Connecting the Official Raspberry Pi 7" Touchscreen to Your Raspberry Pi 5: A Complete Guide
The Raspberry Pi ecosystem continues to evolve, and with the release of the Raspberry Pi 5, many enthusiasts are eager to connect their favorite accessories to this powerful new board.
If you are using the official Raspberry Pi 7" touchscreen display generation 1, this guide will walk you through using the SC1131 shielded cable to establish a seamless connection.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced maker, this tutorial ensures you will be up and running in no time.
Required Hardware
Raspberry Pi 5 single-board computer
Official Raspberry Pi 7" touchscreen display (generation 1)
SC1131 Raspberry Pi Display Cable (available in 200mm, 300mm, and 500mm lengths)
Preloaded microSD card with Raspberry Pi OS
Power supply for the Raspberry Pi 5
Why You Need the SC1131 Cable
With the Raspberry Pi 5, the display interface has been upgraded to mini 22-pin, 0.5mm pitch, combined MIPI CSI/DSI ports.
This is a significant change from earlier Raspberry Pi models, which used a 15-pin DSI port.
The SC1131 shielded cable bridges this gap, allowing you to connect the older 7" touchscreen display to the new board.
Its multiple length options (200mm, 300mm, and 500mm) make it versatile for a variety of setups, whether compact or more spread out.
Step-by-Step Connection Guide
1. Prepare Your Components
Ensure that you have all the components listed above. Double-check that the Raspberry Pi OS is properly preloaded onto your microSD card.
2. Connect the SC1131 Cable
Locate one of the two MIPI DSI connectors on the Raspberry Pi 5 board, marked with labels CAM/DISP.
Carefully insert the SC1131 shielded cable into the connector corresponding to your display, ensuring the pins align correctly.
Secure the connection by closing the latch on the connector. Repeat the process to attach the other end of the cable to the display.
3. Power Up the System
Insert the microSD card into your Raspberry Pi 5 and connect the power supply. The system should boot into Raspberry Pi OS.
4. Verify the Connection
Once powered up, the display should come to life, showing the Raspberry Pi OS interface.
If the screen does not turn on, double-check the cable connections and ensure the microSD card is properly set up with the operating system.
Raspberry Pi OS: Out-of-the-Box Support
The official Raspberry Pi OS includes all the necessary drivers and device tree configurations for the 7" touchscreen display. This means you do not need to manually install or configure additional software - it just works!
Tips for a Smooth Setup
Handle with care: The mini 22-pin connectors are delicate, so avoid applying excessive force.
Secure connections: Ensure the SC1131 cable is firmly connected on both ends to prevent any intermittent issues.
Choose the right cable length: Select a length that suits your project's layout to avoid unnecessary strain on the cable.
Conclusion
With the SC1131 shielded cable, connecting the classic official Raspberry Pi 7" touchscreen display to the new Raspberry Pi 5 is a straightforward process. This guide, paired with the detailed step-by-step video tutorial, ensures your setup will be smooth and functional.
