Worklog: Project Picture Frame

[mac_cnc]

Well hello there folks. This is my first worklog, though I should have done one when I built my XBOX PC but forgot (so shoot me). Well since I no longer use the XBOX pc im stripping out some of the components and making a new PC.

Concept
I want to make a digital picture frame that I can have setup on a desk, but also have the ability to connect to the machine and run videos or other good stuff. The unit will be as quiet as possible, possibly fanless If the temps will hold.

Parts I already have
1 - Via Eden Mini-ITX M10000 Motherboard
1 - 30gb 2.5" Laptop Drive
1 - 512mb DDR SDRAM
1 - Linksys USB Wireless NIC (Stripped)

Parts I need
1 - Pico PSU (120Watt I think)
1 - External AC Adapter
1 - LCD
1 - Custom Made shadowbox frame for the "case"

Some Ideas I have

• I have a wireless USB adapter I have stripped down so its just the PCB and the antenna. I will wire the USB connection to the machine's internal USB header to conserve space.
• I will use the concept that Apple used on the imac and attempt to drill vent holes on the top and bottom to create a small suction that should pull hot air up and cooler air in through the bottom.

Well thats it for now. When I start working on it some more I will post some pics.

 

[upriverpaddler]

Can't wait for some pics. What size is the LCD?

 

[SignalSoldier]

Man a tough rough ahead but I cant wait to see your results! March on Soldier.

 

[upriverpaddler]

I have a spare 15" LCD. I'll bet, to get the most professional look, it would be best to take it to a frame store and have it matted. I wonder how much that would cost?
You are witnessing the awesomeness of my 1,000th post.

 

[drizzt81]

I have a spare 15" LCD. I'll bet, to get the most professional look, it would be best to take it to a frame store and have it matted. I wonder how much that would cost?
You are witnessing the awesomeness of my 1,000th post.

depending on what type of frame you chose and how professionally you want it done, ~USD100.

 

[mac_cnc]

I think overall that I want the LCD to be small enough to run off the 12v rail on the powersupply. I only want one cord out the back. I have a 15" LCD i was going to use but that means another cord out the back and possibly shortening the cable....I dont really want to do that. Plus the eden board has composite out which should work for the LCD. Now I just need to find an LCD. I will post pics of what I have so far later.

 

[Dangman]

Can't wait to see the results of this endeavor. Good luck!

 

[mac_cnc]

Ok small update. Here is the LCD im looking at: HERE or HERE
It appears to have the composite connect I need but how to get it from DC to AC power. I know jack about electronics. Thanks to widefault for the site suggestion. If this works I can buy it and begin to fab this baby up.

 

[Rufus P Tumbeltin IV]

To get power for the screen you would need a 12v wall transformer or brick. You should be able to find one at radio shack or any other place that sells electronic crap.

 

[widefault]

Looks like both are 12 volt capable, so if you're using the PicoPSU you should be okay powering them from a molex on that. The Via boards don't put much strain(if any) on the 12 volt line of the PSU, and most small screens will only pull around 2 amps maximum@12 volts. All the internally mounted setups I did were hooked right to the PC's power supply. Used the passthrough molex cables from old fans.

Honestly, the PicoPSU could probably used to power a full-sized LCD as well as the primary system. It can put out over 70 watts on the 12 volt line with the right external power brick(the 10 amp one for the full 120 watts), and not many LCDs will pull that much. Just have to make sure your motherboard doesn't rely on the 12 volt.

 

[SignalSoldier]

Those little things are expensive. That markup has to be steep as hell. Keep on pushing man great ideas.