Convert Old Display Panel Into Sleek Monitor
Introduction: Convert Old Display Panel Into Sleek Monitor
I’m a huge fan of retro gaming and it’s really been a long time playing any sort of games, So I was wondering if I can build a retro gaming setup with raspberry pi and an old display panel. But while building, the idea just spiralled out and I had other ideas to build the retro setup, which I will discuss in the future Instructable.
So, instead of shredding down all the work I did so far, I converted the old monitor into a thin-bezel secondary monitor. Already there are plenty of videos/articles around the internet explaining how to convert the LCD panel into a Monitor or a Tv. So we'll focus more on the design and making the display sleek. I think this would be a great project if you are just getting started to work with wood just like me.
Supplies
This is the list of products that can help you do this project with ease
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* 3d printer: https://amzn.to/3trVWKw
* printer upgrades: https://amzn.to/3hbK3Ga
* Black filament: https://amzn.to/3orgpiA
* Glue gun:https://amzn.to/2WiuKUa
* Screws: https://amzn.to/3vdF1zj
* drill: https://amzn.to/3yYFA0S
* jigsaw: https://amzn.to/3zweaRD
* Isopropyl alcohol: https://amzn.to/3BdokHS
* Black Spray paint: https://amzn.to/3z3Wxaf
* V59 universal board / inverter / LVD cable: https://amzn.to/3J1e9YN
* TV base stand: https://amzn.to/3otKnTi
Step 1: LCD Panel
I got this LCD panel from an old LG monitor that I borrowed from a friend. If you like you can also buy the same LCD panel directly from various vendors, but that doesn’t seem too exciting and it doesn’t do any justice for a DIY project so, I highly recommend getting a used monitor or a monitor with a broken display controller.
That’s right, I mentioned broken controller because in this build I will use a v59 universal driver board to control the LCD panel, by which we get a variety of options like HDMI, VGA, audio port , USB media, etc. To confirm if the driver is compatible with your LCD panel just look at the back, for the model number. 33
Which will help in confirming the compatibility with the universal driver. After confirming the compatibility, make sure to get an inverter as well, which will supply the power for the back light. If you like to buy the similar driver and the inverter I have given the link for both in the on the supply section.
Step 2: Wood Working
For the rest of the construction I’m going to use a ¾ inch wood, which will act as the support, frame and the housing for the driver and inverter. Start with cutting the support frame with the same dimension as the LCD panel [Might vary depending on the display you have], to keep the footprint, small as possible. Then make a small cut out in the middle which will act as the housing for the electronics [Also depends on the size of the circuit you have].
Then don't forget to drill a few holes in the bottom for the plastic stands which we’ll later include in the build.
To separate the LCD panel and the electronics between the cut out, I’m going to use this 3mm wood [from one of my old project] and make some slots and holes to pass through wires between the driver and the LCD panel.
Once you have placed everything in place and feels good move on to painting.
Step 3: Painting
First, start with masking the LCD panel with newspaper and painter's tape. In my case, I used insulation tape, which was a very bad idea because of the marking that was left on the LCD panel.
I used black acrylic paint for the panel and the wooden frame.
[Note: Be careful not to get the paint on the display]
Step 4: Cleaning
Once the painting is done, remove the newspaper carefully without damaging the LCD panel. To remove the tape marking you can use the isopropyl alcohol to clean the surface.
But for the wooden frame and the 3mm wooden panel, cleaning might not be necessary because the LCD panel will concealed them.
Once you are done with cleaning, you can start the electronics assembly. 996