How to display scrolling text on STN Characters LCD Module?

Nov 06, 2025|

Scrolling text on an STN (Super Twisted Nematic) Characters LCD Module can add a dynamic and engaging element to various applications, from industrial control panels to consumer electronics. As a supplier of STN Characters LCD Modules, I'm here to share a comprehensive guide on how to achieve this functionality.

Understanding STN Characters LCD Modules

Before diving into the process of displaying scrolling text, it's essential to understand the basics of STN Characters LCD Modules. These modules are designed to display alphanumeric characters and simple symbols. They are known for their high contrast, wide viewing angles, and low power consumption, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.

STN Characters LCD Modules typically use a character generator ROM (CGROM) to store the character patterns. This means that you don't need to define each character from scratch; you can simply refer to the character codes in the CGROM. The most common character code set used is ASCII, which includes 128 characters.

Hardware Requirements

To display scrolling text on an STN Characters LCD Module, you'll need the following hardware components:

STN Characters LCD Module: Choose a module with the appropriate number of characters and lines for your application. For example, a 16x2 LCD module can display 16 characters per line and has 2 lines.
Microcontroller: This is the brain of the system that will control the LCD module. Popular microcontrollers include Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and PIC microcontrollers.
Power Supply: Provide the necessary power to the LCD module and the microcontroller. Most LCD modules operate at 5V or 3.3V.
Wiring: Connect the LCD module to the microcontroller using the appropriate pins. The connections typically include power (VSS, VDD, V0), control (RS, RW, E), and data (D0 - D7) pins.

Software Requirements

The software requirements depend on the microcontroller you're using. Here are the general steps to display scrolling text:

Initialize the LCD Module: Send the necessary commands to the LCD module to set it up for operation. This includes clearing the display, setting the cursor position, and enabling the display.
Write Text to the LCD: Use the appropriate functions to write text to the LCD module. You can use the character codes from the CGROM to display specific characters.
Implement Scrolling: To implement scrolling, you need to continuously shift the text on the LCD display. This can be done by moving the cursor and rewriting the text at the new position.

Step-by-Step Guide

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to display scrolling text on an STN Characters LCD Module using an Arduino microcontroller:

Step 1: Connect the LCD Module to the Arduino

Connect the LCD module to the Arduino following the pinout diagram. Here's a typical connection scheme:

VSS -> GND
VDD -> 5V
V0 -> Potentiometer (for contrast adjustment)
RS -> Digital Pin 12
RW -> GND
E -> Digital Pin 11
D4 - D7 -> Digital Pins 5 - 8

Step 2: Install the LiquidCrystal Library

The LiquidCrystal library simplifies the process of controlling LCD modules with Arduino. You can install it through the Arduino IDE by going to Sketch > Include Library > Manage Libraries and searching for "LiquidCrystal".

Step 3: Write the Arduino Code

Here's an example code to display scrolling text on a 16x2 LCD module:

#include <LiquidCrystal.h>

// initialize the library with the numbers of the interface pins
LiquidCrystal lcd(12, 11, 5, 6, 7, 8);

void setup() {
  // set up the LCD's number of columns and rows:
  lcd.begin(16, 2);
  // Print a message to the LCD.
  lcd.print("Scrolling Text Demo");
}

void loop() {
  // Scroll the text to the left
  lcd.scrollDisplayLeft();
  delay(200); // Adjust the delay to control the scrolling speed
}

Step 4: Upload the Code to the Arduino

Connect the Arduino to your computer using a USB cable and upload the code to the Arduino using the Arduino IDE.

Advanced Scrolling Techniques

Bidirectional Scrolling: You can implement bidirectional scrolling by alternating between scrolling left and right. This can add a more dynamic effect to your display.
Vertical Scrolling: In addition to horizontal scrolling, you can also implement vertical scrolling by shifting the text between different lines on the LCD display.
Custom Characters: You can create custom characters using the LCD module's character generator RAM (CGRAM). This allows you to display unique symbols and graphics in your scrolling text.

Applications of Scrolling Text on STN Characters LCD Modules

Scrolling text on STN Characters LCD Modules has a wide range of applications, including:

Information Display: Display news, announcements, and other information in public places such as airports, train stations, and shopping malls.
Advertising: Promote products and services by displaying scrolling ads on LCD displays in retail stores and restaurants.
Industrial Control Panels: Provide real-time information about the status of industrial equipment and processes.
Consumer Electronics: Add a dynamic touch to devices such as digital clocks, calculators, and remote controls.

Our Product Offerings

As a supplier of STN Characters LCD Modules, we offer a wide range of products to meet your specific needs. Some of our popular products include:

Weight Scale Of Character LCD Display: Designed for weight scales, this LCD module provides clear and accurate display of weight readings.
LCD Screen Module for Multi-function Calculator: Ideal for multi-function calculators, this module offers high-resolution display and fast response time.
1.15 Inch Graphic LCD Display Module: This module is suitable for applications that require graphic display, such as portable devices and medical equipment.

Contact Us for Procurement

If you're interested in purchasing STN Characters LCD Modules or have any questions about displaying scrolling text, please feel free to contact us. Our team of experts is ready to assist you in finding the right solution for your application. We offer competitive prices, high-quality products, and excellent customer service. Don't hesitate to reach out and start the procurement process today.

References

Arduino LiquidCrystal Library Documentation
STN Characters LCD Module Datasheets
Microcontroller Programming Guides

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