Cool, its even got touch support port on it. Wonder if you could purchase a digitizer layer
3 Likes
In theory, yes, though I couldn’t find any real documentation around this board to know what that connector interfaces to. It is probably just passing through the pins on the eDP connector that are most commonly used for i2c touchscreens.
Also, in theory, with the right cable, you could use this board to connect a DisplayPort monitor to the eDP output on the Framework Laptop Mainboard.
9 Likes
Oh! There is an even better version that directly does USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode to eDP: Nvarcher Mini 4k Edp Dp Driver Board With Screen To Detect Voltage, Current, Power And Temperature - Demo Board Accessories - AliExpress
22 Likes
That’s amazing! Good to know if I ever have a spare screen lol
Can someone please create a mod kit that could act as a base / stand and board enclosure if someone were to buy the Framework top cover and bezel and hinges?
e.g.
Base / stand + board enclosure + panel + top cover + bezel + hinges (included in the top cover kit) = portable display.
On a second thought, it may not make financial sense if you add up the cost of all the parts.
The display panel + top cover alone would cost $360 CAD…at that point, you’re already into off-the-shelf portable monitor territory.
3 Likes
There is no off-the-shelf portable monitor on the market with the same size and resolution. Most are 1080p, and the few 4k ones I’ve seen are hit-or-miss.
If the top cover could be offered without the electronics, it would be a bit cheaper, I expect.
1 Like
Depends on the workflow, another 3:2 may not be needed. Plus, 16:10 is fairly close, if needed. And some are touch enabled, some with built in batteries.
To each their own I guess.
Thank you so much for responding and for all the other people who have helped bring ideas to this thread. This is all great news. The idea of this came from a video by DIY perks where he made a dual monitor laptop setup → YouTube. I recommend watching it as it has a really nice idea and I am planning to do something like this with the usb c method that was mentioned. And also I do agree that it would be nice to have a back cover for this that doesn’t include the camera modules and other things making it cheaper but I would understand economically why that won’t be feasible.
6 Likes
Just received this board, but didn’t read the thread carefully enough. It does not come with an eDP cable, and as mentioned above the framework eDP cable is custom and does not fit the standard connector on the board. I’ve ordered this https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07VMRG7XQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s01 and will report back on how it works.
Also note that neither the screen nor the top cover come with the screws required to attach the screen to the top cover. The larger hinge screws are the correct pitch and dimensions; if your build requires the hinges, you can pull one large screw from each hinge and leave the other two screws in place.
4 Likes
Honestly loving the amount of thought going into this! When Framework initially launched and broadcasted their idea, the first thing I thought of was using primary component parts to make accessories similar to being talked about here. Would love to be able to run the same display as a 2nd monitor for my laptop!
2 Likes
Okay, further report: That Amazon cable works, technically. It’s far too long, it’s a flat ribbon, and neither side has any strain relief so the whole assembly is pretty flimsy and fragile. I used some kapton tape to mask off the exposed pads on the underside of the driver board and attach it to the outside of the lid, and a USB-C extension cable to connect it to the laptop. I’m waiting on a shorter round cable from E-bay (a Thinkpad T480S cable which looks like it’s eDP 40-pin on both sides, with the retaining clip on both sides) and then I’m going to see how much of the lid/bezel I have to dremel away to get the driver board mounted inside.
There are bright/dim buttons on the driver board that work well. I currently have my laptop closed and driving both the driver board directly and a 32" 4k monitor through a Lenovo Thunderbolt dock.
I’d attach pictures, but honestly there’s not much to see other than a patchwork of kapton strips holding the ribbon cable to the back of the lid. The monitor looks and runs exactly like one would expect.
5 Likes
21 Likes
Ooh! Neat! I should 3D print a enclosure for that lol
1 Like
Could that little board fit inside an expansion card? So then you’re just plugging the ribbon cable into the side of the laptop.
1 Like
I’m waiting on a shorter right angle 40 pin edp cable, but I think given the strain relief options for edp I’d rather embed the controller board with the monitor and use a USB c extension cable to plug the whole assembly into the laptop.
When it gets here, I’m going to see how much of the bezel I have to Dremel away to make that work.
7 Likes
This doesn’t make much sense, considering constantly plugging in and replugging the ribbon cable would probably break it pretty fast. Also pretty pointless when you can instead just keep the board on the ribbon cable instead.
Ah yes, this is a much better idea 
1 Like
I’m thinking about building two different enclosures for the USB-C and the DisplayPort to make a portable monitor. Just would need a female-to-male cable for the USB-C model.
3 Likes
Weird that the controller board nrp posted has a male plug, i doubt as many people will have a F-M type-C cable
I asked the AliExpress seller if they are willing to do a customized version with a receptacle instead of a plug, but they have been slow to respond.
15 Likes