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#1 2008-05-29 11:27 pm
- indolering
- Member
- Registered: 2004-01-21
- Posts: 23
DIY Projector with Powerbook Screen
I want to pull an LCD from a PowerBook G4 Aluminum 12" for a DIY projector but I need to if/where I can get an input converter for the display.
Does anyone know what kind of connector it uses internally? Can I just solder a DVI adapter to it?
The computer won't book, CD or otherwise : (
Thanks!
-Zach
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#2 2008-06-18 11:51 pm
- Mr. T
- Uses STOS implicitly
- From: omnipresent
- Registered: 2002-04-02
- Posts: 3662
Re: DIY Projector with Powerbook Screen
While I wouldn't ordinarily approve of mutilating such a beautiful piece of machinery, donating your retired 'book's LCD to a DIY projector is a more-than worthy cause! You can get a "controller board" for most types of LCDs on eBay. The connection interface is an LVDS type. You would need a controller that matches the resolution of your screen and the LVDS type (there's single and dual types, and probably a few other weird ones). There may be other considerations (it's been a while since I've built my projector).
The absolute best resource for this type of stuff is Lumenlab. I know some stuff about building projectors around 15.4" 1920x1200 panels, but collectively, these guys can tell you everything you've ever wanted to know about DIY projectors. If you have any questions, I'd be happy to help (if I know the answer). But they'll definitely know.
Good luck.
Last edited by Mr. T (2008-06-18 11:54 pm)
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#3 2008-06-20 2:52 am
- indolering
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- Registered: 2004-01-21
- Posts: 23
Re: DIY Projector with Powerbook Screen
Mr. T wrote:
You can get a "controller board" for most types of LCDs on eBay. The connection interface is an LVDS type. You would need a controller that matches the resolution of your screen and the LVDS type (there's single and dual types, and probably a few other weird ones).
Do you know how to figure that out? I can't find it in the Apple service section or on any of the repair websites.
-Zach
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#4 2008-06-20 8:32 pm
- Mr. T
- Uses STOS implicitly
- From: omnipresent
- Registered: 2002-04-02
- Posts: 3662
Re: DIY Projector with Powerbook Screen
Actually, I think all LVDS cables are same. If you have one flat ribbon cable, you have single LVDS; two flat ribbon cables, and you have dual LVDS. Then you'd need a controller supporting the LCD's resolution -- I'm pretty sure it's that simple. If you want more info about your screen, look for a brand and model number (probably on the rear of the backlight), and then try to find a spec sheet from the manufacturer's website.
As for the controller, I don't see much on eBay at the moment. Make a post in the LumenLab forums (explain everything). There's a few members who bulk-order engineering samples from controller manufacturers.
Last edited by Mr. T (2008-06-20 8:33 pm)
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