Start of the Modular Screen prototype...

MM007 · Post by **MM007** » Tue Apr 19, 2005 6:45 pm

Well, after getting a pair of 4" (from top left pixel to bottom right pixel) Active Matrix LCDs for $20 USD, I decided to try my idea of making a easy to transport and swap monitor for video game systems, cars, etc. here are some pictures of what I have so far...

http://www.edoropolis.org/spcgameproject/unmodlcd.jpg
One of the LCDs, not yet encased.

http://www.edoropolis.org/spcgameproject/modlcd.jpg
The LCD enclosed in a case I made from an NES cartridge holder and erector set pieces.

http://www.edoropolis.org/spcgameprojec ... dsmall.jpg
The screen playing DOOM.

http://www.edoropolis.org/spcgameproject/modlcdzoom.jpg
Close up of the LCD playing DOOM.

The screen may be a bit smaller than a PSOne screen, but it has 6 dials to adjust brightness, color/monochrome levels, and even red and blue tint. I like this screen better than my PSOne Interact Mobile Monitor, truthfully.

It runs on straight 12V, and since I just got several 12V batteries, it can make some nice portables, as well as use in cars, as was the original intent.

I will have to make speakers and amps still for sound, but once it is done, the unit will have power, left, right, and video plugs, and it will use those plugs to hold it up as well as for connections. It will plug directly into a dashboard cradle, or an equipped portable, hence the term Modular.

What do you think?

riva16 · Post by **riva16** » Tue Apr 19, 2005 6:57 pm

Cool idea, but the resolution looks like crap... Well, from the pic it does... I dunno about real life.

Post by **bicostp** » Tue Apr 19, 2005 6:59 pm

LCDs are very difficult to photograph if they're not head-on and perfectly straight.

Great idea with the modular screen bit!

MM007 · Post by **MM007** » Tue Apr 19, 2005 7:04 pm

Yeah, the resolution is MUCH better than it looks...plus, that's a .jpg image.

Anyway, I still say the scanner made a nicer image than a webcam...

And thanks!

Post by **Triton** » Tue Apr 19, 2005 8:59 pm

u gonna use both of them? still gonna use the interact? lol i need a screen

MM007 · Post by **MM007** » Tue Apr 19, 2005 9:24 pm

Triton wrote:u gonna use both of them? still gonna use the interact? lol i need a screen

Sorry, but yes. My SNES is built around a PSOne screen, and I will likely keep it. It is also fine for low color(older) systems.

Also, I will likely make 2 modular screens trying to work out the design. These are just standard automotive LCD screens. I'm surprised no one has tried to use one of these rather than gut a TV...granted TV has sound, but you can make your own sound circuits...

vskid · Post by **vskid** » Tue Apr 19, 2005 10:43 pm

Do u know the exact name of those screens? It would make it easier to find one.

MM007 · Post by **MM007** » Wed Apr 20, 2005 5:41 am

I'm afraid not. i only see that they were made in Taiwan. there is a number on them: 06-1002-0011, but I don't know if it is model, serial, some ID or what. Ther aren't labeled very well.

They are just generic 4" automotive 12V LCD screens though.

Niku-Sama · Post by **Niku-Sama** » Wed Apr 20, 2005 6:43 pm

i find a bunch of generic car stuff like that on yahoo shopping
just do a search in shopping for:

(size here) " LCD

and something should come up

G-force · Post by **G-force** » Thu Apr 21, 2005 12:45 pm

Sounds like a cool idea. Good luck with it

BTW what are you planning on using for an audio amp?

MM007 · Post by **MM007** » Thu Apr 21, 2005 4:31 pm

I have yet to decide that. I'm thinking of making it stereo, and I'm trying to come up with a convention to make all such Modular Screens compatible with each-other's cradles/systems. I may add a 9-pin D-shell connector for those screens with RGB, in addition to power and the typical RCA connectors.