Source for small LCD monitors?

[mjcoussens]

I've put together a nice little housing for my Canon ZR85 and would like to mount a small, 2.5-3.5 inch LCD monitor to the back window of the housing to replace the normal viewfinder. Does anyone know where I could get a small monitor in that size? I know Lilliput makes a few small ones from 1.8 to 3.5 inches and that Axion used to make small handheld tvs in that size range. In fact, overstock has them right now for $40, but I'm still interested in looking at other options.

Thanks,

Matt

 

[DaFireMedic]

I've put together a nice little housing for my Canon ZR85 and would like to mount a small, 2.5-3.5 inch LCD monitor to the back window of the housing to replace the normal viewfinder. Does anyone know where I could get a small monitor in that size? I know Lilliput makes a few small ones from 1.8 to 3.5 inches and that Axion used to make small handheld tvs in that size range. In fact, overstock has them right now for $40, but I'm still interested in looking at other options.

Thanks,

Matt

I was in the same boat a few weeks ago. As my project was a "budget" project, I didn't want to spend hundreds on an LCD monitor, so I went with the Zate shown in this thread:

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/underwater-videography/203736-underwater-videography-budget.html

Note that the protective film was still on it in these pics. I bought it on Ebay here:

I'm happy with it, nice picture for such a small monitor. I considered the Axion TV option as well, but at 5 1/4" tall, it was right at the edge of what would fit in my housing, plus I wanted it small enough that I could see past it to the camcorder controls.

Otherwise, B & H has the Ikan one for $94 here, but its about $50 more than the Zate.

 

[pmattb]

Great option - I'd been looking through Ebay for a similar option, thats a great suggestion. thanks DafireM....

 

[pmattb]

Quick followup - have you tested how long your monitor will run off the AA batts?

The one on Ebay seems to indicate an amp draw of about .40A, so even 2500mAh batteries should do it at least for a dive or two....

 

[DaFireMedic]

Quick followup - have you tested how long your monitor will run off the AA batts?

The one on Ebay seems to indicate an amp draw of about .40A, so even 2500mAh batteries should do it at least for a dive or two....

No, I haven't yet. Maybe when I get home from work I will run it and see how long it goes and post some results. I'm using 2650 maH batteries. My hope is to get 3 dives out of the battery pack before charging.

 

[mjcoussens]

Sorry for not replying to my own thread earlier, the SWMBO and I went to Hilo for the weekend (poor me ).

DaFireMedic, the Zate option looks pretty nice as well, but I'd still have to build a battery pack for it and real estate is at a premium in my housing as I only used 4in ABS pipe. Looking at the specs for the Axion TV, however, shows that it only requires 6volts to operate (half of the Zate model) and has a built-in battery holder and charger circuit. Seems to me that it would be easy enough to de-construct and relocate the batteries along the side of the housing where there is more space available for them. Also, if battery life becomes a concern, I could just replace the AA rechargeables for some C-cells and I'd be all set, right?

FWIW, I think I'll try the Axion TV and see how it goes. If it doesn't work out, it wouldn't be the first time I wasted $40.

Matt

 

[DaFireMedic]

Sorry for not replying to my own thread earlier, the SWMBO and I went to Hilo for the weekend (poor me ).

DaFireMedic, the Zate option looks pretty nice as well, but I'd still have to build a battery pack for it and real estate is at a premium in my housing as I only used 4in ABS pipe. Looking at the specs for the Axion TV, however, shows that it only requires 6volts to operate (half of the Zate model) and has a built-in battery holder and charger circuit. Seems to me that it would be easy enough to de-construct and relocate the batteries along the side of the housing where there is more space available for them. Also, if battery life becomes a concern, I could just replace the AA rechargeables for some C-cells and I'd be all set, right?

FWIW, I think I'll try the Axion TV and see how it goes. If it doesn't work out, it wouldn't be the first time I wasted $40.

Matt

Absolutely right, I considered the TV for those reasons as well. I've never had one of those apart though, so I don't know whats involved in de-constructing the TV, but it can't be that hard (can it????). Once apart, you could also use AAA's in a pack to save space, although that might mean changing battery packs between dives. When I was building another housing with 4" PVC, I built it a tad longer to accomodate the the AA battery pack if needed, but as you know that adds size and buoyancy, so its not the ideal option. Someday I may finish that housing....

Out of curiosity, does your housing have controls?

 

[mjcoussens]

Yeah, I also built the housing about 2.5" longer than the camera as I had planned on adding a monitor at some point and also wanted enough room for the large capacity battery as well. As far as controls go, I have two. One is to stop/start record, the second is for zoom in/out. They were built based on Padipro's design and for the price to assemble (~4 each) can't be beat. The housing itself is based off of Bobby_M's design with the front lens being removable, and the handles being attached with stainless bolts and wingnuts. With the handles attached this way it's easy to set them to be perpendicular to the housing, at a 45 degree angle, parallel, or even removed completely to save on packing space. I've also installed a leak detection system using an led circuit and some paper towel (idea also borrowed from padipro's dive light group). I'll put up some pictures once it's all finished. Although it will probably be awhile before I install the monitor.

Matt