I’ve created a script that enables the touch functionality of Victron Touch screens (like the GX Touch 50 or 70) when connected to a Raspberry Pi. This addresses discussions in the Victron Community, such as this thread, where users sought to integrate these screens with a Raspberry Pi setup.
Unlike many touchscreens that communicate over USB, Victron Touch screens use I2C over HDMI for communication. The USB connector on these devices is solely for power, not data. This script automates the setup process by enabling I2C, installing necessary dependencies (like ydotool for input simulation), configuring permissions, and restarting the Raspberry Pi. After the reboot, basic touch functionality should work.
What to Expect
The script provides basic touch support—single taps will move the cursor and simulate a click. However, it does not currently support gestures, drag-and-drop, or calibration. I hope to improve these features in the future with additional time and community feedback.
Tested Hardware
As noted in the README, the script has been tested on:
- Raspberry Pi 5
- Raspberry Pi 4
- Raspberry Pi 3
Try It Out!
Please test the script and share your feedback!
You can find it on GitHub: GitHub - lpopescu-victron/ft5316-touchscreen: Victron 7 inch touch HDMI I2C. I’d love to hear your thoughts,
Lucian