Member Avatar for NickD01

Hey people.
Basically, what I want to do is detach my laptop's LCD screen and have it less that a meter away from the laptop itself.

The reason why I would like to do this is that I am constructing a small table, in which in the middle I plan to have the laptop monitor, and below the monitor, the laptop itsself, I am confident I can safely secure the monitor to the table however I do not know HOW to detatch the monitor, but still have it connected to the laptop.

Any help will be much appreciated.
:)

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Short, practical advice for turning a laptop LCD into a separately mounted panel (for and anyone following): it can be done, but it is a mixture of mechanical work and basic electronics. There are two reliable approaches: leave the laptop intact and use an external monitor via the laptop's video-out, or convert the laptop panel into a standalone display with a matching LCD controller kit. Converting the panel is usually the neatest result for mounting the screen inside a custom table, but it requires identifying the panel and using the right adapter hardware.

Before anything is loosened, identify the panel model and the backlight type. The model/part number is printed on the metal back of the panel under the bezel. That number is the single piece of information that lets you buy a correct "LVDS/eDP to HDMI/VGA controller" and the correct inverter or LED driver. Photograph and label connectors and screw locations so reassembly (or replacement) is straightforward. Do not cut or splice the factory ribbon cable unless you understand high‑speed signal integrity.

Practical steps and cautions: remove battery and AC power, ground yourself, and document each step. CCFL backlights use an inverter that produces hundreds of volts AC — treat that board as live until discharged and insulated. LED backlights use a constant‑current driver and lower voltage but still require correct polarity and proper power. Best workflow: read the panel label, order the matching controller kit (it normally includes harnesses and a power supply), bench‑test the panel with the kit before mounting, then mount the panel with standoffs and strain relief for the cable. Avoid long extensions of the internal LVDS/eDP cable — they degrade the signal.

Mechanical tips: provide gentle cable bends, use zip ties or clamps for strain relief, insulate exposed solder joints, and enclose the inverter/driver in a small box. If there is any doubt, the safer, faster option is to use a small external monitor rather than disassembling the laptop. Checklist:

  • Locate panel part number (on the metal back of the screen).
  • Confirm CCFL vs LED backlight.
  • Source a matching controller/inverter kit and correct PSU.
  • Photograph connectors, remove battery/AC, bench‑test.
  • Mount with standoffs, secure cables, insulate HV parts.

Recommended Answers

All 9 Replies

Member Avatar for Rik_

Different laptops have different methods of gaining access to the screen connector. You haven't said what laptop it is!

Member Avatar for NickD01

Oh! Sorry, It's an Old Sony Vaio PCG-FX804, Thankss

Edited by NickD01 because: n/a
Member Avatar for Rik_

Are you sure you want to do it? Sony's are a real pain to take apart!!

Member Avatar for NickD01

Ahh, I may aswell, Im up for a challenge :), The other option is to do it to an Elonex Onet+, however its not quite the size wanted :P

Member Avatar for Rik_

I can't be exactly sure as I haven't worked on that particular model, but I suspect you will have to completely strip it apart to seperate the screen from it.

My business partner and myself were talking about stripping down a lappy to make into a display (as in for marketing) only an hour ago! :)


[Edit] Just googled for a pic and I have worked on one of them. To get at the screen plug you remove the screw holding the purple panel just above the keyboard then the pannel slides and unhooks. beneath that, you should find the screen connector. The rest I'm a bit hazy on. I think you just have to undo a couple of screws from the bottom and the back of the hinges and the screen comes away.

Edited by Rik_ because: n/a
Member Avatar for NickD01

Ahh, thanks alot!! And the screen connector, does it have wires or something I could extend? :)

Member Avatar for Rik_

I can't be %100 sure but I think it does. Make sure you insulate everything well as the voltage from the backlight inverter is quite high!

Member Avatar for NickD01

Ah okayy, thankss! And i'll be sure to :)

Member Avatar for Rik_

Let me know how you get on with your project! :)

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