SparkFun Serial Enabled LCD Kit

SparkFun's Serial Enabled LCD Kit is a highly versatile product that offers more than just a simple LCD display. Once assembled, this all-PTH kit transforms into a fully Arduino-compatible development board, featuring a striking white on black 16x2 display.

The kit is powered by the ATMega328, which provides more than enough capacity to control a parallel LCD. This leaves a substantial amount of processing power for any other tasks you might need to undertake. To further enhance its functionality, all unused GPIO pins have been broken out to 2.54mm headers on one side of the board. This makes the kit not only an excellent tool for those beginning to solder, but also a valuable development resource for seasoned programmers.

Uploading new code to the LCD Kit via a bootloader requires an FTDI Basic Breakout, with the Board setting in Arduino on 'Arduino Duemilanove w/ ATmega328'. The microcontroller comes pre-programmed with the SerialLCD firmware on top of the bootloader. This means you can use it as a serial-enabled LCD right out of the box, without needing to do any programming.

For instructions on how to use the kit, refer to the github page. The source code is also hosted there, offering a deeper insight into the product's capabilities. The kit also comes with a range of documents, including a schematic, Eagle Files, an Assembly and Getting Started Guide, a datasheet, and example code.

SparkFun's Serial Enabled LCD Kit is more than just a product, it's a powerful tool that offers endless possibilities for development and exploration. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced programmer, this kit offers a unique and engaging way to expand your skills and bring your ideas to life.