How to rewire old iMac LCD as second monitor - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: Langdon
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 11, 2023, 06:02:20 pm
content: I have 2 LCDs from two old 20" iMac computers.One iMac was made 2009, the other was made 2008, but the both LCDs are identical.I have one Original apple LCD driver board, one working PSU, and one working power cable.I have the video cables for both monitors.What could I do to rewire these wonderful LCDs as monitors or something?

author: Langdon
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 11, 2023, 06:05:58 pm
content: I will send pics ASAPThe LCDs are made by LGThe model is LM201WE3Unfortunately, I cannot atttach mny pictures because they are too big.Pictures link:https://www2.getpacman.gq/files/LCD%20Pictures/(I have my own website)

author: aeberbach
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 11, 2023, 08:28:20 pm
content: There are conversion boards available on AliExpress that will drive that LCD panel, some HDMI + DVI, some include VGA, even composite. Unfortunately they include the generic ugly blue-background firmware. If you get the board super cheap it might be worth doing but with 20" LCDs often given away you have to wonder whether it is worth it when you will have to live with the dodgy buttons-on-a-pcb-hanging-off-a-cable.

author: Langdon
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 11, 2023, 11:38:12 pm
content: Why would it not be worth it?Can't I secure the buttons to something?

author: dobsonr741
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 12, 2023, 01:16:01 am
content: Amazon sells Acer 20” monitors for $64.90, and it’s under warranty. How much does the conversion board cost, how do you value your own time?

author: Langdon
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 12, 2023, 07:12:01 pm
content: These are apple monitors.The color reproduction is great.

author: Langdon
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 12, 2023, 07:15:26 pm
content: Please note I already have a CCFL backlight driver board.I only need an LVDS board.

author: ealex
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 13, 2023, 07:02:23 am
content: you'll need the lvds driver board -https://www.aliexpress.com/w/wholesale-lm201we3.htmlit looks like there are several versions - be sure to match the full display's part number.add a power supply - 12V at 4-5Athen you'll have to make a frame to mount the panels and control board.then some sort of stand / way to actually use it as a general purpose display - vesa mount to an of the shelf adjustable arm / re-use the foot of another monitor / etcto keep in mind:- the CCFL tubes degrade over time and get weak / yellow- the vga / s-video inputs of those boards are almost useless.in my opinion: it's a good exercise in mechanical design - even better if you have access to a decent workshop.if you really need a display, you can get a good second hand one for way less than the cost of reusing those panels (even for free of you ask around)

author: Langdon
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 22, 2023, 01:46:56 pm
content: I plan on designing my own PCB to integrate the existing iMac frame.