Tearing apart a LCD screen

[JerryFlyGuy]

Anyone ever taken apart a typical computer LCD screen? I'm wanting to add a touch screen overlay to a 19" Lcd but am worried about 'how its done' I plan on mounting this to my console and got to thinking maybe I don't even need the plastic case, I'll just put the guts into the console. Does this seem possible, or am I asking for problems?

Jerry [hey.. at least I always think outside the box! ]

[Al_The_Man]

What I do is remove the LCD and mount it either to the operator panel front, or make up an aluminum surround.
The touch screen fits in front, obviously, and also offers some protection for the LCD. The touch screen is a completely separate item. I prefer ELO from the ones I have tried.
Al.

[JerryFlyGuy]

Thanks Al, the ELO screens they generally are a complete touch screen combo? Theres some kits a guy can buy in ebay to retro a LCD screen. Know of any other suppliers that sell these? I looked at a panel mount LCD-touch screen unit which was intended for industrial use but the cost was just a little more than I'd like [$1500cdn].

Jerry

[Al_The_Man]

You should be able to get the ELO touch screen as a seperate item. One source on the used market is POS monitors on ebay etc, I have even salvaged them where the monitor itself is bad, The only problem with this is where the Touch screen electronics is built into the monitor instead of the usual separate control card.
The separate card is usually a com port or USB connected.
Another thing to watch for in used POS units, is that they can often be marked up bad in a couple of spots due to credit card edges being used to activate the screen instead of something less sharp.
A fairly large source is EarthLcd for custom LCD and Touch screens, although I still prefer ELO, EarthLcd use the 3M product.
Al.

[tobybirch007]

I've taken LCD's apart trying to make a video projector. Most of them are fairly straightforward, but the electronics are pretty sensitive. If you're not careful, you'll have a fried monitor really quick.

[JerryFlyGuy]

Thanks Toby... are you saying I should practice on an old junker before tieing into my new 19" samsung?

Jerry

[ynneb]

These guys are experts at taking them apart. http://lumenlab.com/diy/
On their forum they discuss all the pros and cons of dismantling all sorts of monitors.

[tobybirch007]

Thats the same site that got me into the DIY video projector. I couldn't make a case that worked good enough though. I decided to make a CNC router to do the work for me, and here I am... As soon as I get a working mill or router, I might give it a shot again. I was getting pretty good results with my test setups, better that the projector I bought instead...

Let us know how it goes, I'd like to do a small desktop mill with a PC and LCD screen built in.

[2muchstuff]

Some of the medical grade LCD flat panels are already set up for touch screen. They are a glass face that can be scrubbed and disinfected, they are quite durable. Several years back I had to replace one and they are not cheap but I'm sure you could find one used.

[evena4]

I don't know if these guys can supply a 19" touch screen but i have used www.earthlcd.com in the past for my "built-in" control screens.

They can sell you any part of the process from a bare LCD panel to a complete monitor. I used to use the 15" screens and haven't had trouble with any installed pieces in over 4 years of retail use.

Prices are more than you may find on Ebay but consistent if you need them on a regular basis.

-Manny

[Oldmanandhistoy]

Hi all,

I hope no one minds me jumping in here with a couple of quick question but here goes?

I have been looking at this http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...2601&rd=1&rd=1

And am wondering if this can be used for a touch pad screen for software such as Mach3?

Does any one see an issue using a touch pad in the shop as in ware and tear?

Regards,
John

[Al_The_Man]

I see no reason why you could not use it, the only thing is to find out if it is a popular make of touch screen in order to get a driver for it.
Touch screens are very durable and like I mentioned before, as long as sharp objects are not used to activate the screen functions then they can last a long time.
Al.