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OnBuy.com£26.22Visit shop Adafruit 938 Oled 1.3" 128X64 White Graphic Display Ssd1306 I2c Or Spi 700161461053
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This guide is for electronics hobbyists, makers, and developers looking to add a crisp, high-contrast display to their projects. The Adafruit 938 OLED display offers excellent readability in a compact size, ideal for status indicators, small readouts, or graphical elements. A key benefit is its low power consumption thanks to the self-emissive nature of OLED technology. However, users should be aware that it requires a microcontroller with at least 1KB of RAM for buffering the display content.
| Model Part Number | Adafruit-938 |
|---|---|
| Brand | Adafruit |
Any microcontroller capable of I2C or SPI communication and having at least 1KB of RAM. Popular choices include Arduino Uno/Nano (with sufficient RAM), ESP32, ESP8266, and Raspberry Pi.
Yes, the display includes level shifting and can be safely powered and controlled by 5V microcontrollers like the Arduino Uno.
On average, the display consumes about 40mA from the 3.3V supply. Actual power consumption varies slightly depending on how many pixels are lit.
OLEDs have a finite lifespan and can be susceptible to burn-in if static images are displayed for extended periods. However, for typical project use with dynamic content, they offer good longevity.
While not strictly required, using a library (like the Adafruit SSD1306 library for Arduino) is highly recommended. It simplifies the process of initializing the display and drawing text, shapes, and graphics.
No, this is a monochrome (white) OLED display and can only display black and white pixels.
Verify power and ground connections. Ensure the correct I2C or SPI pins are connected to your microcontroller. Check if the display initialization code in your program is correct. Try a different communication interface (I2C vs. SPI) if possible.
Check for loose wire connections. Ensure the microcontroller's logic levels are compatible (3.3V or 5V with level shifting). If using I2C, ensure the correct I2C address is being used. If using SPI, verify clock speed and data pin connections.
Consult the Adafruit library documentation or the SSD1306 datasheet for commands related to display rotation or inversion. You may need to adjust initialization parameters.
Ensure the display is receiving adequate power (approx. 40mA at 3.3V). Check that the contrast settings in your code are appropriate. Very low ambient light is actually ideal for OLED contrast; under bright light, contrast can appear reduced.
Setup: This display uses the SSD1306 controller and supports I2C or SPI communication. You will need to connect VCC (3.3V), GND, SDA/SCL (for I2C) or MOSI/SCK/CS (for SPI) to your microcontroller. Ensure you use the correct pins for your chosen interface. Adafruit provides an Arduino library that simplifies initialization and drawing text, shapes, and bitmaps.
Compatibility: The display requires a 3.3V power supply and operates with 3.3V logic levels. However, it includes onboard regulators and level shifting, making it fully compatible with 5V logic devices like standard Arduino boards. A microcontroller with at least 1KB of RAM is recommended due to the need to buffer the entire display content before sending it to the screen.
Care: Handle the OLED display with care, avoiding excessive force or bending. Keep the display surface clean using a dry or slightly damp, soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or solvents, as they can damage the screen surface. For long-term displays of static content, consider implementing screen refresh or dimming routines to mitigate the risk of OLED burn-in.
