Tiny, miniature LCDs

**pjc30943** · 12-19-2003, 02:43 PM

Hello,

I've been looking lately at very small LCDs (2.5") to complement the larger one I have in my truck's bed area (has a canopy, of course).

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...category=48632

My main controller and LCD is in the truck bed, but I would like to add a small, non-intrusive LCD for me the driver. Since I have a Ford Ranger standard cab, there is virtually zero room for a 7" LCD, and I prefer the non-intrusive look of a small monitor up near the upper left corner of the windshield [removable to avoid direct intense sunlight, although It's now winter here in Oregon

]. It will be close enough to see detail.

Has anyone used tiny 2.5" or 3" LCDs before? My only experience is with an old portable TV, and that LCD is of bad quality. What should I look out for? What are the best sources for tiny monitors?

Thanks,
Paul

**R3l0ad** · 12-19-2003, 02:47 PM

Well it doesn't look like that has a VGA connector... so how do you plan on hooking it up to your system? I bought an LCD for cheap that didn't have VGA and tried using a VGA to SVIDEO connector and that didn't work... so you would need to have to way to display the video on it... I've never used it but looking at it I wouldn't buy it because of the lack of VGA!!

**Jackso** · 12-19-2003, 03:40 PM

Nevermind that the reserve isn't met AND they want $25 to ship to the US. Seems kinda steep for something weighing less than 5lbs.

That monitor uses a regular RCA input from what I can tell. Search the LCD forums, there is much talk about the viewability of RCA versus VGA screens. If you decide to go RCA, you need to have a TV Out connector on your computer. Then enable that and connect and you'll get an image, if that's what you wanna call it

**cafn8** · 12-19-2003, 03:58 PM

I kind of doubt that would be practical for a computer. Right now I'm looking at my phone which has a 2.25" diagonal screen. It's a nice crisp and clear 2.25" screen, but I can't imagine trying to use programs which were designed for a full-sized computer on it. Then I imagine trying to glance quickly at it while driving

Even if it was sharp enough to clearly show text, it would still be hard to see a screen that small. How about a larger flip-down style monitor? Those seem to fit well in trucks with all of the headroom up there.

**pjc30943** · 12-19-2003, 04:31 PM

You are all right, it is only an RCA connector...and I saw the $25 for shipping too; it seems really steep.

The flip-down screen would be good, but it would block too much of the windshield while driving: if it is in front, that is clear why, but if it is a center overhead console, I really have to turn my head over to see anything since the '97 Ranger's cab is so small (I'm 6'2"). Whereas, a small monitor always in the corner would make driving and glancing safe. I have other devices I control with a control panel in the cab while driving, and those functions would be visible on the monitor as well.

But I see your points. What would you folks recommend? Is there a compromise, say, a 4" monitor that sits in the center tight up against the windshield? I am only worried about driving safely while looking at a monitor, and have no experience with this yet.

Thanks!
Paul

**bjm2020** · 12-19-2003, 05:01 PM

If you look to go the flip down screen route I have one that I never sold. Here is the link, PM or email me if you have any questions!

FS: Audiovox 6.8" Flip Down LCD

**GinoRP** · 12-19-2003, 05:11 PM

I have seen small lcd displays (composite) that are inset in a rear-view mirror. This is common for some back-up cameras. Check them out at http://www.sounddomain.com/sku/POWPTM350 for $279.

**pjc30943** · 12-19-2003, 06:07 PM

Rear-view LCD! That's the solution, I think; although I'll think about it a bit more. Thanks! I looked at those a while back, but forgot about 'em for this app.

As for the flip-down monitor, thanks for the offer. It is too large, though, for this truck's cab, and it would obstruct the windshield field-of-view significantly. Good luck selling it: for that price it is a great deal.

Thanks,
Paul

**cafn8** · 12-19-2003, 06:43 PM

I must admit, I haven't personally compared VGA to composite screens, but I've read from others about how composite screens don't have the sharpness needed to read text and fine detail. I would think that the small size and low resolution (600x234) would make it even worse. I like the idea, but I'd hate to see you drop the cash on one of those if it isn't going to do what you want it to. What do you plan to do with it?

**pjc30943** · 12-19-2003, 09:00 PM

Thanks for the heads-up--since you all know more about this than I do, I welcome the warnings and advice. These displays are expensive, so you're right, I should make sure they're okay. The 4" diaganal versions look suitable, don't they?

Well, I can do computer navigation and the launch applications to play MP3s relatively simply, because I know my system pretty well...and because my playlists are (intentionally) not too numerous.

Also, displaying data can be done in large fonts, since they're custom applications. There are also cameras scattered around the truck perimeter for several reasons, so controlling those from my control panel to display those would be a snap, given the RCA input. Those cameras are max 380 lines anyways.

What do you think? Would one of these do the trick? I've never seen one in operation...
Paul