How to rotate the display on a 3.5 Inch TFT Strip Screen?

Hey there! As a supplier of 3.5 Inch TFT Strip Screens, I often get asked about how to rotate the display on these nifty little screens. In this blog post, I'm gonna walk you through the process step by step, so you can get the most out of your 3.5 Inch TFT Strip Screen.

Why Rotate the Display?

First off, you might be wondering why you'd even want to rotate the display. Well, there are a few good reasons. Maybe you're using the screen in a unique setup where a different orientation makes more sense. Or perhaps you're trying to fit more content on the screen by changing the aspect ratio. Whatever the reason, rotating the display can give you more flexibility and a better viewing experience.

Prerequisites

Before we dive into the rotation process, there are a few things you'll need:

• A 3.5 Inch TFT Strip Screen (obviously!)
• A compatible microcontroller or development board. This could be something like an Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or other similar boards.
• The necessary cables and connectors to connect the screen to your microcontroller.
• The appropriate software libraries for your microcontroller to interface with the screen.

Step 1: Check the Screen's Capabilities

Not all 3.5 Inch TFT Strip Screens support display rotation. So, the first thing you need to do is check the datasheet or product documentation for your specific screen. Look for information about rotation settings or commands. Most modern screens will have some way to rotate the display, but it's always good to double - check.

Step 2: Install the Software Libraries

Once you've confirmed that your screen can be rotated, you'll need to install the software libraries for your microcontroller. These libraries make it easier to communicate with the screen and send commands to it.

For example, if you're using an Arduino, you can use libraries like the Adafruit GFX Library and the Adafruit ILI9341 Library (if your screen uses the ILI9341 driver). You can install these libraries through the Arduino IDE's Library Manager. Just go to Sketch > Include Library > Manage Libraries, and search for the libraries by name.

Step 3: Write the Code

Now comes the fun part - writing the code to rotate the display. The exact code will depend on the microcontroller and libraries you're using. Here's a simple example using an Arduino and the Adafruit ILI9341 Library:

#include <SPI.h>
#include <Adafruit_GFX.h>
#include <Adafruit_ILI9341.h>

// Pin definitions
#define TFT_CS 10
#define TFT_DC 9
#define TFT_RST 8

Adafruit_ILI9341 tft = Adafruit_ILI9341(TFT_CS, TFT_DC, TFT_RST);

void setup() {
  tft.begin();
  // Rotate the display
  tft.setRotation(1); // 0 = normal, 1 = 90 degrees clockwise, 2 = 180 degrees, 3 = 90 degrees counter - clockwise
  tft.fillScreen(ILI9341_BLACK);
  tft.setCursor(0, 0);
  tft.setTextColor(ILI9341_WHITE);
  tft.setTextSize(2);
  tft.println("Rotated Display!");
}

void loop() {
  // You can add more code here if needed
}

In this code, we first include the necessary libraries. Then, we define the pin connections for the screen. In the setup() function, we initialize the screen, set the rotation using the setRotation() function (in this case, rotating it 90 degrees clockwise), and then display some text on the screen.

Step 4: Upload and Test

Once you've written the code, upload it to your microcontroller. If you're using an Arduino, you can do this by clicking the Upload button in the Arduino IDE.

After the code has been uploaded, power on your microcontroller and screen. You should see the display rotated according to the settings in your code. If it doesn't work, double - check your code, the pin connections, and make sure the libraries are installed correctly.

Other Considerations

• Touchscreen Calibration: If your 3.5 Inch TFT Strip Screen has a touchscreen, you'll need to recalibrate it after rotating the display. The touch coordinates will change depending on the orientation of the screen.
• Performance: Rotating the display might have a slight impact on the performance of your screen, especially if you're doing a lot of graphics rendering. Keep this in mind if you're working on a project that requires high - speed graphics.

Our Other TFT Screens

We also offer a wide range of other TFT screens that you might be interested in. For example, we have the 1.77 Inch TFT Color LCD, which is perfect for small - scale projects. It's compact and offers great color display.

If you need a larger screen for an electricity meter or other similar applications, our 7.0 - inch TFT With Touch Display For Electricity Meter is a great choice. It has a touch - enabled display, making it easy to interact with.

And if you prefer a square - shaped screen, we have the 3.2 Inch TFT Square Screen. It offers a unique aspect ratio and is suitable for various projects.

Contact Us for Purchasing

If you're interested in our 3.5 Inch TFT Strip Screens or any of our other products, we'd love to hear from you. Whether you're a hobbyist working on a cool project or a business looking for reliable display solutions, we can provide you with high - quality products and excellent customer service. Reach out to us to start a purchasing discussion and find the best TFT screen for your needs.

References

• Adafruit Industries. "Adafruit GFX Library Documentation."
• Arduino.cc. "Arduino IDE User Guide."
• Manufacturer's datasheet for the 3.5 Inch TFT Strip Screen.