Why choose locally stocked displays
When a project deadline, lab practical or prototype sprint can’t wait, waiting weeks for an import kills momentum. Communica keeps a broad selection of displays in South Africa so you can source OLED, TFT, character LCDs and ePaper at short lead times - with branch collection, VAT invoices and technical guidance tailored to local makers and engineering teams. Shop Now and Check Stock in Samrand to confirm availability before you travel.
What types of displays we stock
Small graphic OLEDs (0.66"-1.5")
High-contrast monochrome modules for wearables, instrumentation and low-power projects. Widely compatible with I2C and SPI controllers and ideal for battery-powered devices.
TFT colour modules (1.8"-7")
Touch and non-touch IPS/TFT panels for HMI, dashboards and Raspberry Pi/Arduino projects. Choose parallel, SPI or MIPI interfaces depending on your microcontroller.
Character LCDs and OLED character modules
Reliable 16x2, 20x4 and similar modules for embedded menus and lab equipment. Easy HD44780-compatible wiring makes them a quick drop-in for student projects.
ePaper and specialised panels
Low-power, high-contrast displays for signage and remote sensors. Excellent for update-infrequent interfaces where power budget matters.
Quick spec comparison
| Type | Common Interfaces | Best for | Typical power |
|---|
| OLED small | I2C, SPI | Wearables, meters | ~0.5-20 mA |
| TFT colour | SPI, Parallel, MIPI | HMI, tablets, Pi displays | 10-400 mA |
| Character LCD | Parallel (HD44780) | Menus, lab rigs | 2-50 mA |
| ePaper | SPI | Signage, meters | µA standby, mA when updating |
If you need a detailed parts comparison or compatibility check, Compare Specs with our product pages in Collections to match interface, voltage and connector types before you buy. For a quick overview of our brand range, visit Shop by Brand.
Compatibility checklist before you buy
- Voltage and logic level: 3.3V vs 5V input - use level shifters where needed.
- Interface: confirm SPI/I2C/Parallel/MIPI support on your controller.
- Connector type: header pins, FPC ribbon or board-to-board - verify pinout.
- Backlight/driver requirements: some LCDs need separate LED backlight power.
- Physical size and mounting: bezel, screw holes and viewing angle for your enclosure.
For hands-on help with wiring and mounting, our Samrand and Pretoria branches offer pickup and quick technical checks - see branch times at Branches & Trading Hours.
Practical wiring examples and calculations
Ohm’s law and backlight current
If a character LCD backlight requires 20 mA at 5V, and you want to limit LED current using a series resistor from 5V with a 2V forward drop, use:
R = (Vsup - Vled) / I = (5V - 2V) / 0.02A = 150 ohms
Power dissipation on the resistor: P = I^2 * R = 0.02^2 * 150 = 0.06 W (use 0.25 W or higher resistor).
Simple SPI wiring ASCII diagram
MCU -> DISPLAYMOSI (D11) -> MOSISCK (D13) -> SCKCS (D10) -> CS / CSnDC -> D/C or RSGND -> GND3V3 -> VCC
Use short, twisted signal runs for SPI lines and common ground to reduce noise. For longer runs (>30 cm), add series resistors (33-100 ohm) on clock/data lines and a 0.1 µF decoupling cap near the display VCC pin.
Bundles, accessories and procurement tips
Save time by bundling displays with matching drivers, ribbon cables, mounting brackets and level shifters. Communica’s Collections page groups complementary parts to simplify ordering; browse relevant categories at Shop by Category. For education and lab procurement, request a VAT invoice and consolidated quote - Request a Quote for bulk or repeat orders.
Availability, lead times and local support
Stock levels change fast. Check live inventory on our All Products index to Confirm availability, or Check Stock in Samrand for same-day collection. If an item is out of stock, our team can recommend alternative modules with similar pinouts and electrical specs - compatible with common microcontrollers and development boards like Arduino and Raspberry Pi.
Learn more about Communica’s history and service model to understand our local support footprint at About Us. For fast quotes or account setup for institutions, use the contact options on our homepage: Communica.
Objections handled
Worried about compatibility? Use the Compare Specs guidance and we’ll verify pinouts and voltage before you buy. Concerned about lead times? Branch collection and regional stock reduce delays compared with import-only suppliers. Need student-friendly ordering or proof of purchase? We provide VAT invoices and can consolidate orders for course labs and projects.
Summary and next steps
If you need displays in South Africa today, Communica gives you local stock, technical checks, accessory bundles and procurement support designed for makers, students and engineering teams. Compare Specs, Check Stock in Samrand, Shop Now or Request a Quote to move from spec to prototype without long waits.
