With the new Raspberry Pi model B+ and its extra USB ports there's a slight problem with the
layout of the character LCD shield. As you can see in the photo below, the three through-
hole backlight resistors have their leads right above one of the metal USB ports.
Unfortunately these leads are quite close and can potentially short against the metal USB
port.
There is current limiting in the resistor circuit so it shouldn't damage the Pi if there is a short,
but to be sure it is advised to cover the USB port and resistor leads in a few layers of
electrical tape. Be sure to cut the resistor leads as short as possible with flush cutters and
try to ensure there are no sharp edges from the cut leads or solder. See the photo below
with arrows pointing to the two locations you should place electrical tape.
Note that if you are using a Raspberry Pi model A or B (i.e. Pi with only 1 or
2 USB ports) you can skip this step and move on. You only need to add this
tape if you're using a Raspberry Pi model B+, the Pi with 4 USB ports.
© Adafruit Industries
https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-16x2-character-lcd-plus-keypad-for-
raspberry-pi
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