homemade lcd screen in stock

If you have ever wondered what it took to make your own custom graphic LCD from scratch, this video from [Applied Science] is worth a watch. It’s concise and to the point, while still telling you what you need to know should you be interested in rolling your own. There is also a related video which goes into much more detail about experimenting with LCD technology.

[Applied Science] used microscope slides and parts purchased online to make an LCD that displays a custom graphic when activated. The only step that home experimenters might have trouble following is coating the glass slides with a clear conductive layer, which in the video is done via a process called sputtering to deposit a thin film. You don’t need to do this yourself, though. Pre-coated glass is readily available online. (Search for Indium-Tin Oxide or ‘ITO’ coated glass.)

The LCD consists of a layer of liquid crystal suspended between two layers of conductive glass. An electrical field is used to change the orientation of crystals in the suspension, which modulate the light passing through them. Polarizing filters result in a sharp contrast and therefore a visible image. To show a particular shape, some of the conductive coating is removed from one of the layers in the shape of the desired image. The process [Applied Science] uses to do this is nearly identical to etching a custom PCB.

Parts of LCD technology can be quite hackable. Neither of these videos are brand-new, either. Have any of you taken on the challenge of DIY LCD displays? We’ve seen experiments with electrochromatic glass using old LCD displays, as well as experiments in playing with polarized light to hide secret messages on LCD screens.

Screens can scratch easily, and even paper towels and tissues contain fibers that can do damage. “Your best bet is to use a soft, anti-static microfiber cloth—the kind used to clean eyeglasses and camera lenses—and wipe in a circular motion,” says John Walsh, who cleans more than 250 TVs a year in his role as a CR photographer. (Some TV manufacturers will include a cloth for this purpose.) “Gently wipe the screen with a dry cloth to remove dust and other debris, but don’t press too hard,” he says.

If there are hard-to-remove stains, you can dampen the cloth slightly with distilled water and gently clean the screen. Don’t spray water directly onto the screen; that could cause a shock or component failure if water seeps into the inner workings of the set.

For the most stubborn stains, you can try using a solution of very mild dish soap highly diluted with water, once again applied to the cloth and not to the TV itself. (As a guideline, Panasonic used to recommend a 100:1 ratio of water to soap.) LCD screens, in particular, are very sensitive to pressure and can scratch easily, so don’t press hard.

Screens can scratch easily, and even paper towels and tissues contain fibers that can do damage. “Your best bet is to use a soft, anti-static microfiber cloth—the kind used to clean eyeglasses and camera lenses—and wipe in a circular motion,” says John Walsh, who cleans more than 250 TVs a year in his role as a CR photographer. (Some TV manufacturers will include a cloth for this purpose.) “Gently wipe the screen with a dry cloth to remove dust and other debris, but don’t press too hard,” he says.

If there are hard-to-remove stains, you can dampen the cloth slightly with distilled water and gently clean the screen. Don’t spray water directly onto the screen; that could cause a shock or component failure if water seeps into the inner workings of the set.

For the most stubborn stains, you can try using a solution of very mild dish soap highly diluted with water, once again applied to the cloth and not to the TV itself. (As a guideline, Panasonic used to recommend a 100:1 ratio of water to soap.) LCD screens, in particular, are very sensitive to pressure and can scratch easily, so don’t press hard.

The next step is technically the hardest, the coding. Don"t read all of the code here, this code is in the code language C, get an environment to program a board with the Receiver that receives the waves from the smart remote, I have a smart remote form and Osepp kit and it is compatible with arduino. Copy this code on to your environment and program it to the arduino or board that is connected to the LCD screen/TV.

LCD-AVR-4d.c - Use an HD44780U based LCD with an Atmel ATmega processor Copyright (C) 2013 Donald Weiman (weimandn@alfredstate.edu) This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or (at your option) any later version. This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful, but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. See the GNU General Public License for more details. You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License along with this program. If not, see . */ /**************************************************************************** File: LCD-AVR-4d.c Date: September 16, 2013 Target: ATmega328 Compiler: avr-gcc (AVR Studio 6) Author: Donald Weiman Summary: 4-bit data interface, busy flag not implemented. Any LCD pin can be connected to any available I/O port. Includes a simple write string routine. */ /******************************* Program Notes ****************************** This program uses a 4-bit data interface but does not use the busy flag to determine when the LCD controller is ready. The LCD RW line (pin 5) is not connected to the uP and it must be connected to GND for the program to function. All time delays are longer than those specified in most datasheets in order to accommodate slower than normal LCD modules. This requirement is well documented but almost always ignored. The information is in a note at the bottom of the right hand (Execution Time) column of the instruction set. *************************************************************************** The four data lines as well as the two control lines may be implemented on any available I/O pin of any port. These are the connections used for this program: ----------- ---------- | ATmega328 | | LCD | | | | | | PD7|---------------->|D7 | | PD6|---------------->|D6 | | PD5|---------------->|D5 | | PD4|---------------->|D4 | | | |D3 | | | |D2 | | | |D1 | | | |D0 | | | | | | PB1|---------------->|E | | | GND --->|RW | | PB0|---------------->|RS | ----------- ---------- **************************************************************************/

// LCD interface (should agree with the diagram above) // make sure that the LCD RW pin is connected to GND #define lcd_D7_port PORTD // lcd D7 connection #define lcd_D7_bit PORTD7 #define lcd_D7_ddr DDRD

// LCD module information #define lcd_LineOne 0x00 // start of line 1 #define lcd_LineTwo 0x40 // start of line 2 //#define lcd_LineThree 0x14 // start of line 3 (20x4) //#define lcd_lineFour 0x54 // start of line 4 (20x4) //#define lcd_LineThree 0x10 // start of line 3 (16x4) //#define lcd_lineFour 0x50 // start of line 4 (16x4)

// LCD instructions #define lcd_Clear 0b00000001 // replace all characters with ASCII "space" #define lcd_Home 0b00000010 // return cursor to first position on first line #define lcd_EntryMode 0b00000110 // shift cursor from left to right on read/write #define lcd_DisplayOff 0b00001000 // turn display off #define lcd_DisplayOn 0b00001100 // display on, cursor off, don"t blink character #define lcd_FunctionReset 0b00110000 // reset the LCD #define lcd_FunctionSet4bit 0b00101000 // 4-bit data, 2-line display, 5 x 7 font #define lcd_SetCursor 0b10000000 // set cursor position

// Program ID uint8_t program_author[] = "Donald Weiman"; uint8_t program_version[] = "LCD-AVR-4d (gcc)"; uint8_t program_date[] = "Sep 16, 2013";

// Function Prototypes void lcd_write_4(uint8_t); void lcd_write_instruction_4d(uint8_t); void lcd_write_character_4d(uint8_t); void lcd_write_string_4d(uint8_t *); void lcd_init_4d(void);

/******************************* Main Program Code *************************/ int main(void) { // configure the microprocessor pins for the data lines lcd_D7_ddr |= (1<

// initialize the LCD controller as determined by the defines (LCD instructions) lcd_init_4d(); // initialize the LCD display for a 4-bit interface

// set cursor to start of second line lcd_write_instruction_4d(lcd_SetCursor | lcd_LineTwo); _delay_us(80); // 40 uS delay (min)

*============================== 4-bit LCD Functions ======================*/ /* Name: lcd_init_4d Purpose: initialize the LCD module for a 4-bit data interface Entry: equates (LCD instructions) set up for the desired operation Exit: no parameters Notes: uses time delays rather than checking the busy flag */ void lcd_init_4d(void) { // Power-up delay _delay_ms(100); // initial 40 mSec delay

// IMPORTANT - At this point the LCD module is in the 8-bit mode and it is expecting to receive // 8 bits of data, one bit on each of its 8 data lines, each time the "E" line is pulsed. // // Since the LCD module is wired for the 4-bit mode, only the upper four data lines are connected to // the microprocessor and the lower four data lines are typically left open. Therefore, when // the "E" line is pulsed, the LCD controller will read whatever data has been set up on the upper // four data lines and the lower four data lines will be high (due to internal pull-up circuitry). // // Fortunately the "FunctionReset" instruction does not care about what is on the lower four bits so // this instruction can be sent on just the four available data lines and it will be interpreted // properly by the LCD controller. The "lcd_write_4" subroutine will accomplish this if the // control lines have previously been configured properly.

// Reset the LCD controller lcd_write_4(lcd_FunctionReset); // first part of reset sequence _delay_ms(10); // 4.1 mS delay (min)

lcd_write_4(lcd_FunctionReset); // second part of reset sequence _delay_us(200); // 100uS delay (min)

lcd_write_4(lcd_FunctionReset); // third part of reset sequence _delay_us(200); // this delay is omitted in the data sheet

// Preliminary Function Set instruction - used only to set the 4-bit mode. // The number of lines or the font cannot be set at this time since the controller is still in the // 8-bit mode, but the data transfer mode can be changed since this parameter is determined by one // of the upper four bits of the instruction. lcd_write_4(lcd_FunctionSet4bit); // set 4-bit mode _delay_us(80); // 40uS delay (min)

// Function Set instruction lcd_write_instruction_4d(lcd_FunctionSet4bit); // set mode, lines, and font _delay_us(80); // 40uS delay (min)

// Display On/Off Control instruction lcd_write_instruction_4d(lcd_DisplayOff); // turn display OFF _delay_us(80); // 40uS delay (min)

// Clear Display instruction lcd_write_instruction_4d(lcd_Clear); // clear display RAM _delay_ms(4); // 1.64 mS delay (min)

// ; Entry Mode Set instruction lcd_write_instruction_4d(lcd_EntryMode); // set desired shift characteristics _delay_us(80); // 40uS delay (min)

// This is the end of the LCD controller initialization as specified in the data sheet, but the display // has been left in the OFF condition. This is a good time to turn the display back ON. // Display On/Off Control instruction lcd_write_instruction_4d(lcd_DisplayOn); // turn the display ON _delay_us(80); // 40uS delay (min) }

/*........................................................................... Name: lcd_write_string_4d ; Purpose: display a string of characters on the LCD Entry: (theString) is the string to be displayed Exit: no parameters Notes: uses time delays rather than checking the busy flag */ void lcd_write_string_4d(uint8_t theString[]) { volatile int i = 0; // character counter*/ while (theString[i] != 0) { lcd_write_character_4d(theString[i]); i++; _delay_us(80); // 40 uS delay (min) } }

/*........................................................................... Name: lcd_write_character_4d Purpose: send a byte of information to the LCD data register Entry: (theData) is the information to be sent to the data register Exit: no parameters Notes: does not deal with RW (busy flag is not implemented) */

/*........................................................................... Name: lcd_write_instruction_4d Purpose: send a byte of information to the LCD instruction register Entry: (theInstruction) is the information to be sent to the instruction register Exit: no parameters Notes: does not deal with RW (busy flag is not implemented) */ void lcd_write_instruction_4d(uint8_t theInstruction) { lcd_RS_port &= ~(1<

/*........................................................................... Name: lcd_write_4 Purpose: send a byte of information to the LCD module Entry: (theByte) is the information to be sent to the desired LCD register RS is configured for the desired LCD register E is low RW is low Exit: no parameters Notes: use either time delays or the busy flag */ void lcd_write_4(uint8_t theByte) { lcd_D7_port &= ~(1<

Before you give into your impulses and wipe your screen with whatever you have at hand, let us stop you right there. Your display is way more delicate than you think, and if you want it to last a long time in optimal conditions, you’ll need to treat it with proper love and care.

The good news is that cleaning a computer screen is more simple than you think. You only need a soft cloth, a tiny bit of water, and the most delicate of touches.

As you would expect, not all screens are created equal, and some are more delicate than others. The safest way to figure out the proper care for your screen is to search for the make and model of your device, find out if it has an LCD, LED, or some other type of display, and search for the manufacturer’s instructions on how to care for it.

If you want to skip all that, there’s an easy way to avoid making a mistake that might not only result in irreparable damage to your screen but to your entire device. According to Joe Silverman, owner of New York Computer Help, a tech repair center in New York City, no matter how much money you spent on your computer or tablet, it probably has an LED or an LCD screen if you bought it within the last three years—and neither type benefits from window cleaner or highly concentrated alcohol.

That’s the uppermost layer of your screen, which is extremely sensitive to the acidity in alcohol and in compounds like ammonia or propylene glycol. These are often present in cleaning agents such as window cleaners and degreasers. Using these liquids will corrode the surface of your screen, resulting in scratches or even smudges you won’t be able to get rid of.

Things get even trickier when you’re dealing with touchscreens. On models like the Microsoft Surface, the display is the main input—as opposed to your mouse or trackpad on a regular laptop—so it’s ultra-sensitive, Silverman says. Using a strong liquid cleaner like a degreaser or a bleach-based disinfectant can obliterate the top layer on the screen. Combine that with high pressure, and you can kiss your fancy touchscreen computer goodbye.

Another downside to newer computers is their size and weight. If you decided to splurge on a new laptop, for example, you probably found one that has top-notch components, but also a slick, lightweight design. This format is only possible if everything in your laptop is smaller and thinner. In the case of your display, a thinner screen means a weaker barrier between your computer’s guts and the elements in the outside world.

Caring for your screen is simple—it only takes a little bit of water and a dust-free cloth, such as a microfiber wipe or the piece of fabric that came with your glasses.

First, turn off your computer and disconnect the charger. This might sound paranoid, but the benefit is twofold—you avoid any chance of triggering an electrical surge, and your screen will remain black, which will make it easier to see any dirt and grime.

Pour a couple drops of water on your cloth. Forget paper towels or the sleeve of that soft cotton t-shirt you love—microfiber is your best bet. Still, no matter how soft it is, a dry wipe could always leave micro-abrasions on your screen. The moisture will also help gather dust and particles while lifting grease from your display.

Use circular motions starting in the center of your screen and moving outward, so you don’t leave any streaks. If you can see any droplets or water traces on the glass while you clean, you’ve used way too much water. Gently dab the residual H2O with an absorbent cloth or tissue paper and start again.

If you’re dealing with next-level gunk, you can use isopropyl alcohol at 70 percent or lower, Silverman says. “That percentage is very important,” he explains. “We’d only use 90 percent or higher on dummy parts that don’t have sensors, like top cases and keyboards.” In these extreme cases, spray the alcohol on the cloth, never directly on the screen, and wipe it gently.

Just like solar damage, screen damage is cumulative. The more pressure you apply, the more abrasive a product you use, and the more often you use it, the greater the damage you’re inflicting on the protective layer of your display and the delicate sensors underneath it.

Maybe you can get away with using a high percentage of alcohol or even a window cleaner on your computer screen once or twice. But if you keep at it, eventually you’ll see the deleterious effects.

“You’ll see discoloration, lines (vertical and horizontal); sometimes it looks pretty and rainbow-like,” Silverman says. “Sometimes it’ll blink and sometimes you’ll see droplets of water or liquid in the back of the screen. There’s a lot of ways in which damage appears.”

The best way to avoid damaging your screen while cleaning it is to simply keep it from getting dirty in the first place. If you have a laptop, cover the keyboard with a thin microfiber cloth before closing it to prevent finger grease from transferring to the screen. If you have a touchscreen, wash your hands often before you use it, but make sure you let your hands dry completely before you start tapping—the soapy water or liquid hand cleanser from your fingers can easily end up on the screen and corrode it.

Your phone was designed to be carried, dropped, tapped, swiped, smashed against your face for long periods of time, and stowed in the deepest corners of your bag. In other words, its screen is way more resilient than your computer’s.

Silverman explains that most iPhones and Samsung phones, for example, have screens made out of one thick piece of glass. These, as opposed to computer screens, have all the LCD layers fused together, making them much more difficult to damage. Still, if you’re using alcohol, he recommends keeping the concentration at 70 percent or lower, using a soft cloth, and applying only low pressure to get rid of any accumulated gunk there.

Replacing the screen of your computer or smartphone can be expensive, and even if that’s not an issue for you, no one wants their devices to fail when they need them the most. So remember these tips well—we hope you never have to read this article again.

With all those screens, I found myself going through a lot of screen cleaner to keep them free of fingerprints. I’ve been searching for a cheap homemade screen cleaner recipe.

After doing some research online, I learned that you shouldn’t use traditional window cleaners on your screens because they may contain ammonia or alcohol – both of which can damage your screen and remove the protective coating.

You don’t need an expensive store-bought product when this simple DIY screen cleaner works just as well. I’m all about keeping my grocery budget as low as I can especially when the changes don’t impact the quality of what I’m using.

This DIY is simply about combining ingredients together and adding them to a spray bottle. It doesn’t get much easier than that when it comes to making a homemade cleaning recipe.

I always use a microfiber cloth when I use this homemade screen cleaner. Actually, I prefer cleaning with microfiber cloths over rags most of the time.

We"ve all had that moment: You"re sitting at your computer or laptop and the light hits your screen in a way to reveal an unsightly accumulation of streaks, fingerprints, and dust.

To help, we round up the most important things to know about cleaning your computer screen, whether it"s a Mac or PC. While it"s a simple process, there are a few important rules to keep in mind to make sure you"re doing it safely.

Computer screens are not all made the same, and thus can"t all be cleaned the same way. You"ll want to be careful no matter your screen type, but it"s helpful to know that displays come in two categories:Glass-coated screens: The screens on newer iMac displays and MacBooks have a glass overlay. Glass displays are a little less delicate than LCD or LED screens, and mild cleaning solutions, like rubbing alcohol, are generally safe to use on them.

LCD or LED screens:Windows computers and most touchscreens and matte displays are typically not coated in glass. Extra care should be taken with these screens so not to damage the pixels that make up the display.

To clean a computer screen, you really just need two things: A microfiber cloth and filtered or distilled water. That"s to say you don"t need a special store-bought cleaning solution.

If you"d like some extra sanitation power, an equal parts mixture of water and vinegar is safe no matter your screen type. If you know that your display is glass-coated, you can also use an equal parts mixture of water and 70% rubbing alcohol.What you needTwo lint-free microfiber cloths

d3sign/Getty ImagesTurn the computer or laptop off.For safety reasons, begin by letting the device cool down completely. Dust, fingerprints, and smudges are also easier to spot on a black screen.

If any marks remain, wipe with a lightly moistened cloth.For glass-coated screens, you can use a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar or rubbing alcohol. For LED or LCD screens, use only water. Spray or lightly dab the solution directly onto the cloth and carefully wipe the screen from left to right.

Buff with a dry cloth and air-dry.If any streaks remain once the screen dries, gently buff them with the dry cloth. Before you turn your computer or laptop back on, allow the screen to dry completely.Note:Apple claims that you can use 70% isopropyl disinfecting wipes to clean any Apple product. Just remember not to get any liquid into the device"s ports or openings — to avoid this, you might want to wring out the wipe to remove any excess liquid before using it.

For the best advice for cleaning your screen, it"s a smart idea to check your owner"s manual, which provides the manufacturer"s specific recommendations. But since screens are especially susceptible to damage, there are a few general guidelines that apply, no matter the type of screen you own.

Turn off your computer before cleaning the screen. This is just safe practice where any amount of liquid is involved, but more specifically, any static on the screen could create a shock and damage the internal components.

Do not use abrasive cleaning solutions. This includes bleach (or any products containing bleach), hydrogen peroxide, or all-purpose spray cleaners. Using an abrasive cleaner can ruin the finish of your screen.

Use filtered or distilled water. Especially in areas with hard water, water containing minerals like calcium and magnesium can damage your screen or leave even more streaks.

Use only soft microfiber cloths.Even a fabric as soft as a cotton shirt has snags and uneven particles that can scratch a computer screen. For this reason, avoid T-shirts, towels, and paper towels. The exception is the Apple Pro Display XDR or iMac, which requires a special polishing cloth.

Never spray cleaning solution directly onto the screen. To avoid any risk of damage from excess moisture, mist the solution directly onto the microfiber cloth instead.

Do not wipe in circles. Wiping in circles can create uneven pressure and ultimately lead to screen damage. It"s also more likely to create streaking. Wipe in tight, Z-shaped motions, or in broad strokes from side to side.

Do not scrub.Apply gentle pressure only. Hard scrubbing can damage the internal components of the screen and could leave scratches or spots of discoloration or dead pixels that won"t go away.Melanie Weir

Melanie Weir is a freelance author for Insider, mainly focusing on the Tech Reference section, but occasionally contributing to Lifestyle and Entertainment topics as well. She is also a freelance writer for ScreenRant, and is the Lead Weekend News Editor at TheThings.com. In her spare time she writes plays for both stage and screen. She can be reached at melanie.weir1008@gmail.com, or through LinkedIn.