Introduction: 3D Printed Mini Monitor With Touch

About: Ahoy! I Love Electronics, Coding and Computers. (Breaking things has been my motivation for making):P I make DIY Electronics Projects, Also make YouTube Videos

This is another case of "camera field monitors are too expensive, let me build my own". Although my original intention for a mini monitor was a camera field monitor, I expanded the horizon of use cases with a modular mounting system. I now use it with my desktop, laptop, Raspberry Pi and other SBC projects and even with a Google TV (Chromecast).

This project is definitely 3D printing intensive and your result will depend on the print quality from your printer.

I exclusively printed all the parts at 0.16mm layer height, took a long time but parts look great and fit together well too.

Let's get started!

Supplies

Display:-

Waveshare 7inch QLED Display

https://www.waveshare.com/7hp-capqled.htm

I am not sure if the case is compatible with other 7inch displays made by waveshare.

Thingiverse Link : https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4886774

Fusion 360Link : https://a360.co/3v84dVN

The parts are just meshes, I designed them in a different software and used fusion just for test fitting.

Tools:-

  • A 3D Printer, an enclosed one if you want to print it in ABS. I recommend ABS or PETG.
  • Basic Maker Tools, Screw Drivers, Pocket Knives, Allen Keys

Supplies:-

  • About 200g of 3D filament filament
  • Fan Mesh used for desktop computer fans
  • Assortment of M3 Screws and Nuts
  • Thin Double side tape (Usually used for mobile repair)
  • 1/4'' to 3/8'' Tripod convert screw adapter

Step 1: Watch the Video!

I have a video where I assemble it and show all the use cases, I also have animations which will show how it assembles together. You'll get a good idea to proceed with your own project.

Step 2: Print All the Parts

These 4 parts are part of the main body

  • Front Body Frame
  • Back Plate
  • I/O Shield
  • Buttons, which have letters corresponding to their function

These are the Accessories

  • Power Bank Mount
  • Tripod Mount

There are two versions of the tripod mount, you can print the one you like.

You can also make your own accessories after printing, I'll figure out a way to publish the dimensions or you can measure after printing.

If you are printing with ABS, make sure you have an enclosure and print at slower speed like 40mm/s.

The back plate might warp a little inwards but it is flexible enough so it won't matter.

Step 3: Prepare the Front Body Frame and Backplate

Backplate

Add all the M3 Hex nuts into all the sockets as shown in the images, these are for the modular mounting system as well as to mount the two body parts together.

Front Body Frame

  • Add the double side tape to the inner bezels as shown in the image, you can skip this step but I recommend it. It will help stick the display to the frame and make your life a lot easier.
  • Add the buttons and the I/O shield into their spots.
  • Cut the mesh and glue it to the triangular vents at the top and bottom, you can see the images for reference.

Step 4: Insert the Display Into the Case Carefully

Make sure you push the buttons outward and then lower the other side, the tolerances are very tight.

Push gently so that the display sticks with the double side tape.

Step 5: Prepare the Tripod Mount

If you are using the tripod mount with a single part then screw in the tripod screw adapter as shown in the picture, you can also use any epoxy to line the threads which will solidify after drying.

If you are printing the two part tripod mount then assemble the two parts first and then insert the tripod screw adapter.

Step 6: Screw in the Backplate and Attach the Accessories

Lastly insert the longer M3 Screws from the front part and tighten them evenly, do not over tighten.

Next attach the tripod mount and the battery mount.

Insert the power bank into it's holder and you're done!

You can also get these short right angled USB cables which go great with this setup.

If you guys have any questions, do put it in the comments or DM me on instagram @brain.banter.