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wtf is pocketlcd?

peng-zhihui/pocketlcd — explained in plain English

Analysis updated 2026-06-24 · repo last pushed 2020-11-29

★ 6,513Audience · vibe coderComplexity · 4/5DormantLicenseSetup · hard

TL;DR

PocketLCD is an open-source DIY device that combines a 5.5-inch 1080p HDMI portable monitor with a built-in power bank, so you can carry a secondary screen that also charges your laptop or phone.

Mindmap

mindmap
  root((PocketLCD))
    What it does
      Portable HDMI monitor
      Built-in power bank
      Charges other devices
    Display
      5.5 inch screen
      1080x1920 resolution
      HDMI-PI signal board
    Power
      Li-ion battery cells
      USB-C Power Delivery
      Fast charging support
    DIY build
      Open source PCB
      Assembly tips included
      GPL license

Code map

Detail Auto

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filefunction / class

Why would anyone build with this?

REASON 1

Build a portable 1080p secondary monitor you can carry in a bag for use with a laptop in the field.

REASON 2

Customize the open-source design to change the screen size or add different charging features.

REASON 3

Use the device as a camera monitor for videographers who need a portable high-resolution screen.

REASON 4

Study the circuit board design to learn how HDMI signal conversion and USB Power Delivery charging work together.

How it stacks up

peng-zhihui/pocketlcdrust-lang/rfcspeng-zhihui/helloword-keyboard
Stars6,5136,4876,617
Language—MarkdownC
Last pushed2020-11-29—2024-01-12
MaintenanceDormant—Dormant
Setup difficultyhardeasyhard
Complexity4/51/55/5
Audiencevibe coderdevelopervibe coder

Figures from each repo's GitHub metadata at analysis time.

How do you spin it up?

Difficulty · hard Time to first run · 1day+

Requires ordering custom PCBs, sourcing a specific 5.5-inch display panel, and soldering surface-mount components.

You can build and modify this for personal use, but you cannot manufacture and sell it commercially, GPL terms apply.

Yoink these prompts

Prompt 1
I want to build a PocketLCD. Walk me through the circuit board design, what does the HDMI-PI module do and how does it connect to the 5.5-inch display panel?
Prompt 2
Explain the USB Power Delivery charging section of the PocketLCD circuit. What chip handles fast charging and what protections are built in?
Prompt 3
I want to modify PocketLCD to use a different screen size. What parts of the HDMI-PI design would I need to change for a 7-inch panel?
Prompt 4
What are the assembly tips the PocketLCD creator gives about soldering the high-current charging path, and why does trace thickness matter there?
Prompt 5
Help me source the components for PocketLCD, what lithium-ion battery spec does the design use and how does the potentiometer brightness control fit into the circuit?

Frequently asked questions

wtf is pocketlcd?

PocketLCD is an open-source DIY device that combines a 5.5-inch 1080p HDMI portable monitor with a built-in power bank, so you can carry a secondary screen that also charges your laptop or phone.

Is pocketlcd actively maintained?

Dormant — no commits in 2+ years (last push 2020-11-29).

What license does pocketlcd use?

You can build and modify this for personal use, but you cannot manufacture and sell it commercially, GPL terms apply.

How hard is pocketlcd to set up?

Setup difficulty is rated hard, with roughly 1day+ to a first successful run.

Who is pocketlcd for?

Mainly vibe coder.

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