LCD Overlay/Cover

nester · 05-08-2001, 11:56 PM

Hi,

Does anyone know of a place where I can get a overlay / cover custom cut for a LCD? I have a CFontz 20x4 in my car, and it looks pretty ghetto right now. I'd like to have a black piece of plastic with a clear window to cover up the entire opening. This would be held on with spray adhesive or something similar to the surrounding surfaces.

Here's a picture of the current setup. Not too professional looking.

cybuch · 05-09-2001, 10:24 AM

I have an idea, get yourseelf a piece of plexi and cut it to size, then tape of a section (the clear window part) and paint the rest of it black.(paint the back side so the paint doesn't scratch off over time) Just a thought.
Steve

mtmsol · 05-09-2001, 02:13 PM

Matrix Orbital makes mounting kits for their screens which include a part like you are descibing - a black piece of plastic with a clear window for the display:

According to their site, they do make a mounting kit for the 20X4 display, but I'm not sure if the size would work with a CFontz display (I assume itr would, I think that all 20X4 modules should have the same size screen, but maybe someone else here knows more about this?). Check this page:
Matrix Orbital Mounting Kits
Hope this helps,
Mike.

nester · 05-09-2001, 03:39 PM

Interesting. That is what I want.. Only something cut to fit my application.

like this..

Arby · 05-09-2001, 04:04 PM

I think plexi/paint would be the best solution. That's what I did for my new bezel (which now that I think about it, I haven't shown anyone)

Tony S · 05-13-2001, 01:11 PM

I think painting the plexi'll look like crap. Get a piece of smoked/tinted plexi instead and you'll just have to cut to fit. Check your phone book for plexi manufacturers or distributors. Usually they have scraps that would be perfectly useable for your application laying around that they'll sell you for a few dollars.

nester · 05-13-2001, 05:44 PM

I tend to agree about the painting.. I did it once on plexi for a sub box.. just didn't work out well.. smoked might be better.. although plexi seems a bit thick for the intended use..

Tony S: what about the PSU.. No reply from that thread.

Martin S. Shepherd · 05-16-2001, 12:29 AM

Iv'e worked quite a bit with plexiglass in the past. It will work fine for your application. But, if you buy the clear and desire to paint it you will have three primary concerns. 1. ensuring you buy a paint which will "stick" well to the plexiglass. 2. Be VERY careful when installing not to scratch the paint on the back (Save painting for the last step before install). 3. Plexiglass can scratch somewhat easily. So after installing in the current pictured location be careful what you throw down there.

I suggest taking up a former suggestion. Find out who supplies the plexiglass for sign installations in your area. They will be able to sell you different thincknesses and colors. Most will have different types of material (different types of sign materials or fiberglass) which might suit your needs better - including different textured surfaces so scratches don't show as easily and colored or smoked plexiglass. You can always ask to buy spare pieces though they may or may not accomadate you.

Callahan · 05-16-2001, 10:01 AM

Why not lexan instead of normal plexi? It is somewhat more scratch resistant.. And if you are brave and you don't mind having normal glass in the cabin, you could just a glassshop to cut a small piece of glass (or lexan even) to that shape for not a lot of money.

Technics · 05-16-2001, 08:32 PM

I have tried the smoked plexiglass for my display. You can see the display perfectly and the rest appears black. you just have to make sure no light can leak in from behind the display.