General Newb Questions...

Raekwon · 02-25-2004, 12:03 AM

I hate the word newbie, but I digress... I used to post here last summer/fall a lot when I was considering building a Carputer, but my budget was low and I decided not to take the plunge. Now I will have money, so here's my plan...

Carputer with just a touchscreen ~ 7" screen and a GameCube, then expand with a carputer and GPS... I plan on using it mainly for music purposes, and navigation, but game playin it important for passengers... I'm kinda on a budget here, so I can't spend a lot of many on really high-end equipment. Would ya'll suggest I get a VGA LCD or just a TFT?

eCar™ · 02-25-2004, 12:20 AM

Almost any VGA LCD you're going to find will be TFT. I assume you mean composite or s-video instead of TFT.

I recommend a monitor with both composite and VGA input, if you want to hook a GameCube and a computer up to it.

But the price vs. picture quality thing is pretty personal. I won't try to get by with a copmosite screen, but it's fine for others.

Raekwon · 02-25-2004, 12:27 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by eCar™

Almost any VGA LCD you're going to find will be TFT. I assume you mean composite or s-video instead of TFT.

I recommend a monitor with both composite and VGA input, if you want to hook a GameCube and a computer up to it.

But the price vs. picture quality thing is pretty personal. I won't try to get by with a copmosite screen, but it's fine for others.

I meant VGA or just a regular old TV LCD... if that makes any sense, one without VGA input.

What do you mean price vs. picture quality is presonal? i'd spend an upwards of $400-$500 on a nice one with a touch screen... but I'd like to go less.

Also, do you have any ideas of screens that are good for carputers? I've checked the respective forum already and it didn't help. : /

thanks!

eCar™ · 02-25-2004, 01:53 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Raekwon

I meant VGA or just a regular old TV LCD... if that makes any sense, one without VGA input.

Right, composite (RCA) or s-video would be your "TV LCD".

Quote:

What do you mean price vs. picture quality is presonal?

Well, in general, you'll spend more for VGA. Some people (including myself) say it's worth it. Others would rather save some money to spend somewhere else.

Quote:

i'd spend an upwards of $400-$500 on a nice one with a touch screen... but I'd like to go less.

Sure, we'd all like to spend less. I saved some money by finding a bare LCD (+ inverter and backlights) on ebay ($25), then buying a controller for it ($150). I still need a touchscreen and controller (~$100). So, I spent less than $300.

But my way is not for everyone. My LCD has no housing for example. I'm putting it in the dash, so I don't need it. Others need a housing. You didn't mention one way or the other.

I also spent quite a while researching and searching before I bought. Others just want to buy one and be done with it.

I didn't know squat about LCDs, so I had to start with learning what the specs mean. It kind of looks like your in that same boat so I'll list a few of them for you. I won't try to explain what they mean, that would take forever, and I can't give you the best info.

Screen resolution
Color Quality (8 bit, 6 bit, etc.)
cd/m² (nits)
Response time
Contrast ratio
Dimming Ratio

After learning a bit about those specs, I had to decide which were important to me, and which I could compromise on.

Then I searched and searched.

I bought a monitor off ebay that didn't list some key specs (hoping for the best). Learned something.

Then I searched and searched.

Bought another monitor. And a few more. Learned a few more things.

Then I searched some more, and bought some more, and learned some more.

Bought a monitor that I was happy with.

Researched some more.

Changed my mind about what I would be happy with, so I searched some more.

I finally think I'm set, but you never know.

Quote:

Also, do you have any ideas of screens that are good for carputers? I've checked the respective forum already and it didn't help. : /

thanks!

Well, the LCD forum here may not be the only place to get info, but I can't find a better starting place. maybe you could also look in "Show Off Youur Project" to see examples of screens in the car and running.

Pile of LCDs that I won't be using:

eCar™ · 02-25-2004, 01:57 AM

Here's what I will be using:

NEC NL8060BC26-17 LCD modified by AllBrite to have 4 CCFL backlights (increases brightness to ~1200 nits).

Dicon 1280EI controller.

LinFinity LXM1641 4 lamp inverter.

Confused · 02-25-2004, 03:28 AM

Take a look at this post in the FAQ stickied up the top...then go and get yourself a VGA screen

Garry

Raekwon · 02-25-2004, 10:24 AM

thanks to both of you, wish i had the money to spend on multiple LCDs... glad you finally found one that suited you though!

The only thing I'm worried about with the composite LCD would be GPS resolution, if I can't read the text it renders the GPS useless...

Confused · 02-25-2004, 10:27 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Raekwon

thanks to both of you, wish i had the money to spend on multiple LCDs... glad you finally found one that suited you though!

The only thing I'm worried about with the composite LCD would be GPS resolution, if I can't read the text it renders the GPS useless...

If that is your primary concern, then it pretty much settles it that you will want a VGA screen

Garry