" field, add the following URL: https://dl.espressif.com/dl/package_esp32_index.json
3. Click OK to save the preferences.
4. Go to Tools > Board > Boards Manager...
5. Search for "esp32" and install the "esp32 by Espressif Systems" package.
6. After installation, select your board: Tools > Board > ESP32 Arduino > ESP32 Dev Module.

Figure 4: Arduino IDE Boards Manager Configuration

4.3. Install Necessary Libraries

For LCD functionality, you will need the Adafruit ST7789 library:

1. Go to Sketch > Include Library > Manage Libraries...
2. Search for "Adafruit ST7789" and install the library.
3. You may also need to install "Adafruit GFX Library" as a dependency.

Figure 5: Arduino IDE Library Installation

4.4. Sample Code and Upload

Here is a basic sample code to test the LCD display. Copy this code into your Arduino sketch, compile, and upload it to your board.

#include <Adafruit_GFX.h>
#include <Adafruit_ST7789.h>

#define LCD_MOSI 23   // ESP32 D23
#define LCD_SCLK 18   // ESP32 D18
#define LCD_CS   15   // ESP32 D15
#define LCD_DC   2    // ESP32 D2
#define LCD_RST  4    // ESP32 D4
#define LCD_BLK  32   // ESP32 D32

Adafruit_ST7789 lcd = Adafruit_ST7789(LCD_CS, LCD_DC, LCD_RST);

void setup() {
  lcd.init(135, 240);
  lcd.fillScreen(ST77XX_BLACK);
}

void loop() {
  lcd.setTextSize(3);
  lcd.print("Hello, ideaspark");
  delay(10000);
}

Figure 6: Sample Arduino Code for LCD Test

For more advanced examples and source code, you can search online or visit the official GitHub repository for this product.

5. Getting Started with MicroPython

The ideaspark ESP32 board also supports MicroPython, a lean and efficient implementation of the Python 3 programming language that includes a small subset of the Python standard library and is optimized to run on microcontrollers and in constrained environments.

To get started with MicroPython:

1. Install MicroPython Firmware: Download the appropriate MicroPython firmware (.bin file) for ESP32-S3 from the official MicroPython website (micropython.org).
2. Flash Firmware: Use the ESP-IDF Flash Download Tool to flash the firmware onto your board. Ensure you erase the flash before flashing new firmware.
3. Connect with a Serial Terminal: Use a serial terminal program (like PuTTY, CoolTerm, or Thonny IDE) to interact with the MicroPython REPL (Read-Eval-Print Loop) on your board.
4. Upload Scripts: You can upload your Python scripts to the board using tools like Thonny IDE.

For detailed instructions and examples, refer to the official MicroPython documentation and community resources.

6. Specifications

7. Troubleshooting

• Board not powering up with USB-C to USB-C cable: Some USB-C to USB-C cables may not provide sufficient power or may not be compatible due to missing resistors on the board. Try using a USB-A to USB-C cable or a different USB-C to USB-C cable.
• WiFi signal issues: If experiencing weak WiFi signals, especially when powered via USB-C, try powering the board via the rear pins if possible, as this may improve signal strength.
• Driver not recognized: Ensure the CH340 driver is correctly installed for your operating system. Reinstalling the driver or trying a different USB port can resolve this.
• LCD not displaying: Verify that the correct libraries (Adafruit ST7789, Adafruit GFX) are installed and that the sample code is correctly configured for the LCD pins.
• Upload errors: Check that the correct board (ESP32 Dev Module) and COM port are selected in the Arduino IDE. Ensure the board is in upload mode (if required by your specific setup, typically by holding the BOOT button while connecting USB or pressing RESET).

8. Safety Information

Please observe the following safety guidelines:

• Avoid exposing the board to moisture or extreme temperatures.
• Handle the board with care to prevent damage to components.
• Ensure proper power supply to avoid electrical hazards.
• Do not attempt to modify the hardware unless you have appropriate expertise.

9. Warranty and Support

For warranty information and technical support, please refer to the official ideaspark website or contact your retailer. Online community forums and resources for ESP32 development can also provide valuable assistance.

10. Product in Action

Watch the ideaspark ESP32 Development Board with 1.14 inch LCD in action:

Video 1: A brief demonstration of the ESP32-WROOM-32 with ST7789 I2C screen, showcasing its functionality.