This tutorial page is for PiTFT that came as a kit. If your PiTFT is already assembled, skip this step!
Before you start check that you have the parts you need: an assembled PiTFT plate with the 2.8" screen, extra tall female header and the 2x13 IDC socket. Note that it is normal for the screen to be 'loose' - this is so its easier for you to solder the connector on!
Check also on the back that the TFT is attached and that the flex connector is seated into the onboard FPC socket.
The easiest way to attach the header is if you have a Raspberry Pi as a 'stand' - make sure its powered off & unplugged!
Plug the extra tall female header into the GPIO port on the Pi as shown. Make sure its seated nice and flat
Place the PiTFT shield on top so all the pins stick through the connector on the side. Gently flip the TFT so its off to the side and wont be in your way while you solder
Heat up your soldering iron, and grab some solder. Start by tack-soldering one of the corners while pressing on the plate to make it sit flat. Once you have one or two pins done you can continue to solder each of the pins.
Before attaching the display, check that all the pins are soldered nicely and there's no bridging, cold solder, shorts, or unsoldered pins.
Now we can attach the screen. Remove the two thin tape cover strips.
Line up the screen on the white outline, make sure there's some space from the header you just soldered in and the metal sides of the screen. As long as you don't really press down on the screen you can reposition it once or twice.
Once you have the screen so it is definitely not touching the header, you can gently press on the sides to secure the tape.
If the protective plastic cover is still on the screen you can press it against a clean table from above. That way you will really securely attach it!
If you want to attach an Adafruit Cobbler or similar, you can solder in the optional 2x13 IDC on the bottom of the screen as shown here. This will keep the top side clean and flat. Solder in all 26 pins

The picture shows a 2x13 male header. We've since updated this product to include an IDC socket so it's easier to add a cobbler. Both will work, though!

You can attach a 26-pin IDC cable just make sure the pin 1 indicator is on the right as indicated in this photo - there's also a #1 marking on the PCB!

This guide was first published on Nov 29, 2013. It was last updated on Mar 08, 2024.

This page (Assembly) was last updated on Nov 28, 2013.

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