This is an adorable little display for the Raspberry Pi. It has a 3.5' display with 480x320 16-bit color pixels and a resistive touch overlay, just like our well - loved original version. But it's specifically designed for the newer '2x20 connector' Raspberry Pi models. It uses the high - speed SPI interface on the Pi and can serve as a console, X window port, and display images or videos. The best part is it plugs right on top! This PiTFT 3.5' fits nicely on the Raspberry Pi Zero, Pi 3, Pi 2, or Model A+ / B+ (any Pi with a 2x20 connector), not for the old Pi 1 with a 2x13 connector. If you want a 3.5' display for the original Pi A or Pi B, check out another version. The display uses hardware SPI pins (SCK, MOSI, MISO, CE0, CE1), GPIO #25 and #24. You can use GPIO #18 to PWM dim the backlight. All other GPIO are unused. There's a 2x13 'classic Pi' connection GPIO header at the bottom, allowing you to connect a 26 - pin Pi GPIO cable. Other GPIO are available as solder pads at the bottom. It comes fully assembled and ready to plug into your Pi. You can use it for running the X interface or pygame, and you can also connect an HDMI display separately. There are four mounting ears that can be used to attach the display and Pi to a bezel, or you can snap them off for a sleek look. We've created a custom kernel package based on Notro's great framebuffer work. You can install it on your existing Raspbian (or derivative) images with just a few commands. Our tutorial shows you how to install the software, calibrate the touchscreen, and display images from your PiCam and more!
Using this display is easy. First, make sure your Raspberry Pi has a 2x20 connector. Just plug the display right on top of your Pi. If you want to adjust the backlight, you can use GPIO #18. You can use this display for running the X interface or pygame, and you can also connect an HDMI display separately. To install the software, follow our tutorial. It shows you how to install a custom kernel package over your existing Raspbian (or derivative) images in just a few commands. Also, the tutorial will guide you on how to calibrate the touchscreen and display images from your PiCam. When using the display, note that it's not for the old Pi 1 with a 2x13 connector. For maintenance, keep it clean and avoid touching the screen with sharp objects. If you don't need the mounting ears, you can snap them off with pliers for a neater look.
