DIY Portable Monitor Recycled From IPad 3

This guide will walk you through the process of building a portable monitor using an old LCD panel from an iPad 3.

Supplies

9.7-inch LCD panel from an old iPad (iPad 3 used for this project)
Compatible driver board, preferably with 5V USB power input
Screws and screwdrivers

Screws and screwdrivers
USB C power cable
Mini HDMI display cable

Machines used for this project:

3D printer and filaments
used to make the 3D printed case
Laser cutter for acrylic sheets
used to make the front border and cover sheet

Step 1: Prepare Components

For this step, I removed the LCD from an old iPad 3 (with a cracked glass cover) to use as the LCD panel for the project. And for the driver board, I sourced a compatible one online for ~₱900.

I also sourced an HDMI to mini HDMI cable for this project, as the driver board includes a mini HDMI port.

Step 2: Test Electronics

To get the LCD to act as a monitor, you only have to connect the board to the LCD with a ribbon cable. Then connect the PCB to the computer with an HDMI cable. Now, the electronic part of the project is done.

Step 3: Measure (and Optionally 3D Model) Components

To create an 3D printed case that could fit the components inside, I measured each component. You may also 3D model the components to create a more accurate 3D model of the case.

Shown are the 3D models of the LCD panel and the driver board, done in Shapr3D.

Step 4: Create 3D Model of Monitor Case

Based on the 3D models of the LCD panel and driver board, I created a case that the components could be mounted on. The case also has holes cut out, to accommodate the ports of the driver board.

Step 5: Create Sketch of Acrylic Front Cover

Next, I created a sketch for the front panel of the project, also using Shapr3D. This sketch was then exported to a .svg file, then imported to Inkscape to export again to a .pdf file. The pdf file will later be used in the laser cutting software.

Step 6: 3D Print Monitor Case

From Shapr3D, the 3D model of the case was exported to .stl and then sliced with Ultimaker Cura.

Then, the final 3D model was printed using a Creality Ender 3 printer, for ~4h 30m

Step 7: 3D Print (optional) Kickstand for Monitor

For the monitor kickstand, I found a 3D printable file online of an in-place printable kickstand made for a Steam Deck. I then 3D printed it for ~2h.

Link of stand 3D model: https://www.printables.com/en/model/144176-foldable-kickstand-for-steam-deck-print-in-place/files

Step 8: Laser Cut Acrylic Front Cover

From the sketch made in Shapr3D, I made a border frame for the monitor, cut from a large acrylic sheet with a laser cutter.

I also cut out a clear cover panel for the LCD and attached it to the border acrylic piece.

Step 9: Assemble Components

Assembling all the components of the project: case, PCB, LCD, and front acrylic cover:

First, I aligned the PCB by lining up the ports of the board to the holes on the case then attacehd it with double sided tape and hot glue

Next, I connected the LCD to the board with the ribbon cable and laid the LCD flat on the case.

Then, I put the acrylic front panel on the case and screwed it in.

Lastly, I attached the kickstand using double sided tape.

Introduction: DIY Portable Monitor Recycled From IPad 3