# 7" Portable HDMI Monitor ## Overview https://youtu.be/dr9YGyOCWbM ## DIY Monitor In this project, we're going to make a DIY monitor using an 7" HDMI display backpack and a 3D printed enclosure. This display monitor is very helpful as a second display for a computer, camera and of course a Raspberry pi. The Adafruit HDMI 7" display backpack features an integrated mini display driver that is great for DIY projects. It's fully assembled, works with any HDMI device and includes mounting tabs for easily attaching to a surface. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/026/474/medium800/components_hero-pi.jpg?1436804163) ## Connect to a Raspberry pi ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/026/478/medium800/components_hero-compB.jpg?1436806040) ## Use as a second monitor ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/026/481/medium800/components_hero-cam-C.jpg?1436806916) ## Camera preview monitor ## Prerequisite Guides - [7" HDMI Monitor Backpack](../../../../adafruit-5-800x480-tft-hdmi-monitor-touchscreen-backpack) ## Parts We have all the lovely components and tools to build this project. Be sure to check out the featured products on the right sidebar. - [HDMI 7" Display Backpack](https://www.adafruit.com/products/2406) - [2X SPDT Slide Switch](https://www.adafruit.com/product/805) - [UBEC DC/DC Step-Down](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1385) - [JST Extension](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1131 "Link: https://www.adafruit.com/product/1131") - [2500mAh lipo battery](https://www.adafruit.com/product/328) - [PowerBoost 1000C](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2465) - [Camcorder Battery Holder](https://www.adafruit.com/search?q=Camcorder+Battery+Holder%2FAdapter+-+2.1mm+DC+Jack&b=1) - [1/4" to 3/8" Convert Screw Adapter for Tripod](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006R38IJY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) - [1/4" Mount Adapter To Video Camcorder Hot Shoe](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CNPK3M/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1) - [Phillip Flat Head #4-40 x 3/8](http://www.albanycountyfasteners.com/Phillips_Flat_Head_Machine_Screw_4_40_Stainless_p/1600000.htm?1=1&CartID=0) - [3/8" to 1/4" Adapter Screw](https://www.adafruit.com/products/2392) - [Swivel-Head Pan Tilt](https://www.adafruit.com/products/2464) ## Tools & Supplies You'll need a couple of hand tools and accessories to assist you in the build.  - [Solder Iron](https://www.adafruit.com/products/1204 "Link: https://www.adafruit.com/products/1204") + [Solder](https://www.adafruit.com/products/734 "Link: https://www.adafruit.com/products/734") - [Silicone Wire](https://www.adafruit.com/products/1877 "Silicone Wire") - [PLA Filament](https://www.adafruit.com/search?q=ninjaflex "Link: https://www.adafruit.com/search?q=ninjaflex") - [3D Printer](https://www.adafruit.com/search?q=3d+printer "Link: https://www.adafruit.com/search?q=3d+printer") # 7" Portable HDMI Monitor ## Circuit Diagram ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/026/486/medium800/components_circuit-diagram.jpg?1436846168) ## The Circuit Diagram The slide switch connects to the **EN** and **GND** pins on the PowerBoost1000C. The Battery plugs into the **JST** connection on the PowerBoost **+** and **-** pins connect to **GND** and **+5V ** on the monitor. You can charge the battery by connecting a cable to the USB port on the PowerBoost. # 7" Portable HDMI Monitor ## 3D Printing ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/026/455/medium800/components_3d-parts-sm.jpg?1436798960) The parts are optimized to print with no support material. The two enclosure parts are held together with machine screws. They're oriented in center and should be good to print as is. [Download STLs](http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:929202) ## Customize Design You can modify the original solids in the CAD files to make a custom project. ##   ## Materials The parts can be printed in different types of filament. The most common filaments like PLA and ABS will do just fine but you can of course experiement with copperFill, bambooFill, Semiflex, PET and Nylon.    ## Tolerances The parts were tested with common printing settings (listed in the table). With a parameter of 2 shells, theres only a few areas where tolerances really matters - the port cutouts and the mounting holes. Test fit the parts by inserting the top enclosure part over the Raspberry Pi. Check to see if the cutouts fit over the USB and ethernet ports. If the cutout is too tight, you can loosen it with a filing tool. The standoffs with counter bores should fit the machine screws listed in the BOM. These can be threaded by fastening in the appropriate sized screw.   ## Bed Leveling Any parts with large surface require a well leveled build plate. If you're using a heated bed, you can minimize warping. Blue masking tape, build tak, and sticky adhesives can help keep your part flat and adhere to the bed.   ## Clean up If there's any string or artifacts left over from retraction and oozing, clean up the part by trimming them off using a pair of flush snips. # 7" Portable HDMI Monitor ## Assembly ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/026/460/medium800/components_measure-wires-b.jpg?1436799107) ## Wire length Measue each wire so that you have enough slack to reach the PowerBoost while the lid is open. Take note of the position of the lid, PowerBoost and slide switch. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/026/457/medium800/components_slide-switch-bend.jpg?1436798996) ## Bend slide switch leads To make room for the slide switch, we'll need to bend the leads upward so they can fit inside the enclosure. Use flat pliers to bend all three leads upwards and cut off the excess. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/026/458/medium800/components_solder_slide_pins.jpg?1436799026) ## Tin and solder switch Add solder to both the wires and leads on the slide switch. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/026/459/medium800/components_heat_shrink_slide.jpg?1436799077) ## Heat shrink Cover the soldered leads with heat shrink tubes and apply heat with something like a [Hot Air Station](https://www.adafruit.com/products/1869). ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/026/463/medium800/components_slide_wire_thread.jpg?1436799298) ## Mount slide switch Thread the slide switch wires through the middle port opening. You may need to widen the port depending on your printer tolerence. It should snap into place with a bit of force. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/026/461/medium800/components_tin_display.jpg?1436799162) ## Tin and solder monitor pads Apply a small amount of solder to the **GND** and **+5V**  pads on the backpack. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/026/462/medium800/components_powerboost_soldered.jpg?1436799208) ## Solder PowerBoost Tin and solder the **+5V**  from the monitor to the **+** on the PowerBoost. Connect  **GND** on the monitor to the **-** pin on the PowerBoost.  ## Connect Slide Switch Solder **EN** and **GND** on the PowerBoost to each lead on the slide switch. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/026/465/medium800/components_powerboost_mounting.jpg?1436799396) ## Mount PowerBoost Use #4-40 screws to attach the PowerBoost to the **Lid ** part of the enclosure.  ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/026/467/medium800/components_display_mount.jpg?1436799428) ## Mount monitor Use four more #4-40 screws to secure to monitor to the inside of the enclosure.  ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/026/468/medium800/components_lid-closing.jpg?1436799805) ## Attach Battery Use a piece of gaffers tape to secure the battery to the Lid. Use another set of #4-40 screw to attach the Lid to the enclosure. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/026/469/medium800/components_25-20_thread.jpg?1436799887) ## 1/4-20 Tripod screw To attach the monitor to a tripod, we can use a thread adapter with female 1/4" thread to male 3/8" thread. There are two slots on the enclosure to add the thread adapters to allow portrait and landscape setups.  ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/026/470/medium800/components_hero-comp.jpg?1436799906) ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/026/485/medium800/components_hero-cams.jpg?1436825212) ## Camera battery powered To power the monitor through regular camera batteries like a canon, nikon or panisonic; check out the guide for adding a UBEC DC/DC Step-Down Converter: [https://learn.adafruit.com/diy-camera-monitor/circuit-diagram](../../../../diy-camera-monitor/circuit-diagram)   ## Featured Products ### HDMI 7" 800x480 Display Backpack - Without Touch [HDMI 7" 800x480 Display Backpack - Without Touch](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2406) Its a mini panel-mountable HDMI monitor! So small and simple, you can use this display with any computer that has HDMI output, and the shape makes it easy to attach to a case or rail. This backpack features the TFP401 for decoding video, and includes the attached display so its... Out of Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2406) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2406/guides) ### PowerBoost 1000 Charger - Rechargeable 5V Lipo USB Boost @ 1A [PowerBoost 1000 Charger - Rechargeable 5V Lipo USB Boost @ 1A](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2465) PowerBoost 1000C is the perfect power supply for your portable project!  **With a built-in load-sharing battery charger circuit, you'll be able to keep your power-hungry project running even while recharging the battery!**  This little DC/DC boost converter module can... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2465) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2465/guides) ### Lithium Ion Polymer Battery - 3.7v 2500mAh [Lithium Ion Polymer Battery - 3.7v 2500mAh](https://www.adafruit.com/product/328) Lithium-ion polymer (also known as 'lipo' or 'lipoly') batteries are thin, light, and powerful. The output ranges from 4.2V when completely charged to 3.7V. This battery has a capacity of **2500mAh** for a total of about 10 Wh. If you need a smaller battery, In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/328) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/328/guides) ### Breadboard-friendly SPDT Slide Switch [Breadboard-friendly SPDT Slide Switch](https://www.adafruit.com/product/805) These nice switches are perfect for use with breadboard and perfboard projects. They have 0.1" spacing and snap in nicely into a solderless breadboard. They're easy to switch no matter what size fingers you have, but not so easy that they'll get flipped by accident. Work great as... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/805) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/805/guides) ### Filament for 3D Printers in Various Colors and Types [Filament for 3D Printers in Various Colors and Types](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2080) Having a 3D printer without filament is sort of like having a regular printer without paper or ink.  And while a lot of printers come with some filament there's a good chance you've been printing up a storm and need something new.  That's why we've started carrying a... Out of Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2080) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2080/guides) ### AstroBox pack - Includes Raspberry Pi 2, Model B [AstroBox pack - Includes Raspberry Pi 2, Model B](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2391) Slice, store, and print your 3D files from any web enabled device with the **AstroBox pack**!  [AstroPrint](https://www.astroprint.com/) is free, open source software for wirelessly managing 3D printers. It features a mobile friendly user interface that... No Longer Stocked [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2391) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2391/guides) ### Blue Masking Tape for 3D Printing Plates [Blue Masking Tape for 3D Printing Plates](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2416) OK yes, it's just masking tape. A big honkin' roll of I'm blue da-ba-dee-da-ba-die masking tape. Removing 3D printed parts can be tough. Sometimes pieces get stuck to your 3D printing plate and their bottoms get stuck to your build plate. Over time, chiseling objects off can... No Longer Stocked [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2416) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2416/guides) ### Silicone Cover Stranded-Core Wire - 25ft 26AWG - Blue [Silicone Cover Stranded-Core Wire - 25ft 26AWG - Blue](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2514) Silicone-sheathing wire is super-flexible and soft, and its also strong! Able to handle up to 200°C and up to 600V, it will do when PVC covered wire wimps out. We like this wire for being extremely supple and flexible, so it is great for wearables or projects where the wire-harness has to... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2514) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2514/guides) ## Related Guides - [Adafruit Powerboost 1000C](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-powerboost-1000c-load-share-usb-charge-boost.md) - [7” Portable Multitouch Raspberry Pi Tablet](https://learn.adafruit.com/7-portable-raspberry-pi-multitouch-tablet.md) - [PyPortal Case](https://learn.adafruit.com/pyportal-case.md) - [PyPortal View Master](https://learn.adafruit.com/pyportal-view-master.md) - [7" Mini PC](https://learn.adafruit.com/7-mini-pc.md) - [FPV Mini Display](https://learn.adafruit.com/fpv-mini-ground-station.md) - [Windows IoT Core Application Development: Headed Blinky](https://learn.adafruit.com/windows-iot-application-development-headed-blinky.md) - [Portable 5in Monitor with HDMI](https://learn.adafruit.com/portable-5in-monitor-with-hdmi.md) - [Raspberry Pi Zero NPR One Radio](https://learn.adafruit.com/raspberry-pi-zero-npr-one-radio.md) - [CRICKIT WobblyBot](https://learn.adafruit.com/crickit-wobblybot.md) - [CRICKIT Snake Bot](https://learn.adafruit.com/crickit-snake-bot.md) - [Pathfinder Robot Companion](https://learn.adafruit.com/pathfinder.md) - [PiGRRL Zero](https://learn.adafruit.com/pigrrl-zero.md) - [Energy Budgets](https://learn.adafruit.com/energy-budgets.md) - [Building the Assistive Technology Ultimate Remote](https://learn.adafruit.com/building-the-assistive-technology-ultimate-remote.md) - [Raspberry Pi LED Matrix Sand Toy](https://learn.adafruit.com/matrix-led-sand.md)