LCD displays

[sloppyc]

I've got my next project planned out. I will be using an old Sony CD Player for a new HTPC. Usable photo of a similar found on Yahoo:

http://www.pekaoleasing.pl/licytacja/files/000-00000015517-01.JPG

I measured, and a typical ATX PSU should fit nicely. What I'd like to do is to use the old display window (initially I wanted to throw the LCD from an old digital camera, but I don't think that will be worth the hassle if it's even possible). I've seen mods with nice LCD/VFD displays, but I really don't know much about them. I shopped around at Matrix Orbital and CrystalFontz, but I'm still pretty lost.

Without having opened the case, I've measured the plastic display cover, and it's about 5.5" by 1" high. I'd like to make the most of it, but I don't want to spend a ton. So I'll settle for something basic that can hopefully plug into the USB pins on the motherboard and display information about the media playing. I don't want to have to find special cables to solder together, as I'm not experienced in that area at all.

Any experienced modders have any tips or suggested units?

[crazybillybob]

Sloppy,

For ease of use, and no soldering needed, Your best bet is the Matrix Orbitals.
But your really don't need the ones with the bezels and bay mounts, as you'll be removing them to mount it in your case any way. I'll make a few recommendations, but you need to make sure they'll fit as all of the modules are 1.5" tall (I think when you open the CD palyer you'll find there's a 1/2" around the LCD to spare :) )

All these are all Intelligent Character 20x2LCDs (This means 20 characters by 2 line displayed on the LCD) and they run $69.95 + shipping. They also connect to the PC by USB, this simplifies the connection as you just need 1 cable because power is also provided via the USB cable (cable not included in the price).
For a green text on black background the LK202-25-USB-IY (http://www.matrixorbital.com/lk20225usbiy-p-161.html) is good option.
For white on blue (similar to the stock display color in the CD player) the LK202-25-USB-WB (http://www.matrixorbital.com/lk20225usbwb-p-165.html) is an option.
For a more modern Blue on Black the LK202-25-USB-FB (http://www.matrixorbital.com/lk20225usbfb-p-169.html) is an option.

Matrix Orbital has many colors options in this line of LCDs, just look at the part # Keep the LK202-25-USB-XX the last two change(xx) with color.


If this helps let me know I'll take a look at Crystal fonts and get you some options from them too!

I've got an option from Antec that includes a IR remote and some slick media control software but I've gotta do some more research and see if it will fit in your space.... I'll update you later!

CrazyBillyBob....
Your helpful neighborhood Redneck!;)

By the way welcome to TBCS!

[AMD Killa]

@crazybillybob,

Were you on about the Antec VERIS Multimedia Station Elite?
http://image.ebuyer.com/UK/P0148889_C0000125_P0000000.jpg

That thing would look awesome in that case.

It works with both XP and Vista.

It is the height and width of a standard 5.25" drive.

Wish you luck with this project, are you going to create a worklog?

[AMD Killa]

Sorry for the double post.

I wonder if you could get this to work while the PC is off. Like a sideshow thing. Apparently you can check emails with this thing. I might get one, they seem pretty cool, although I might go for the bigger one.

[sloppyc]

Holy crap, thanks BillyBob. Those are a little more than I wanted to spend since they don't have a cable, but otherwise they look perfect.

The Antec one looks nice too, but it looks like it might require a little chopping of the face of the CD player, which I don't really want to do (no experience with plastics, either).

But yeah, I'll create a log. If not one as I work, then one after the fact like my first.

[crazybillybob]

sloppy,

For a lower cost IR remote look into the Antec Multimedia station basic (http://www.antec.com/usa/productDetails.php?lan=us&id=30124)
It's MSRP is $39.99 but you can can get it cheaper online (think newegg :) )
The nice thing with this addin is that you can boot the pc using the Remote!

I don't think the elite will fit in the space you have as the board for it is the size of a 5 1/4" drive bay.

Well Matrix Orbital has some cheaper modules, the LCD0821 series is about 1/2 the size of the others I listed, and is connected via your serial port it runs $39.95 plus the cost of cables (needs a special Matrix power/data cable (http://www.matrixorbital.com/sccpc5v-serial-communication-power-5v-p-930.html))

The serial version of the LK202 (listed earlier) saves you $10 (it's $59.95) but needs the same special power/data cable (http://www.matrixorbital.com/sccpc5v-serial-communication-power-5v-p-930.html) as the above model)

Now the USB cable isn't that expensive, and I wouldn't limit my choices because one unit didn't come with it...
Matrix Orbital sells the USB cable (http://www.matrixorbital.com/extmusb3ft-external-3ft-mini-usb-p-932.html) for $5.49
But can be picked up from Newegg (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&Description=A%20to%20B%20mini%20USB&bop=And&Order=PRICE) as low as $1.99



Ok onto CrystalFontz,This isn't really the exact same thing as Matrix Orbital, it's only 16 x2 so it's 4 characters shorter then the Orbital ones. They have a more limited color selection in the 2 line displays (three shades of Green). For what your looking at doing (the smoked plastic display lens ) I'd go with the CFA632YMCKU (http://www.crystalfontz.com/product/CFA632-YMC-KU.html) it will be seen the best. It's cost is $42.00 + shipping (cable is included!)

I hope this all helps out, and I'll keep an Eye out for your log soon :)

CrazyBillyBob

[sloppyc]

I don't know if I'll bother with the IR remote. I'll have a wireless keyboard and mouse. I saw a cool demo of someone using a Wii remote via Bluetooth to control a PC as well, so I may try that. The cheaper I can throw it together, the better.

The serial option looks better, but unfortunately, I don't believe it will be compatible with my chosen motherboard.


I'll look at the original one you suggested (the USB connector is just a regular mini, really?)

I will post a log once I can start grabbing the needed parts. Thanks again.

[nevermind1534]

I think all atx motherboards have serial ports on them. The nicer ones will even have a header for an additional front serial port on them. I don't think any btx motherboards have serial or parallel ports.

[sloppyc]

This one doesn't. Though it may have the pins to add one as you say.

http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=8871246