How to install PiTFT and use to the GPIO for other usage (like serial console)

Question

I am about to install PiTFT on a RPi model B.

However, doing so, I will lose the GPIOs for other usage (like a serial cable cable, for instance).

Is it possible to install a PiTFT and still have a serial console cable connected somehow to the RPi ?

Im actually about to do the exact same today :D but the PiTFT doesnt use all GPIO's right? — EaterOfCode, Apr 01 '14 at 14:47
Do not know if it logically uses all GPIOs, but the PiTFT board uses all GPIO pintouts. — Alain, Apr 01 '14 at 14:56

score 3 · Answer 1 · edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:56

3

I've used a Python to send out Serial via the USB port. So yes its possible. You need to install the drivers. I think the most common is FTDI. More info here on creating an alias and calling from python - Get USB address.

Installing the FTDI driver was buried in this doc... took me a while to dig it up.

edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:56

Community

1

answered Apr 01 '14 at 14:36

PhillyNJ

1,210
2
16
28

score 3 · Accepted Answer · answered Apr 01 '14 at 15:45

The PiTFT will only use two GPIO Ports (#24 and #25), if you don't use the buttons (source). Of course, the board will stack up to all of them, but you can buy a stacking header which will stick through the holes far enough for you to connect other hardware. To make sure you don't use ##24 and 25 twice, you might want to cut them off after soldering.

And, since UART uses GPIOs ##8 and 10 for Tx/Rx, you should be good to go connecting to a serial console.

Perfect, this is exactly what I wish to know. – Alain Apr 01 '14 at 17:13 — Alain, Apr 01 '14 at 17:13

score 1 · Answer 3 · answered Jul 28 '14 at 02:04

Another way to keep your GPIO ports clear physically is to use a GPIO extension cable or ribbon cable instead of directly soldering the board onto the Pi. Since the SPI pins (which PiTFT uses) are concentrated at the end of the GPIO, you can get away with a 5*2 pin or 6*2 pin connector.

enter image description here

How to install PiTFT and use to the GPIO for other usage (like serial console)

3 Answers3

Linked