How to Re-purpose Dead Laptop's LCD

I have a Fujitsu e8410 that I have given up to repair. It was reballed twice. So it was broken down to harvest the usable parts. The step by step guide of breaking down a laptop is available. The crown of the harvest was the magnesium alloy encased 15.4 LCD panel, capable of a resoultion at1280x800 WXGA , and with Crystal View. It will be such a shame to put the useful parts into landfill!!

This project serves those who are looking forward to have an external or secondary LCD monitor that is HDMI capable, USB photo frame or media player, without breaking the bank.

The LCD controller A.VST29.01 I ordered arrived early last week. I can even find a data sheet for it on the Internet prior to purchase. With proper documentations, gone are the days we have to make some educated guesswork on unknown PCB. The price is USD29.9 without the AC adapter (12V, 4A); I got it for USD 51 for the complete set.

The vendor is found from aliexpress; they mentioned the model of the LCD LTN154P3-L02 harvested from the laptop is not tested before with this LCD controller, but it worked for other similar samsung make. So I run a chance of making a failed weekend project.

Nonetheless the setup of E8410 LCD panel LTN153P3-L02 works!.

This instructables assumed the Laptop's LCD haas been harvested.

First, uncover all hidden screws on the LCD front panel, unscrew and lift the plastic front panel. Extra precautions needed to ensure the plastic snaps are not broken.

Next, disconnect all visible connectors and carefully lift the LCD with backlight from the back cover of the LCD panel.

Safety precautions are needed when handling inverter, and the backlight. Do not remove the transparent plastic covering the PCB.

The package comes in 3 PCBs. The largest piece is the LCD controller, the larger rectangle shape PCB is the Inverter, it’s purpose is to power up the LCD panel’s backlight. Warning: the inverter contains high voltage during operation. Even it is disconnected from the supply, ensue safety precautions such as disconnecting from the mains, wear rubber sole shoes, not touching any bare metal area (soldering on the PCB are exposed to touch) are taken before handling the inverter. There is a clear plastic surrounding the inverter. That is not meant for decoration, but prevents accidental in contact with the exposed area. DO NOT REMOVE THIS PLASTIC COVER! The smaller rectangle PCB is the panel where there are push button switches to control OSM (On Screen Menu).

Remove the original LVDS cable and replace it with the one that comes with the LCD Controller. Plug in the LCD backlight to the inverter.

At the bottom circle in red is where the LCD panel’s back lamp is connected to the inverter. At the top the square in red is the LCD controller’s LVDS cable connecting to the LCD panel. Some scotch tape is used to secure the wiring at a convenient location.

The E8410 laptop boasts a magnesium alloy casing on the LCD (that’s the reason I choose the model!!), and it is difficult to cut through metal with my bare minimal tools. So I have made an inconspicuous incision at the plastic area of the front cover to allow wiring to pass.

A final check before turning it on! This step is very crucial! Do not skip the final check before turning on!!!

Turning it on, and familiarising with the on screen menu via panel switch.

I have used a standard vga output from a computer to test the LCD panel with the LCD controller.

Technically, I can hook this up as an output device to a Raspberry Pi, a beagleboneblack, or even make it a USB photo frame. The controller comes with USB port.

Next weekend project is to make a stand to house this beautiful magnesium alloy encased LCD panel. It is definitely going to be the showy piece on my desk.