EEV Argus 3 screen update - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Flukav
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 15, 2019, 08:30:58 am
content: Hello,Given I can't use the Argus 3 for on-board application as planned, I decided to revive it as a handheld imager.Original LCD monitor seems to have a resolution way lower than the BST sensor (I would say something around 160px), poor viewing angles and low contrast. Fast forward 15 years of flat screen technology, I acquired a 8€ eBay reverse car parking 4.3" monitor; claimed resolution is 480x272.Bad luck, it doesn't fit where the original 4.2" screen has been resting (plus 16:9 format),so I placed it ontop of the upper plastic hood, just under the window. To compensate the extra thickness (2.5mm) due to the screen and prevent stress on its frame, I 3D printed in TPU-95 a new seal, with 2 grooves.Not sure if I have the same waterproof ratings, but the overall (reversible) result is satisfying for such price. Way more readable on the side, a bit lighter (47g instead of 146g) and finally, the full BST resolution (now i can see the dead pixels...).Previous contrast/brightness/tint was sent by analog signals (around 3.3V), and using them can be done rather simply. New LCD use a 3key with parrallel resistor to change these settings. With an Arduino Pro, conversion could be done easally here are some clues for a future code:Code:void setup{set pins as input or outputsrecord initial values read on analog pins}void loop{read_the_values_and_update_an_arrayif(some voltage has changed on a given pin){if(not yet in the menu){enter_the_osd()}change the value(parameter_to_be_changed, new_desired_value)}}enter_the_osd(){digitalWrite(the_menu_key, HIGH)delay(something)digitalWrite(the_menu_key, LOW)}change_the_value(para, val){while(value_not_reached){digitalWrite(the_pin_concerned, HIGH)delay(something)digitalWrite(the_pin_concerned, LOW)}digitalWrite(the_combination_to_exit_OSD)}This would lead having 2 different OSD on the screen, but it should work.Here are pictures of the testing process, at the beginning, new LCD was glued on the back of the hood -> bad idea as scratches on the window lead to crappy image.Voilà!

author: Ultrapurple
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 16, 2019, 07:39:35 am
content: That looks like an excellent and really neat result: well done!I've always been somewhat underwhelmed by the performance of my Argus 3's screen so perhaps now's the time to investigate improving it.There are a number of very good 4:3 640x480 parking sensor screens around, all for less than the cost of a couple of McBurger meals. I have some (sadly, just a bit too small for the Argus 3) but they work fantastically well as thermal monitors: I use one atop my eVet camera (320 x 240 BST) and it gives far better pictures than its (much later) built-in LCD screen.

author: Ultrapurple
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 16, 2019, 07:42:12 am
content: Perhaps Bill W can confirm the actual resolution of the original screen fitted to the Argus 3? It's slightly odd, as it has offset pixels to try and give an impression of higher resolution than the actualité.

author: Bill W
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 23, 2019, 08:54:56 pm
content: The main problem with the Argus3 screen, at the time of manufacture anyway, was the relatively poor implementation of NTSC video input converted to LCD drive.I'll dig out the datasheet, pretty sure it was 234 line though, but the triad effect is a factor.Bill

author: TheEPROM9
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 23, 2019, 09:22:30 pm
content: So the internal screen is composite. Seems like a good thing to upgade the dated crappy LCD that is built in.

author: Bill W
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2019, 10:03:31 am
content: Yes, composite and NTSC at that not even YUV. From Argus4 they were digitally driven, some other camera manufacturers were still driving composite after that as it made the provision of analogue out for accessories like transmitters so simple.For displays in products like fire cameras you are constrained by availability of high temperature screens (ie LCD fluid clearance temperature, often too low on screens with the nicer picture) and also a reasonable longevity of the product line. As you found out no screen is the same size as any other.Anyway good to see that you got it sorted out.Bill

author: Ultrapurple
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2019, 10:33:30 am
content: Quote from: Bill W on September 24, 2019, 10:03:31 amI would imagine, you were also limited by the fact that colour LCD video screens were in their relative infancy when the Argus 3 was being designed.About 35 years ago I remember seeing my first military avionic quality LCD and being blown away by the quality (and price tag). It would have been about 1985. Remember, thefirst 14" active matrix LCDcapable of full motion video wasn't evendemoeduntil 1988. By the late 90s, when I imagine the Argus 3 was being designed, LCD screens were getting just-about good enough to consider using; the attraction of a compact, flat, colour display must have been compelling - particularly when you remember it would be replacing a long, small-screen CRT. (Small-screen colour CRTs were available but the resolution was relatively poor, even compared to the LCD on the Argus 3 - and a display the same size as the A3's LCD would have been at least a foot deep and much heavier. TheTravelvision CT-101had a 1.5" colour CRT - I believe it was the smallest ever commercially made - and you only have to glance at it to realise that at least 90% of its bulk would have had to go into a TIC. On another forum, 'tubesrule' observed, "It's a striped phosphor type tube, and there aren't many stripes". Well said - the resolution was pants. Sony made a (very clever) 3.7" 'Indextron' CRT. Apparently theKVX-370 TVbased on it was 5.2" wide, 5.2" high and 7.2" deep. And, as you can see from that photo, the resolution wasn't that great.

author: Vipitis
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2019, 01:43:30 pm
content: being somewhat in the market for a screen myself, I am overwhelmed by the modern offerings. Looking into FPV drones, you can even get a battery powered screen with built in DVR in a very pocketable form factor. An interesting dive into the history but seeing what phones today can do in terms of screen specs - I don't see the need to compromise on the screen today.

author: Bill W
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 13, 2019, 11:28:51 pm
content: The LCD display in Argus 3 was :Unipac UP040D01 Colour TFT panel480x234 dot in RGB deltaSpecification dated 1999.Promate PMDVB40R driver board*analogue and control in, LCD drive and CCFL backlight out.Bill