LCD for a Video Housing

[grouchyturtle]

Anyone here ever build a video housing with an LCD display instead of a rear lens for the viewport, or a mirror for seeing the camera's LCD, etc.

I know you can order replacement PDA screens online which I'm shure would work.

But I don't have a clue how to build or where to get the circuit that would get plugged between the camera and the LCD? Or where I'd connect the battery too?

 

[NAM001]

i just did mine got a pustom monitor on e-bay and have just got it working. i did mine because i am far sighted and needed a larger view. looked around and foune monitors for 5-900. so i made my own. pm me if you are interested and we will getr together and swap details. mine is mounted in a sony mpk housing. if you are not picky on the camera or cash is not a problem you may want to look into a smaller camera. if you want to do one for about 100.00 let me know.

 

[diversteve]

Anyone here ever build a video housing with an LCD display instead of a rear lens for the viewport, or a mirror for seeing the camera's LCD, etc.

I know you can order replacement PDA screens online which I'm shure would work.

But I don't have a clue how to build or where to get the circuit that would get plugged between the camera and the LCD? Or where I'd connect the battery too?

If you have a clear back on your housing, a monitor like the Citizen M329 works well. The batteries are installed into the back of the case, so all you have to have is enough clearance between the back of your camera and the inside back face of your housing. Cabling is just a standard RCA cable from the cameras video output to the monitor. You can either extend your camera tray with a second mounting hole for the monitor - takes a standard tripod mount, or velcro it to the back glass.

Ikelite sells a mirror that sticks to the outside of their housings that allows you to view your LCD Monitor. But I read somewhere that the image is inverted making it harder to use.

The really cool trick would be to use a monitor mounted on top of your housing in an external case like Gates and L&M sell. Much better viewing angle while filming.

 

[Padipro]

Radio Shack mini TV with A/V inputs. It's color, looks and works great.

Check it out on my MSN site, DIY Group.

 

[ScubaDadMiami]

Just to clarify, these units are commercially available. My Light and Motion housing comes with a "monitor back."

 

[grouchyturtle]

How wide is the pustom and the Citizen monitor?
Small enough to fit in 4" PVC?

Mounting on the top! I never thought of that. I was just thinking on the back would keep the housing more compact, but now that you mention it, it would be much more comfortable to view it through the top.

You could just drill a hole in top to fit, maybe 1" tubing, or use an angled T coupling for the body.

What would you use for the part that holds the lcd, though?

 

[grouchyturtle]

WOW.

Gates and L&M top mount monitors sell for over $1k!

I think I'll make my own.

 

[diversteve]

How wide is the pustom and the Citizen monitor? Small enough to fit in 4" PVC??

Citizen M329:

Screen Size 2.9 inches (measured diagonally) No. of Pixels 94,608 (146 x 648) Standard Accessories Battery Pack (AA x 6) Hood 8 pin A/V Cord RCA A/V Cord DC Cord Mounting Tool Monitor Stand Mounting Bar Optional Accessories AC Adapter (BA-753) Auto Adapter (BC-755) Driving Method CSM Type Display Element TN Type LCD Viewing System Direct Viewing Lighting Source Fluorescent Tube Power Supply Battery Pack (AA x 6) Optional AC Adapter Optional DC (12VAC) Adapter Power Consumption 2.7W Terminals DC Input (3.4mm) A/V Input (3.5mm) Earphone (3.5mm)

Dimensions (inches) 3-1/8(H) x 3-9/16(W) x 1-1/16(D) Weight 4-3/4 ounces

Mounting on the top! I never thought of that. I was just thinking on the back would keep the housing more compact, but now that you mention it, it would be much more comfortable to view it through the top.

You could just drill a hole in top to fit, maybe 1" tubing, or use an angled T coupling for the body.

What would you use for the part that holds the lcd, though?

I don't know, maybe build a box out of 1/2" plexiglas? I just thought it was a great idea. My dive buddy mentioned it to me also this summer when he was using my housing, I don't have enough room inside the housing for any kind of monitor.

 

[grouchyturtle]

Where are the video inputs located on the Pustom?
It looks like the side, but hard to tell from the pictures I've seen.

 

[diversteve]

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