Monitor Decasing questions

[stephenp1983]

I have a 15 inch crt computer monitor that I am thinking about decasing for a project.  I know messing with a monitor is dangerous, so what should I watch out for when removing the casing.  Also how much would it take off by decasing it?

[psychotech]

..

Actually, it's not that dangerous as long as you remember to keep your hands off the (red) big wires. I've successfully de-cased a couple of the old 17" & 19" CRT monitors with no difficulties. Space savings depend on your monitor and its installation.. Anything from half an inch to a couple of inches.. ?

One example of decasing the monitor here.. http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=61679.msg614554#msg614554

All the best. Beware

psycho.

[sealslayer]

You'll gain around a inch or so around the edges of the monitor screen but not that much at the rear if it has a shielded cage, you can always take it off if you wish but most of the time the circuit boards are attached to the cages.

You may want to discharge it to be on the safe side.
 
http://www.instantarcade.com/discharge.php

[stephenp1983]

Does it take any or much weight off the monitor or is it more for just savings space?

[sealslayer]

No not much weight at all, I only de-case mine to get access to the four bolts on the front of the monitor to mount it and to save space.

[stephenp1983]

I was thinking about drilling through the casing to mount it, b ut I'm a little scared to try that lol.

[Kaytrim]

No not much weight at all, I only de-case mine to get access to the four bolts on the front of the monitor to mount it and to save space.

I did mine for the same reason.  If you want to keep the case on don't drill through it. the plastic is not strong enough to hold it.  I would use metal strapping wrapped around the case and screwed to the cabinet.

TTFN

[_) (V) (-)]

It's really not that big of a deal dude, Go for it!

Here is a pic of a 21" Viewsonic that I decased for one of my projects...


I actually ended up reusing the front bezel part after painting it black and trimming off the sides. Fits perfectly and I gained about 1 & 1/2 inches in the back. Notice how this model has an inner metal housing, many do not and rely on the case to support the circuit board. If that's the case you may need to cut the case up and save the lower portion with te board mounts on it.

[NoOne=NBA=]

I usually find a convenient spot to zip-tie the boards, if necessary.
You just need to insulate them from the case, to make sure they don't short out.

The front of the case does usually make a nice bezel though, if you are putting the monitor really close to the glass.
Just tape it to your front glass with foam tape, set the front glass against the monitor, and then mark the location that you need to mount the front glass.
I usually lay mine back away from the glass too far though, so I have to build posterboard bezels for them.

[Jouster]

Yeah...I just realized that I could use the front part of the case to the LCD screen I'm using as a bezel.  Much easier than trying to paint the metal sides black for sure!!.

Jouster

[More Cowbell]

How do you cut the front down to fit and be used as the bezel? Dremel?