Use Laptop screen for DMD?

[kactussjack]

This is a new interest fro me. I've tried to search this but could find any threads. Would it be possible to use a laptop display for the DMD in a 3 monitor set up? The are brand new 15.6" LED laptop screens for sale on EBay for ~$55. Would these be suitable? What else would be needed to make it work? Seems like an inexpensive way to go.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-15-6-AU-Optronics-B156XW02-V-3-Laptop-LED-WXGA-Screen-Matte-/350592192205?_trksid=p2045573.m2102&_trkparms=aid%3D555001%26algo%3DPW.CURRENT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D146%26meid%3D568691756

[viriiguy]

The problem with using a laptop screen... is they do not have a built in Driver board for the signal. This is generally on the laptop motherboard. There are some test boards out there that WILL drive laptop screens.. but they run between $300 and $5k. I looked into building a wall of screens using the surplus of Laptop LCD's I have a while back. It is just not feasible. Not financially anyway.

[Spektre99]

This is a new interest fro me. I've tried to search this but could find any threads. Would it be possible to use a laptop display for the DMD in a 3 monitor set up? The are brand new 15.6" LED laptop screens for sale on EBay for ~$55. Would these be suitable? What else would be needed to make it work? Seems like an inexpensive way to go.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-15-6-AU-Optronics-B156XW02-V-3-Laptop-LED-WXGA-Screen-Matte-/350592192205?_trksid=p2045573.m2102&_trkparms=aid%3D555001%26algo%3DPW.CURRENT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D146%26meid%3D568691756

Possible yes, Easy and cost effective no.

In order to use a laptop screen you woudl need an inverter (to run its internal backlight), and a compatible LCD controller.

Will end up being cheaper to use a computer monitor or small television.

[kactussjack]

Thanks- A small computer monitor is probably cheap enough anyway.

[mameman]

yeah, a 15.6" is ideal, as it will fit within the head of a pin without the need for cutting into the top of the cabinet to hide it. at last check they were around $70

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824254094

[Jackster]

Seen some 8" 16:9 monitors while surfing.

Though they gen a bit pricey unless if you buy bulk.

[shakenbake]

The Hannspree 15.6" fits perfectly, has a great picture and you can't beat the price at under $70. tigerdirect had a rebate on the lats week that brought them down to $39.

[wowter]

if you can get a screen from a broken laptop, and can find the right chinese board to drive it, it is a nice solution i think. Ebay tells me that driver/power boards for just this situation are now really cheap, like less than 30 dollars,

http://www.ebay.com/itm/LCD-Controller-Board-DIY-Kit-RTMC1B-VGA-Turn-a-Laptop-LCD-to-a-Desktop-Monitor-/110907056867?pt=US_Server_Boards&hash=item19d29362e3

[viriiguy]

Nice!! Those were not available last time I checked.

I might have yet another project coming up when this is done

[MTPPC]

I just ordered one for my Virtual Galaxy project. I also ordered a 12.1" screen. It came out to under $50, but I'm still concerned it will be a waste of $$.

[VampyreLegion]

check your local craigslist, I see LCD 15" to 17" monitors for $20 to $40. not many people want these 4:3 anymore.

[samwyze]

I had success using an entire old laptop as a backglass on my initial mini pin. It was an old 14" - It simply booted to a stripped down version of winxp then ran maxivista. Maxivista is software that turns a secondary pc into a secondary monitor using the network interface. There's a free trial available that *cough* *cough* seems to base it's trial period on the date created/modified attrib of it's dll *cough* *cough*. Worked well and ancient under powered laptops can be had for very little cost. You also get to feel good about recycling all that lead/mercury