How to Connect Thumb LCD Display to BLDC Controller which has no display cables

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of connecting a thumb LCD display to a BLDC (Brushless DC) controller that lacks dedicated display cables. This is particularly useful for DIY electric vehicle projects, allowing you to monitor performance metrics directly from the display.

Step 1: Gather Necessary Components

Before starting, ensure you have all the required components:

• Thumb LCD display
• BLDC controller
• Jumper wires (preferably female-to-female)
• Soldering equipment (if necessary)
• Multimeter (for testing connections)

Step 2: Understand the Pin Configuration

Familiarize yourself with the pin configurations of both the thumb LCD display and the BLDC controller. This information is crucial for establishing the correct connections.

• Thumb LCD Display Pins: Identify the data, power, and ground pins on the display.
• BLDC Controller Pins: Check the controller’s documentation for available communication protocols and pin layouts.

Step 3: Prepare the Connections

Since the BLDC controller does not have dedicated display cables, you will need to make manual connections.

• Use jumper wires to connect the following:
  • Power pin from the LCD to the appropriate power output on the controller (usually 5V).
  • Ground pin from the LCD to the ground terminal on the controller.
  • Data pins from the LCD to the corresponding communication pins on the controller (often UART or CAN).

Step 4: Solder Connections (if necessary)

If the connections are not secure with jumper wires, you may need to solder them.

• Strip the ends of the wires and twist them together if soldering.
• Apply solder to secure the connection and ensure there are no shorts.
• Use heat shrink tubing or electrical tape to insulate the connections.

Step 5: Test the Setup

Once the connections are made, it's time to test the setup.

• Power on the BLDC controller and the LCD display.
• Use a multimeter to verify that power is being delivered to the LCD.
• Check for any signs of display activity. If the display is not functioning, recheck your connections.

Step 6: Configure Display Settings

If your LCD requires configuration for display settings:

• Refer to the LCD documentation for setting up communication parameters like baud rate.
• Adjust settings as needed to ensure compatibility with the BLDC controller.

Conclusion

You have successfully connected a thumb LCD display to a BLDC controller without dedicated display cables. This setup allows you to monitor important metrics for your electric vehicle project.

Next steps could include customizing the display settings further or integrating additional sensors to enhance data monitoring. Always ensure to review your connections periodically to maintain functionality.