Beware of Lilliput Touch Screens!!

flibble · 09-11-2007, 05:37 AM

I've found this forum really helpful and would like to give something back by telling others about my experiences with lilliput touch screens.

I won't go into specifics but we ordered over 50 Lilliput 629 touch screens and ran into problems trying to calibrate them. When we did the 9 point 'Linearisation' calibration then 'Draw Test' we found that in *HALF* of the screens the touch overlay was faulty at the edges (usually the left). Luckily we were able to return these within the 12 month warranty period for replacements but the people at Lilliput UK maintained that they had never seen this kind of fault before, the screens were super reliable and they never had any returns etc. However, most of the replacements we have now received exhibit the same fault! Looks like they tried to test them still in the cellophane wrapping before sending them out!!

Hopefully this post will help inform others when deciding to purchase such screens. If you do already have one I'd recommend testing the touch screen round the edges asap (assuming you're still within your warranty period).

Pathos · 09-11-2007, 08:15 AM

So is this a different problem than the bezel contacting the edge of the touchscreen that some have had in the past?

bambam · 09-11-2007, 09:05 AM

I have the 10.4" model and I have to admit, the touchscreen is absolutely perfect. It is so precise that I am even able to "touch" options when using MS Streets & Trips and XP explorer. Maybe I am one of the lucky ones but for me, it has been worth every penny.

Just my $0.02

nst6563 · 09-11-2007, 05:16 PM

my eby701 is accurate as well. custom dash install, but I did notice that if I overtightened the mounts for the lcd/touchpanel then it would act squirly since the edges were too tight.

briderx · 09-11-2007, 05:53 PM

I have the EBY-701 and haven't had a problem myself with the screen. I know, if you calibrate it with a stylus, then use it with your fingers, the accuracy will be a great deal off, unless you use the back of your fingernail. I just calibrate mine with my finger, then, if I use a stylus (hardly ever) I just check to see what the offset is, and just remember that when navigating menus.. Not that difficult. Haven't experienced your problem.

I wouldn't say "Beware of Lilliput Touch Screens!!" as most of the people here who buy these know the quality that comes from most stuff in china (or whatever sweatshop yours came from). What I would do though, is start a poll (maybe one is already in play) of people who have bought these and are satisfied, compared to the people who didn't like them. I know you bought in bulk, could have been a bad batch? I don't know and am not about to make excuses as to why they don't work right. No offense, but you also might just be too picky about your electronics.. I really can't say. BUT, from the amount of Lilliputs sold (almost willing to put money on the idea that Lilliput sells more monitors than most other manufacturers), then taking ones that are good vs. the ones that are bad.. I'm also willing to put money on the idea that there are TONS more good than bad.

I wouldn't go as far to say that it's good business to have your customers take a gamble when buying these things, but look at the price compared to what you get for the price.. It's well worth it.

briderx · 09-11-2007, 08:26 PM

Ahh.. I think I read that wrong.. You're saying that there is "garble" on the left side of the screen when running the Draw Test? Did you "Auto Calibrate" the screens? (The left arrow when hooked up to a PC or other video source). I'm thinking this is a more rare occasion than what normally happens. As this is the first time I've EVER heard of this type of problem.. Especially on "HALF A BATCH". Just doesn't make sense to me. But I still stick to: You get what you pay for, and on top of that.. Lilliput is the best there is for that price.

Jonjer76 · 09-11-2007, 11:32 PM

I just got my Lilliput 7" screen and it was used, about 2 years old. It would not calibrate at all on the right side, no matter what i did. I was so out of wack that is just made you mad to use it. I found that thread about the casing pushing on them. I took the screen out of the case, and wouldn't ya know it calibrated right up and is perfectly accurate. That seems to be the trick nowadays.

Jeremiah

2k1Toaster · 09-11-2007, 11:40 PM

I have a 701-ish model. It is even more Chinese ripped off than a regular lilliput.

Works fine for touch. I bet you have something under there, or just arent calibrating it right. I could buy the "debris in the screen casing" for a couple, but with a half of a batch, there has to be some simple human error in there unless this is used equiptment.

flibble · 09-14-2007, 06:44 AM

The issue is probably is down to the casing (as Pathos said) but there is no way to find out without taking apart and voiding the warrenty. Also, I can assure you they were all calibrated right

. The problem is when you do the draw test and try to draw a line round the edges of the screen the line wanders off towards the centre then back again (giving you 'bumps' round the edges). These varied from 1p sized to 1/4 of the screen.

Possibly 'beware' is slightly harsh but If I'd bought one with of my own money I wouldn't be happy. We've also had screens fail with other problems (and they crash once in a while!). As has already been said, I guess you do get what you pay for. Also the later 629s are pretty nice screens.