Interface OLED With Arduino Nano

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Interfacing an OLED display with an Arduino Nano is a fun and useful project, especially for displaying sensor data or status messages. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you get started.

🧰 What You Need

  • Arduino Nano
  • 0.96″ OLED Display (I2C, typically 128×64 resolution)
  • Jumper wires
  • Breadboard (optional)

🔌 Wiring (I2C OLED)

Most I2C OLEDs have 4 pins: VCC, GND, SCL, SDA

OLED PinConnect To (Arduino Nano)
VCC 5V
GND GND
SCL A5
SDA A4

🧱 Libraries You Need

  1. Adafruit SSD1306
  2. Adafruit GFX

You can install these libraries via the Arduino Library Manager:

  • Go to Sketch > Include Library > Manage Libraries
  • Search for:
    • Adafruit SSD1306
    • Adafruit GFX Library
  • Install both.

Sample Code:

#include <Wire.h>
#include <Adafruit_GFX.h>
#include <Adafruit_SSD1306.h>

#define SCREEN_WIDTH 128 // OLED display width
#define SCREEN_HEIGHT 64 // OLED display height

// Declaration for an SSD1306 display connected to I2C (SDA, SCL pins)
#define OLED_RESET     -1 // Reset pin not used on I2C
Adafruit_SSD1306 display(SCREEN_WIDTH, SCREEN_HEIGHT, &Wire, OLED_RESET);

void setup() {
  // Start serial communication
  Serial.begin(9600);

  // Initialize the display
  if(!display.begin(SSD1306_SWITCHCAPVCC, 0x3C)) { // 0x3C is the I2C address
    Serial.println(F("SSD1306 allocation failed"));
    for(;;); // Don't proceed, loop forever
  }

  delay(2000); // Pause for 2 seconds

  // Clear the buffer
  display.clearDisplay();

  // Set text size and color
  display.setTextSize(1);
  display.setTextColor(SSD1306_WHITE);
  display.setCursor(0, 10);
  display.println("Hello From Tech Craft And Hacks!");
  display.display(); // Actually draw it on the display
}

void loop() {
  // You can update the display here
}

🛠️ Troubleshooting Tips

  • If your display doesn’t turn on:
    • Double-check wiring.
    • Try scanning I2C address using an I2C scanner sketch to confirm it’s 0x3C or 0x3D.
  • If the screen flickers or acts strangely:
    • Check power supply stability.
    • Make sure the display is I2C, not SPI (they look very similar).