Have an old laptop whose motherboard died? Hinges broken? Does not turn on anymore?
Repurpose the screen as a portable monitor, for cheap!
Post is still WIP, will add more photos ans edit as I go.
Here’s What you need:
- Laptop screen
- Suitable display controller (more on this below)
- Input source (FireTV Stick, a PC or a laptop - anything that outputs HDMI) and HDMI cable
- Some tools: Screwdriver, Spudger, electrical tape, isopropyl alcohol in some cases.
- (Optional) 3d printing service for a case or a stand
Prep your screen
The bezels are pretty easy to remove, use a spudger or a plastic card (guitar pick if you are too cool like that).
Use the screwdriver to unscrew the hinge and carefully remove the actual panel from the laptop housing. Mind the display ribbon cable!
Pay attention to the ribbon connector, it is very fragile and can cook the screen pretty easily if connector does not make proper contact.
If laptop is already dead, great! Don’t need to worry about breaking wireless antennae in the screen frame or the fragile bezels.
Finding the right controller
Once the screen is out, take a look at the part number or the model.
Most recent panels will have an eDP connector, and will support most eDP controllers. They are cheap too.
If the laptop was old, no need to worry. You can still find an LVDS controller board for it, just search for Model + driver/controller.
ebay is your most likely and cheap source, however you might have to wait for a few weeks till the parts arrive. In most cases, the pricing is going to be close to $15-20, and will not attract customs, but YMMV.
This is the screen I used:
The controller I ordered for it: DVI/VGA LCD Controller Lvds converter Board Kit for LP140WH1(TL)(A2) TLA2 HD-MI | eBay
Most recent eDP capable screens will support this one: Portable LCD Driver Board Notebook LCD Screen Controller Board 30pin EDP | eBay
But still do your own research and then order.
Connecting it together
It is as simple as lego. Seriously.
Ribbon cable from controller into the panel, source and power to controller.
Most controllers will also come with a strip of buttons to control things like brightness, contrast, colours and switch between sources. Some will even have a 3.5mm audio out and volume control!
Powering the board
Based on the controller, you will either need 12V or 5V. Power consumption is going to be minimal, less than 15-20W in most cases.
If it has a USB power IN port, you can use a mobile charger to power it (or splice together a USB connector with SATA splitter - carefully attaching correct 5V and GND cables).
If it takes 12V IN, you can use a 12V DC power supply or DIY SATA splitter to barrel jack.
Attention: ALWAYS power up the display using an external power source rather than a PC power supply for the first time. Will save you PSU RMA if something goes wrong!
(Optional) Case or enclosure
If you are lucky, you might find a VESA compatible 3D printable model for specific controller plus screen size. Might need some Percussive Maintenance or carpentry to make it fit.
Whatever you go with, make sure you put electrical tape over the fragile eDP/Display connector and cable. If the panel has exposed PCB, put a Vinyl or electrical tape over exposed SMD components and PCB traces.
Why bother
Laptop screens are robust and have protective layers to avoid common mishandling. There are plenty available everywhere, when other components in laptops die but screen is working.
It is cheap.
It is easy.
Utility is great. You can connect things like Chromecast, FireTV Stick, PC or a monitor. You can use it as a homeassistant dashboard as well.
I put mine inside the O11 Dynamic Mini case. It perfectly fits a 13.3/14 inch monitor!
Happy DIYing!