KA06 LCD Shield for Arduino

Illustrated Assembly Manual

Product Overview

Add an LCD to your projects and visualize measurements, parameters, data, messages, etc...

Features

For Hitachi HD44780 or compatible LCDs
Requires 1 Arduino UNO™ (not included)
Stackable design: the shield can be stacked with other shields

Specifications

Supplied with 20 character / 4 lines display with white backlight
Contrast adjust trimmer
Backlight on/off switch
Reset button
3 user configurable pushbuttons (3 digital inputs / 1 analog input)
Dimensions: 68 x 53mm / 2.67 x 2.08"

[Image: The KA06 LCD shield mounted on an Arduino Uno board. The LCD screen displays 'LCD SHIELD BACKLIGHT ACTIVATED VELSEMAN NU'. The Velleman Projects logo and 'Made for Arduino' badge are also visible.]

Assembly Hints

General Assembly Advice

Ok, so we have your attention. These hints will help you to make this project successful. Read them carefully.

Required Tools

[Image: A soldering iron with a fine tip, a wet sponge for cleaning, a spool of solder wire, diagonal cutters, needle-nose pliers, small blade and Phillips screwdrivers, and a multimeter.]

Assembly Tips

Make sure the skill level matches your experience, to avoid disappointments.
Follow the instructions carefully. Read and understand the entire step before you perform each operation.
Perform the assembly in the correct order as stated in this manual.
Position all parts on the PCB (Printed Circuit Board) as shown on the drawings.
Values on the circuit diagram are subject to changes; the values in this assembly guide are correct*.
Use the check-boxes to mark your progress.
Please read the included information on safety and customer service.
* Typographical inaccuracies excluded. Always look for possible last minute manual updates, indicated as 'NOTE' on a separate leaflet.

Soldering Hints

[Diagram: A component lead being soldered to a PCB pad.]
[Diagram: A close-up of a correctly formed solder joint, described as cone-shaped and shiny.]
[Diagram: Diagonal cutters trimming excess component leads after soldering.]

Important Note: DO NOT blindly follow the order of the components on the tape. ALWAYS CHECK THEIR VALUE ON THE PARTS LIST!

Construction

1. Resistors

[Diagram: Resistors labeled R1 through R6 with their values, e.g., R1: 4K7 (4-7-2-B).]

2. Ceramic Capacitor

[Diagram: A ceramic capacitor labeled C1: 100nF (104) mounted on a tape.]

3. Female Headers

LCD1: 2 x 8p
LCD2: 2 x 8p
LCD3: 2 x 8p

[Diagram: Female header connectors.]

4. Trimmer

[Diagram: A trimmer potentiometer labeled VR1: 10K (Contrast).]

5. Switch

[Diagram: A tactile switch labeled SW5: Backlight.]

6. Push Buttons

[Diagram: Push buttons labeled SW1, SW2, SW3 for digital inputs, and SW4 for reset.]

7. Male Headers

JP1, JP2, JP3, JP4, JP5, JP6, JP7

[Diagram: Male header pins, 2 pins wide.]

8. Female Headers Installation

Warning: Do not cut the connector pins! ⚠️

[Diagram: Steps showing how to insert 2x8p female headers into the PCB, then solder them. Another diagram shows installing 2x6p female headers. A specific SK6: 2x3p header is also depicted.]

9. LCD Installation

Follow these steps if the supplied LCD is not provided with a male header connector.

[Diagram: Steps for attaching male header pins to an LCD module, then mounting the LCD assembly onto the shield and Arduino board.]

Connection Diagram

1. LCD Connections

[Diagram: The LCD module connected to the shield, with labels indicating LCD1, LCD2, LCD3 and pin functions.]

2. Analog / Digital Interface Selection

[Diagram: Jumpers JP1, JP2, JP3, JP4, JP5, JP6, JP7 shown, indicating selection for analog/digital interface.]

3. Backlight Control

[Diagram: Switch SW5 labeled 'BACKLIGHT' shown in ON and OFF positions.]

4. Input Data

[Diagram: Illustrates digital and analog data streams, with push buttons SW1, SW2, SW3 indicated as input sources.]

5. Contrast Adjustment

[Diagram: Trimmer VR1 labeled 'Contrast' shown on the shield.]

6. Reset Button

[Diagram: Reset button SW4 labeled 'RESET' shown on the shield.]

General Information

All displays based on the HD44780 have the same interface, regardless of the connector type or the pin arrangement. This interface consists of eight data lines, three control lines, a power supply, a GND and a line for contrast setting. The arrangement of these lines varies from model to model, so you will have to refer to the data sheet. Some models feature a built-in backlight connected via two lines.

LCD Pin Functions and Arduino UNO Connections

Pin LCD	Function	Pin Arduino UNO
VDD	+5 V Power supply	+5 V
Vss	GND	GND
Vo	contrast voltage	Trimmer
RS	Selection: write data or commands	8
R / W	Selection: writing or reading	GND
Enable	'Enable'-line	9
DB0	Data line 0	Not used
DB1	Data line 1	Not used
DB2	Data line 2	Not used
DB3	Data line 3	Not used
DB4	Data line 4	4
DB5	Data Line 5	5
DB6	Data Line 6	6
DB7	Data Line 7	7
BL +	LED Backlight +	+5 V
BL -	LED Backlight -	GND

UNO Connections Assigned to the Buttons

Push button	Arduino connection (digital mode)	Arduino PIN (analogue mode)
S1	10	AN3
S2	11	AN3
S3	12	AN3

The shield has three different connector types and is thus compatible with a large array of displays. The connectors are arranged so as to leave room for the three push buttons and the reset button. To work properly, each LCD requires a small voltage to adjust the contrast. This voltage is obtained from the +5 V through a trimmer.

Programming

Three push buttons are provided for your own applications. For maximum flexibility, two ways to interface with these buttons are provided:

1. Digital Interface

Uses three digital Arduino lines (pins 10, 11, 12). Activate this mode by shortcutting jumpers JP4, JP5, and JP6. Use pinMode(buttonPin, INPUT_PULLUP) in firmware. Push buttons work in negative logic (1 at rest, 0 when pressed).

2. Analog Interface

Uses one analog line (pin A3). Digital lines remain free. Activate this mode by shortcutting jumpers JP1, JP2, JP3, and JP7. This method uses a voltage divider network formed by resistors R4, R5, and R6.

[Diagram: A simplified circuit diagram showing resistors R4, R5, and R6 forming a voltage divider connected to an analog input pin (AN3).]

Analog Button Reading Table

Push button	AN3 voltage	ADC value
None	5V	1024
P1	0V	0
P2	1.6 V	328
P3	3.3V	676

Programming via the Arduino IDE is straightforward, as it does not require an additional library. The system library LiquidCrystal already includes all necessary functions. Programming code is available on www.velleman.eu.

PCB Layout

[Diagram: A top-down view of the Printed Circuit Board (PCB) for the KA06 LCD Shield, showing the placement of all components including headers, resistors R1-R6, capacitor C1, trimmer RV1, switches SW1-SW5, push buttons SW1-SW4, jumpers JP1-JP7, and connectors. Pin labels for Arduino are also shown.]

Detailed Connection Diagram

[Diagram: A comprehensive schematic showing the detailed wiring between the Arduino Uno, the shield's components (resistors, capacitors, switches, buttons, trimmer), and the LCD modules (LCD1, LCD2, LCD3). All pin connections are clearly indicated.]

LEDs and How to Use Them

LEDs feature a specific voltage drop depending on type and colour. Check the datasheet for exact voltage drop and rated current.

Calculating Series Resistors

Example 1: Operate a red LED (1.7V) on a 9Vdc source with 5mA required current.

Formula: (Supply voltage - LED voltage) / Required current = Series resistance

Calculation: (9V - 1.7V) / 0.005A = 1460 ohm. Closest standard value: 1.5kΩ resistor.

Required resistor power handling: (9V - 1.7V) x 0.005A = 0.036W. A standard 1/4W resistor is sufficient.

LEDs in Series

Example 2: 3 x red LEDs (1.7V each) on a 9V battery with 5mA required current.

Formula: (Supply voltage - (Number of LEDs x LED voltage)) / Required current = Series resistance

Calculation: (9V - (3 x 1.7V)) / 0.005A = 780 ohm. Use an 820 ohm resistor.

Parallel LEDs

Warning: Never connect LEDs in parallel without individual current-limiting resistors.

[Diagram: An illustration depicting two LEDs connected in parallel without individual resistors, with a cross symbol indicating this is incorrect.]

Open Collector Outputs

An open collector output can be compared to a switch that connects to ground when operated.

[Diagram: A schematic representation of an open collector output acting as a switch connecting to ground. A second diagram shows an example of an LED being controlled by an open collector output.]

	Velleman KA06 LCD Shield for Arduino Assembly Manual Comprehensive assembly guide and technical specifications for the Velleman KA06 LCD Shield, designed to add an LCD display to Arduino projects. Covers features, step-by-step assembly, pinouts, and programming.
	Velleman KA12 Analog Input Extension Shield Assembly Guide Comprehensive assembly manual for the Velleman KA12 Analog Input Extension Shield for Arduino. Learn how to build, connect, and program the shield with detailed instructions and example code.
	Velleman VMA05 IN/OUT Shield for Arduino - User Manual User manual and technical specifications for the Velleman VMA05 IN/OUT shield for Arduino. Features 6 analog inputs, 6 digital inputs, and 6 relay outputs. Includes connection diagrams and schematic details.
	Velleman VMA02 Audio Shield for Arduino - Manual and Connection Diagram User manual and technical details for the Velleman VMA02 Audio Shield, a versatile audio expansion board for Arduino microcontrollers. Features include built-in microphone, line input/output, push-button controls, and speaker output. Includes connection diagrams and schematic.
	Velleman K2637 Super Mini 2.5W Audio Power Amplifier Kit Assembly Manual Assembly manual for the Velleman K2637 Super Mini 2.5W Audio Power Amplifier kit, detailing specifications, components, assembly steps, and connection examples.
	Velleman K4006 Power Supply Assembly Manual Illustrated assembly manual for the Velleman K4006 power supply, compatible with K4004B and K4005B models. Includes tools, assembly hints, construction steps, connection diagrams, and PCB layout.
	Velleman VMA449 Voice Recording Module User Manual User manual for the Velleman VMA449 voice recording module, detailing its features, operation, technical specifications, and warranty information. Learn how to record and play back audio for up to 20 seconds.
	Velleman K3400 Dual Electronic Dice Assembly Manual Illustrated assembly manual for the Velleman K3400 Dual Electronic Dice kit. Includes features, specifications, assembly hints, construction details, connection examples, schematic diagrams, and PCB layout.