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peng-zhihui/pocketlcd

6,513Audience · vibe coderComplexity · 4/5DormantLicenseSetup · hard

TLDR

PocketLCD is an open-source DIY device that combines a 5.5-inch 1080p HDMI portable monitor with a built-in power bank, so you can carry a secondary screen that also charges your laptop or phone.

Mindmap

mindmap
  root((PocketLCD))
    What it does
      Portable HDMI monitor
      Built-in power bank
      Charges other devices
    Display
      5.5 inch screen
      1080x1920 resolution
      HDMI-PI signal board
    Power
      Li-ion battery cells
      USB-C Power Delivery
      Fast charging support
    DIY build
      Open source PCB
      Assembly tips included
      GPL license
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Code map

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Things people build with this

USE CASE 1

Build a portable 1080p secondary monitor you can carry in a bag for use with a laptop in the field.

USE CASE 2

Customize the open-source design to change the screen size or add different charging features.

USE CASE 3

Use the device as a camera monitor for videographers who need a portable high-resolution screen.

USE CASE 4

Study the circuit board design to learn how HDMI signal conversion and USB Power Delivery charging work together.

Getting it running

Difficulty · hard Time to first run · 1day+

Requires ordering custom PCBs, sourcing a specific 5.5-inch display panel, and soldering surface-mount components.

You can build and modify this for personal use, but you cannot manufacture and sell it commercially, GPL terms apply.

Copy-paste prompts

Prompt 1
I want to build a PocketLCD. Walk me through the circuit board design, what does the HDMI-PI module do and how does it connect to the 5.5-inch display panel?
Prompt 2
Explain the USB Power Delivery charging section of the PocketLCD circuit. What chip handles fast charging and what protections are built in?
Prompt 3
I want to modify PocketLCD to use a different screen size. What parts of the HDMI-PI design would I need to change for a 7-inch panel?
Prompt 4
What are the assembly tips the PocketLCD creator gives about soldering the high-current charging path, and why does trace thickness matter there?
Prompt 5
Help me source the components for PocketLCD, what lithium-ion battery spec does the design use and how does the potentiometer brightness control fit into the circuit?
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