Connecting the EXT3 to the Raspberry Pi Zero and B
Scope
This configuration has been tested successfully against
For a safe connection of the e-paper displays, please refer to EPD Handling and ESD Precaution. |
Native applications with MRAA library
For applications running natively on the Raspberry Pi, I also recommend the MRAA library with the corresponding connections based on the pins numbers (and not the GPIOs names).
On the main sketch, set the board to boardRaspberryPiZeroB_MRAA, corresponding to the pins defined in the hV_Configuration.h file of the ePaper_EXT3_Basic_Library (link 1, link 2). NotesThe executable can be run with normal privileges.
The MRAA library also supports other single board computers like the BeagleBone. |
Sketch.ino
hV_Configuration.h
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Hardware
Raspberry Pi model B connected to EXT3-1 and EXT3-Touch

Raspberry Pi model B connected to EXT3
Options
Large screens 9.7" and 12.2" require panelCSS to be defined and connected.
If the second memory is populated on the EXT3 board, flashCSS needs to be defined and connected. The library will keep flashCSS HIGH to avoid any interferences with the other devices connected to the SPI bus. |
Native applications with BCM2835 library
Software
For applications running natively on the Raspberry Pi, I recommend the BCM2835 library with the corresponding connections, based on the GPIOs names.
On the main sketch, set the board to boardRaspberryPiZeroB_RasPiArduino, corresponding to the pins defined in the hV_Configuration.h file of the ePaper_EXT3_Basic_Library (link 1, link 2). NotesThe executable needs to be run with sudo in order to have access to the I²C and SPI ports.
When used, the SPI pulls high GPIO8 CE0 pin 24 and GPIO7 CS1 pin 26. The connections are adapted accordingly. The I²C bus doesn't freeze with the BCM2835 library. HardwareThe connections for the MRAA library are valid for the BCM2835 library.
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Sketch.ino
hV_Configuration.h
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RasPiArduino port for Arduino
Software
On the main sketch, set the board to boardRaspberryPiZeroB_RasPiArduino, corresponding to the pins defined in the hV_Configuration.h file of the ePaper_EXT3_Basic_Library (link 1, link 2).
NotesI am using the excellent RasPiArduino port of Arduino to the Raspberry Pi.
The executable needs to be run with sudo in order to have access to the I²C and SPI ports. The I²C bus freezes occasionally with the RasPiArduino library. |
Sketch.ino
hV_Configuration.h
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Hardware
Posted: 28 Feb 2021
Updated: 24 May 2021, 24 Aug 2021, 15 Nov 2021, 30 May 2022, 27 Jan 2023