Jump to content

Add a Small LCD to your Case


Recommended Posts

Adding a small LCD to your rig.

 

Had a bunch of questions regarding the LCD Video Screens in my rigs.

It’s a very easy mod so I’ll try and guide you through the basics of it.

 

56screen2.jpg

 

70screen.jpg

 

Myfavoriteshot.jpg

 

Required :

Video card with simultaneous Dual Monitor Output capability - It’s usually S-Video!

(I think that started with the GF4200 series for NVidia. – check with Card manufacturer to be sure.)

LCD Video Display with at least one Video Input. I use “headrest” LCD monitors from the car stereo industry. 4”, 5”, and 5.6” can usually fit in a 5.25” bay but you’ll need to give up two to three bays if you front mount them. They are generally less than 1” deep. Or you can place them internally so they are viewable through a window. There are big differences in quality and resolution among the screens. Generally, the better the off axis picture the higher the cost.. You may be able to find something on eBay or at your local Mobile Video Specialist. Prices can vary from $50 to $400. Some units are equipped with multiple Video Inputs, remote control, OSD, and even built in speakers. Multiple inputs are great for adding a small camera or second video source.

 

Many units come with their own “input connection box”. This can be an advantage or a hinderence due to extra cable length (of course it can be cut, shortened and soldered.

S-video to RCA adaptor. This converts the S-Video to the standard RCA style inputs. You’ll lose stability and often get Black and white picture only if you try and modify the S-Video connector. It does use a resistor/capacitor network to combine chrominance and luminance.

 

S-Video to RCA information

http://www.pccables.com/70714.htm

 

Here’s a generic video on how to set up the card for dual monitors

http://www.svideo.com/displayvideo.htm

 

RCA Cord to connect the S-video Adaptor to the monitor (12 to 18 inches long)

 

Some type of Molex connector to power the unit from your existing PSU or an external 12v PSU (wall type). Some overclockers don’t like the drain on PSU but the LCDs don’t require much wattage.

 

Solder, tape, heat shrink tubing or whatever to finish electrical connections.

 

Mounting Hardware du jour (screws, nuts, bolts, brackets) to Mount the LCD screen securely. Some folks will want to fabricate their own metal brackets and drill holes. Depending on screen and placement I highly recommend the use of 3M double sided Exterior tape #4010 and #4011. Super strong and used for mounting mirrors and such. You can also pull the LCD off if necessary or if the location doesn’t seem proper. (Makes sense not to block off the CMOS jumper or screw up airflow within the case obviously.)

Even if used only temporarily. It’s nice to have the tape at hand.

 

Screen – Shroud – Remote Control – Power Connector and Filter - Video Input box - Monitor Cable (this is NOT an S-Video style plug)

Out Of Box

 

allmon.jpg

 

Dual Inputs

Dualinputs.jpg

 

Dual Outputs

DualOutputs.jpg

 

This is the Fahrenheit T-6502HRS. We sell them for $299.99. Those are 7” screens above it in their custom headrest. You may be able to get a 8” or 9” as well. The actual “viewing area” of the screen goes up pretty dramatically as screen size increases. Remember the screens are measured diagonally.

 

Like I said, easy as Hale.

 

Bit-tech has some excellent info if you want to dive into modding an existing LCD.

 

Let me know if you have questions. Be more than happy to answer any specifics.

 

EDIT: Since all my case have "side windows" I always am looking for a good scratch remover/cleaner". I've been using Meguiar's #7 - Professional Show Car Glaze' and have been very impressed with the results. Make sure you pick up a case of elbow grease as well. :D

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

  • Replies 30
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

@Doomed

 

Here is your video card:

vid.jpg

 

Since your card has S-Video (the little circle connector above the two DVI connections), as well as two DVI connections, per this guide, you should be good to go!

 

@Soundx98

Thanks for the guide Soundx98! I was actually interested in adding some bling to my case! This just might be my ticket!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

nice lil how to man. ill say for those of you just getting into using lcds in your case the best ones to start out with is ones with s-video it simplifies things alot. and if you do have to use vga or composite signal i strongly recommend you do some reading on it cause it can become a pita.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

If the card uses a VIVO (VideoInVideoOut) connector an adaptor will/should be included,. Usually Video Out RCA, Video IN RCA, and S-video connector at least. The outputs are often yellow in color.

 

Older Video Cards with S-Video output often only support S-Video Out or standard monitor, not both at the same time. You may have to "futz" with DVI connections as well. On my Radeon cards DVI-A will work but DVI-B will not. And no you can't stretch three screens across/wide either.

 

I've seen decent screens on eBay for less than a hundred. It's a pretty popular category in my business so I'm sure many screens will turn up. Since I have my cases slightly sideways (cause it looks so good thru the window). I often watch TV on it but most of the time I use it as an extended desktop.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

gorsh - BLUSH - hehehe

 

Are you easy to please! :)

 

Just a quicky, was gonna do something on the Matrix Orbital and LIS character displays and then get into some config files for use with the MBM5 stuff.

 

Now this was a lot of work, so glad so many helped. http://www.dfi-street.com/forum/showthread...98&page=1&pp=15

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

  • 11 months later...

Thanks man.

 

Do you know if that is possible with TFT monitors from old Laptops, got some spare ones!

possible yes, easy NO.

It's usually a lot of work to get the Video input correct, relocating Power Supply for the CCFLs that backlight the screen (if you don't break the CCFLs and can get them to work), many of the old laptop screens just don't have the brightness or numerous dead pixels.

 

The guide was designed when using a small LCD from a headrest (plug and play if you would) but you can but a brand new 15" LCD for less than a $150 and mount it in the non-windowed side for wow factor.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in



Sign In Now

×
×
  • Create New...