Hey gang,
I need a bit of help finding a good LCD monitor to match up with this OHP I got off craigslist for $15.
Its a 3M model 213. VERY old... but works perfect and has a new VERY bright Halogen bulb.
Here is a google search so you could see pics of what I got.
The glass surface area I need to place an LCD above is 12.5" diagonal and 10.5" straight across.
I believe I would need a smaller LCD because of the surface is square but all 4 corners are very rounded.
That would kill a lot of the viewable screen if i went with a cheap 15" LCD.
I know I can shrink the image a bit via software, but I plan to have this hooked up through a signal splitter that would feed my cable STB, DVD player, PC, etc.
I don't want to have to exclusively run this OHP+LCD setup through my PC.
Any suggestions? I am not looking for HD quality or anything. This is just replacing my old InFocus210 I had in my bedroom.
I would like to have a LCD that would have 1024x768 resolution, as I want to be able to surf the web on the OHP.
I don't think I want to try to find a controller for the LCD that came out of my old InFocus210 because the resolution was like 640x480.
I did strip all the fresnel lenses out plus the focus lens and the fans. I kept the board also, but the power supply was toast, and the PS's connection
to the board is very confusing. probably not usable anyway.
ANYWHO...
Can anyone suggest me a course of action? Do I get a 15" LCD monitor and strip it, then get an s-video->VGA adapter and be done with it?
If I shrink the height and width of the LCD from its buttons on the monitor, will that be enough? (I can't test that 'cause I have a 17" LCD for my PC)

ALSO... anyone care to direct me to a "building an enclosure" link?

Send me a link to a cheap LCD that will give the needed resolution?

Thnx for the help!

~Syn

12.1 " from Johnzo :

Here

$325 shipped.

I suppose I didn't mention that I am trying to build this thing 'on the cheap'.
I am trying to stay around $50 for the LCD and just wanted suggestions
on what to look for in that neighborhood.
Maybe I could go with a regular 15" LCD, and modify the black plastic
edge below the glass of the OHP surface that is creating the rounded corners.

An eBay 15" LCD is going to be your best bet on the cheap, but it's likely that you'll lose some area at the corners or edges of the display.

The 12.1" LCD kits from Johnzo1995 are good ones, and will handle more inputs and give you a true 720p HD image, which the 15" LCD will not. Yeah, it's more expensive, but in terms of what you get, it's a good deal.

Occasionally on eBay, you can find LCD monitors, or LCD+controller that are smaller than 15". The smaller ones will give you a better throw with your projector, and may not cut out the corners.

Good luck with your build.

P.S. Halogen lights are very inefficient. A MH lamp will give you a LOT more light for less power. You might want to look at upgrading that in the future. In the meantime, don't neglect cooling for your LCD, or it'll be money wasted when you cook it.

Thnx for the info SupraGuy.
Can I just swap out the bulb in this OHP with the one you suggested, or would I need to replace the complete light engine?
... And I will make sure to cool the LCD directly.
Any link to a good DIY OHP buld? (enclosure+ how-to mount LCD... etc)

Thnx again gang.
Great community.

~Syn

Take a look at my plog, they have monitors like mine on ebay all the time for $40-50 shipped. They usually don't give a manufacturer name so just search for 12 lcd monitor. (if this suits your needs)

Here are the specs: http://www.createch.be/slimage/pdf/lcd121tsa.pdf

here are a few recent pics (colors/contrast are spot-on on the screen)

Excellent! Thank you for the help SG.
searching now... reading your PLOG... absorbing info.

I just bought this monitor you suggested from eBay.
Its the : 121TSA (no power or vga cords though. I'll have to figure that part out quickly)
$45 shipped. Not bad =) I just wish it were better than 800x600 resolution
... but I'll live if I get images close to what you got

I'll be sure to post my findings and results!

~Syn

This one might work for you , not sure about FFC issues though.

To retrofit a MH light engine, you will need a ballast suitable for your new lamp, and probably a socket or holder for your lamp as well.

Use what you've got, then tweak though.

Hit up monoprice.com for the VGA cable and I will get the info for the power supply tonight.

Great info on the VGA cable.
I am also going to get a VGA to "whatever" cable also. (s-video, RCA etc.)
I don't want to have to run this exclusively on my PC.

http://www.lumenlab.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=23942

Run-down of items bought thus far:
$15: Overhead Projector (3M model 213) {craigslist}
$45: 12.1" LCD monitor (model 121TSA. not sure of the brand name. resolution = 800x600) {eBay}
$20: Power Adapter for LCD. (stupid thing doesn't come with one.) {eBay}
$4: VGA to S-Video/RCA Adapter {eBay}

Total so far: $84

Not too bad. Now to get the items in, and Franken-Build this thing!

Um can you post a link of that
$4: VGA to S-Video/RCA Adapter

I have a feeling its not going to work as if its just an adapter you need more of a converter box of sorts. But I do hope it works for you.

http://item.express.ebay.com/NEW-VGA-to-TV...cmdZExpressItem

interesting, looking fwd to see how well it works.

Here's a link to the VGA adapter I bought.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI...N:IT&ih=005
For $4 ... it is worth a try

Now... I do have a "switch box" I got from Wal-Mart a long time ago called an "Audio/Component/Composite Video/S-Video Selector"
It has inputs for 4 different devices.
I plan to have all of my stuff go through that box, and the LCD screen should connect through the S-Video interface.

For that converter...

I hope that you realise that what this does is take the VGA signal from your computer and convert it to something that you can plug into your TV. It does not take the output from your DVD/VCR/Cable box and turn it into something that can be displayed on a VGA monitor. This isn't going to allow you to plug your DVD player into the monitor...

Could ya post a link to something that would allow me to convert the signal properly?
You understand what I am trying to accomplish.
I want to go from my cable box/dvd player, through whatever is needed, to display on the LCD.

On another note (while I wait for the parts to arrive...) should I attempt to remove the AG layer from the 12.1" LCD?

Something like a Viewsonic Nextvision...

eBay N4
Another one
eBay N6
Another one

There are other things that do this same job, too.

Might I suggest an inexpensive TV tuner card for a PC as an alternative? Cheaper, does at least as good a job, if not better, but it does require a PC to work.

Well, if you hang out in the trading forums every once in a long while someone puts up a 15" for less than $100. I think $50 may be a little optimistic, but if you have the patience to wait around, you never know.

Wow. It seems like my bargain 12.1" LCD panel is getting very expensive!
$45 for LCD
$20 for power adapter
$50 for video processor (if I get lucky on eBay)

For the $115, I probably could have acquired a more suitable LCD panel that already has an S-Video or RCA port.

hummmm.... what to do.

Well, there are other possibilities.

Hindsight being what it is, it occurs to me now that you could probably have got one of the returned eVo projectors, which would have an 8" 800X480 panel, with a controller and mupliple inputs. Most likely the returned eVo would have had a failed ballast (Seems to be the most common failure) which would leave the LCD and controller working perfectly.

Or, get an old PC that's got enough grunt to run DVD player software, pop a TV tuner card into it, and you've got a little media center. By now PCs that are more than powerful enough are being gotten rid of by people who want newer and faster machines. I'd bet that you could pick one up for next to nothing.

I would go for the #2 option, PC's can be had for pretty cheap these days and that would be an evolving opportunity. I started with a huge tower running a puny 800mhz cpu and 32mb graphics card that worked fine for DVD's and divx files...since then it's evolved into the smallest most powerful computer in my house, but the point remains that you don't have to start with $1000 to get up and running. Hell, if you lived in SE Michigan I'd loan you a computer to use.

Okay.
I've decided to go with a VGA BOX of some sort.
I would like to have this adapter free standing (no need for a PC for video signal or USB power)
But if the adapter will work with or without a PC, thats fine.
I liked the suggestions SupraGuy made about the ViewSonic NextVision.
The closest auction ends tomorrow and will probably go over my $50 self imposed limit.
I started looking for alternatives on eBay, and did a search for VGA BOX.
The search returned a ton of hits. Some use USB power, some say they are specifically for game consoles.
Anyone care to help me find the best/cheapest/non-pc-mandatory adapter?
Here's what I can up with: http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?f...&category0=

(sorry for my lack of knowledge)
~Syn

In general, anything that needs a PC for input is probably converting the wrong way. The N4/N6, whatever will all work with no need for a PC whatsoever, which is the point. After all, if you're already using a PC, then you HAVE VGA output, so why would you convert it?

There are also devices for game consoles that output VGA. I've been giving serious consideration to getting one of these for my Xbox, as I could then just use it connected to my eVo projector, and use the XBMC DVD player software, though using an Xbox controller for the DVD remote is something of a nuisance. But I digress...

Nothing that requires PC input is what you're looking for. The key words that you should be looking for is "PC monitor" in the description. The descriptions should say that it allows you to connect you DVD player/cable box/VCR/Commodore 64/Game console to a PC monitor, but not specify only one particular kind of game console.

Here's one, but it seems to only support composite. -- it's only $35 "buy-it-now" though.
Here's a component video transcoder which will give you much better resolution, but you'd need to be sure that you have component out on your video source.
Edit: This one seems to be the same as the first, but with a $27 "buy it now" price.

Giving this some thought. (I can always sell the 12.1" LCD+power adapter I got on eBay)
One question about the eVo 1.0
If I did get one, and used it for the LCD+controller, how would I power it? I have no idea how they are wired.
If the ballast were bad would that kill my chances of using these parts?
It might be worth the investment. I could use the LCD+controller with my OHP while i worked on a way to fix the ballast (if that were the only problem).
Getting the eVo 1.0 is a crap-shoot... hummm.... maybe I'll just stick with my original plan.

People say I am indecisive and over-analyze things... I'll have to give that some thought 'cause I'm not so sure they're right!

~Syn

Well, a clearance eVo is something of a gamble, this is true. Most of these had ballast problems, but the possibility exists that there was a different problem with the LCD or controller as well.

On the plus side, and the reason why it occured to me, is because the eVo is designed in a pretty modular way. The ballast basically is its own unit, taking in 120VAC and powering the lamp.

There will be some logic circuits, and the LCD controller, with inputs. It will have its own PSU in the case, which you'll have to locate. I strongly suspect that this will simply be a 12VDC supply.

There will be an overall controller board, part of which will have the diagnotstics to detect a failed ballast. You'll need to bypass this, but I don't think that it'll keep the LCD from operating, it'll just give you a trouble code.

Really though, if you were going to get an eVo, you'd probably be better off also buying a ballast and just fixing it, which is no longer really DIY. (I have a pair of 'em, and they're good for what they are, but my DIY is so much better so I use that as my main projector.

Personally, I'd stay away from the 1.0 eVo as there were numerous complaints of a scaling issue with the controller.

http://www.lumenlab.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=24819

Someone selling a 13" LCD TV. There ya go. Panel, controller, accepts composite/Svideo, probably even has remote control.

I dont have the remote but I am sure it can be programmed with a all in one

Oh and dont forget it accepts COMPONENT (red, blue, green cables) even has lil speakers you could stick in your box

lcd size is 8"X10.5" 13" Diagonal

I just held it up to my OHP fres and it will cover it easily.

Heck I will throw in 3 FXL bulbs and 1 EXR bulb they all operate at 82V

That is a fantastic deal!
The only thing I am concerned with is the resolution on the Sharp Aquos LC-13B2U.
I searched online, and it shows it has 640x480 max res.
I do plan on hooking this up to my PC along with my other peripherals.
I fear text on web pages will be hard to read at 640x480.
If it will go 800x600 we have a deal!
What a great deal!.... (crosses fingers about the res)

~Syn

That is correct.

Well you do realize this doesnt have a vga connection so it would have to be hooked up via s-video to run a computer.

I would consider this a step above the hanspree as it has component. Let me be more specific on the inputs ... 1 component 1 svideo 2 composite 1 rf connector that has been damaged but could be repairable by someone I am sure.

If you really want to have better than VGA resolution, you're probably looking at a 15" LCD TV. Most of those have 1024X768 resolution, though your OHP may not cut it for bed size anymore.

Looks like you're going to need to compromise one way or another.

P.S. If you're going to connect a PC anyway, then invest $20 in a TV tuner/capture card, and use that for your inputs. I was suggesting the TV for the non-PC inputs.

Hmm now you got me curious I am just going to have to hook up my laptop via s-video to this TV and see what it does look like with dvd and text.

another one

and without the flash

YIKES !!!
I believe I have run into a massive roadblock with my 12.1" LCD monitor.
Model# 121TSA
Manufactured by: no idea. no brand name is on this thing.
I believe I have an FFC issue.
What should I do?

It looks like there is a flip-up connector on the bottom board. Perhaps all you need is the correct FFC extension and a coupler.

You can determine what type of FFC you need like this:



Measure the width in millimeters and count the number of wire leads. On the FFC above, you can see that it's 10mm wide and has 20 wires.
Hmmm... looks like you'll also need to know what the 'pitch' is. Anybody know how to determine that?

First you have to measure to find out what pitch they are, 0.5mm or 1.0mm.
Measure the width of the cable and then count the number of contacts. Divide the width of the cable by the number of contacts. If the result is close to 0.5mm (.020 inches) then you have the 0.5mm pitch FFC cables.

Okay... you can read more about that here:
http://www.lumenlab.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=22508

I seen some side mounts at mouser and digikey but have no idea how to figure out their system for size or name type of connectors you may have better luck I just did not have the time to figure it all out.

I couldn't figure anything out @ www.Mouser.com or www.Digikey.com
Too friggin' confusing trying to find the correct part.
After many measurements (until I was 100% positive I was going cross-eyed.) I bit the bullet once again.
I decided to spend MORE money on this LCD and invested in the 0.5mm pitch 20 pin connector + fcc combo.
Here's the link to what I got. http://www.diy-beamer.com/EN/store/comersu...sp?idProduct=89
I seriously debated putting this thing back together and selling it on eBay.
Then I realized I would still need to find another 12.1" LCD to work with my 3M OHP.

... I think I found the curse of this DIY projector business...
NEVER... and I mean NEVER give an itemized list with pricing of what your project will cost you.

~Syn

PS: the cheap $4 s-video/rca -> VGA connector cable I bought didn't work. It will only work for output from the vga card.
MORE shopping to do. Will it ever end?

Oh chit, that is the same monitor I bought and I had nothing like that...my boards don't even look like that. I have to assume that they had more than one LCD supplier create these models for whatever they were used for (lab, I think)

Yeah. I'll post all the #'s and names I can find on this thing.
My problem is someones solution!
(when typing the preceding sentence, I realized "someone elses" is incorrect grammar! You see, I am from Tennessee... but I digress...)
I will try to update the "Compatible LCD's" database as well. It was down yesterday.
Once I get the FFC connector+cable installed I will post more results.

Until then, DIY FOR LIFE! (whatever that means...)

~Syn

From your second picture, that looks a lot like it'd be a 20 pin 0.5mm pitch cable. It's a pretty standard part, available in the LL store.

Yeah. The board under the cable had 0 on one side and 20 on the other.
I measured pretty goodly (Tennessean remember) and came to the same conclusion of 0.5mm pitch and 20 pin cable.
I decided to order from www.Diy-Beamer.com because of the connector+cable combo.
I was not very confident in the ZIF connector thingy.
Besides, it was only $8 more for the "idiot proof" version as opposed to the "slight-of-hand = results" version.

The budget is blown... MIGHT AS WELL GO FOR BROKE!!!
... or until the wife raises an eyebrow.

CURRENT PROJECT: removing the "Anti-glare" layer from the front of the LCD panel.
(i'll post before and after pics)

~Syn

Said it before, I'll say it again.

Don't strip the antiglare until AFTER you have a working projector. Once you have a working projector, stip the antiglare IF you have problems that an AG strip may solve.

Well. The are 2 small nicks on the screen. I figure they would be HUGE when projected.
I suppose I can wait. Nothing to do but maybe build an enclosure for the OHP.
... idle hands ya know.

sorry to but in but after reading your converter box problem i realize now that i have my own. Im working on an ohp conversion as well and want to hook my xbox 360 through its vga cable i just bought but i cant keystone it without hooking through my computer first. Does anyone know of a CHEAP converter box that has a keystone feature built into it or scaler whatev..

Uh...

Keystone is either done optically, in which case, it doesn't matter what you're using for source, or in software, in which case, it won't work for your Xbox.

If you're using VGA output of the Xbox, and can use VGA from your PC, then a monitor won't present a problem, and a converter box is not needed. I've never heard of a VGA-VGA box that does software keystone correction.

Raise the bed of the OHP so that you don't have to use keystone, or tilt the screen. (Or just live with a bit of keystone. It's not THAT bad.)

maybe im not using the correct terminology but i have a 15.4" lcd on a 10x10 ohp bed. so my corners are cut off. do you know of a way to remedy my 360 vga input with maybe a tv to pc converter with built in scaler? is there a way to use a vga input on a computer to output? if so i could plug through my computer but i dont have any specail video cards with vga in there.