New project: Pictureframe PC

[SorienOR]

My wife has decided she really wants a digital picture frame. I figured I would get one for xmas comming up, they go in the $100 range for a 8"-ish model.

Then it struck me, I have a semi-broken 17" lcd collecting dust under my bench at work and a plethora of computer parts lying around, so I figured a 17" digital picture frame would be much better, and probably not cost me much more out-of-pocket.

My inspiration is the pictureframe pc featured at mini-itx.com. Ever since I first saw that years ago I've really wanted my own. Now is as good of time as any!

First, the donor LCD. Yes it was taking with my crappy phone cam but I promise better pics in the future. It is a CTL 7GX.

The problem is that the backlight inverter part of the power board is burned out. There is an image, just can't see it.

I plan on using some case light CC inverters to power the lcd tubes (I've done this before) and power them off the pc power supply.

The last couple of weekends I've scoured Goodwills looking for a frame to base this on but no luck. I might have to either make one or have one made.

Here is what I have assembled so far:

MSI KM4AM-L motherboard.
a choice of cpus, but will probably use an athlon xp and underclock it to 100fsb.
ram, probably 256mb
hard drive
200w microatx power supply
spare copy of XP.

Need to get:
wireless connection (usb or pci)
2x dual-light cold-cathode inverters
card reader
some usb ports
some form of wireless or small usb kb/mouse.

and then switches and other stuff, you know normal stuff for case mods.

I have to do this all clandestinly too, with the work done either at work or my friend's shop as it is to be a surprise.

Next step is to aquire an actual frame, or the inverters to test the monitor and install windows.

 

[kbussen]

Wow. Cant believe no one has responded to your thread. Well, let me be the first. I like the idea. Keep it going, wanna see the finished product.

 

[billb]

Wow. Cant believe no one has responded to your thread. Well, let me be the first. I like the idea. Keep it going, wanna see the finished product.

HHHmmm. A Christmass present made from old, broken computer parts?????? Could be a problem in my house. Maybe spend the hundred bucks and build your picture frame PC.

 

[FoxhoundOp]

HHHmmm. A Christmass present made from old, broken computer parts?????? Could be a problem in my house. Maybe spend the hundred bucks and build your picture frame PC.

If he can get it work the way he wants to it will be a better present than a store-bought digital picture frame IMO. Sometimes opening up teh wallet isn't the best path, especially when you have skillz.

 

[game14]

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[SorienOR]

OK yes I know I said no more crappy phone cam pics, I keep forgetting to grab my digicam. Also, my wife knows something is up. I left a web page to an art supply store open and she asked me what that was for. I had to evade

Anyway got a frame I like for $12 and some black foamcore from an art store across the street from work. I used the case from the lcd to trace out the opening.

Sitting on the lcd, good idea of the final look (only will be a few inches thicker)

Now mounting the lcd looks pretty easy with tabs sticking out. I plan on making a chassis to sit inside the edges of the frame with bars running across for attaching the lcd via those tabs.

Now on to the power supply. A pretty standard micro-atx, FSP 180w.

But with the way I plan on using it the fan is useless. Had to remove it and put holes in the front for smaller fans.

The power supply isn't done yet, I need some hardware to polish it off but this gives you the idea of what I was trying to accomplish.

My boss LOVES this idea and is looking forward to me finishing it.

I also realized the lcd has built-in speakers and amp so I might hook those up as well. Background music!

A co-worker suggested a webcam to make a digital mirror. Funny, but I doubt I will do it.