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Alternative LCD screen for DMD extender


TUF-427

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Hey all just sharing a bit of R&D regarding the LCD screen and LVDS controller required for the DR Pinball DMD extender.

The LCD screen specified is a quite high end Cold Cathode backlit screen, which also requires a quite expensive LVDS controller to run the screen and the backlighting.

Also these screens pull over 4amps on the machines 12v system, which concerned me a little if you already have a few extra led strips etc already hanging off the 12v bus.

Also the image the screen has to replicate isn't exactly HD .....

So the screen and controller originally specified doesn't give u much change out of $200AUD

On top of the initial cost of the Extender from DR Pinball and the Rasberry Pi.

I have worked out an LCD alternative for a few bucks short of $100.

I'm using a LED backlit LCD which only requires a few Milliamperes @ 5v to run both the controller and screen.

Screen is B156XTN02.2 $79 delivered

Controller MT6820. $6 from China

LVDS cable $2 from china.

 

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161218/757a89571d6a6c6b4a1efb828ebdb38b.jpg

Replicates my laptop background nicely.

 

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161218/0aef0595c8c1ce81ca3dd501bbf4b54a.jpg

LVDS controller mounted up

 

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161218/9de81f176d6cbc11790bbe56f9c064ad.jpg

Power for controller from original DMD connection gray +5v black Gnd

 

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161218/fa592942e8485668481bd2873e754a1b.jpg

I mount the DMD extender up high so speaker panel doesn't have to be removed every time u want to access the SD card to change colors.

 

 

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Ok here's the tech side of things with a few **Cautions**

 

The LVDS controller is configurable by jumpers,

3.3v and 5v powered screens and multiple resolutions.

**Get the voltage selection wrong here and you will kill your brand new screen**

 

Screen I used

Select 3.3v

1366x768 (jumper C)

 

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161218/8c88a5a7b50b75968fec34ff8c210f0b.jpg

 

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161218/173b6e86593fb6775e6ee059f85165d1.jpg

 

This bit is the hard part

The 40 way cable has to be configured for the screen requirements,

so U need the Data-sheet for your chosen screen.

Their may be a plug and play cable out there, I just bought a generic 40way and made to suit

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161218/9f798890b3cd6de562326dc0e725070d.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161218/23a0fee3f5f8085e316f1993d11b3fdb.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161218/0670e311644c4ef2c30b9f7736ae5743.jpg

 

 

 

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This is great information! I was always concerned regarding the 12V amp draw of the screen. I did not think it was a good idea to use the pinball as a power source and I hate using separate power plugs inside my pinballs. That is the main reason I have not bought the DMD extender yet. Keep on showing us more and let us know where you bought your components from.

Thanks and well done!!

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This is great information! I was always concerned regarding the 12V amp draw of the screen. I did not think it was a good idea to use the pinball as a power source and I hate using separate power plugs inside my pinballs. That is the main reason I have not bought the DMD extender yet. Keep on showing us more and let us know where you bought your components from.

Thanks and well done!!

 

Ebay for it all pretty much, would probably consider doing a batch of the controller/cable arrangements for a nominal Fee if theirs enough interest.

 

 

 

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Interested in buying a kit as my soldering skills .....

 

Well I would not say skills LOL

 

Where is the best site to read up on these??

 

Thanks

 

The DMD Extenders come from DR Pinball in the UK.

Pinside has some good info also.

 

 

 

 

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How long did it take for you to get the dmd extenders?

 

It took 6 MONTHS for me to get a reply in regards to cost and to just get in the order queue.

 

In the end I went the smartdmd route and got them within a week.

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How long did it take for you to get the dmd extenders?

 

It took 6 MONTHS for me to get a reply in regards to cost and to just get in the order queue.

 

In the end I went the smartdmd route and got them within a week.

 

Hey Koops I've had mine for over a year or so, went halves in a bulk buy with another AA member some time ago.

 

I know DrPinball gets them made in batches and supply isn't always instant.

I suspect he's just a hobbyist that likes to tinker like most of us..

Generally I've always had a reply within 24hrs.

 

An LCD and controller is also required for SmartDmd I think? ,this Screen option should work for those also.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

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Hey Koops I've had mine for over a year or so, went halves in a bulk buy with another AA member some time ago.

 

I know DrPinball gets them made in batches and supply isn't always instant.

I suspect he's just a hobbyist that likes to tinker like most of us..

Generally I've always had a reply within 24hrs.

 

An LCD and controller is also required for SmartDmd I think? ,this Screen option should work for those also.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

I found Dr,Pinball to be very helpful .

He got straight back to me several times and helped sort out the cables I needed to get a Sega- Goldeneye, up and running in colour.

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