{"id":247,"date":"2013-07-02T02:31:57","date_gmt":"2013-07-02T07:31:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mikesmods.com\/mm-wp\/?p=247"},"modified":"2013-07-26T02:36:56","modified_gmt":"2013-07-26T07:36:56","slug":"hacking-the-ipad-3-lcd-a-simpler-approach-part-3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/mikesmods.com\/mm-wp\/?p=247","title":{"rendered":"Hacking the iPad 3 LCD, A Simpler Approach Part 3: Finished Design"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Revision B boards for the simple iPad Retina LCD breakout have arrived.\u00a0 As I mentioned last time, this version fixes the mis-numbering of DisplayPort lanes that was present in Revision A.\u00a0 A few additional tweaks were also made.\u00a0 Take a look at the previous part<\/a> for a more complete summary of the changes.<\/p>\n

I have built up one board and tested everything out, and luckily this time everything seems to be working great.\u00a0 Have a look:<\/p>\n

\"Simple<\/a>

Simple Breakout top side (bottom Gerber).<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Simple<\/a>

Simple Breakout bottom side (top Gerber). Ignore the flux – I am out of flux remover and didn’t want to delay this post.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Simple<\/a>

Simple Breakout in action. No longer are magnet wire jumpers needed, hooray!<\/p><\/div>\n

I noted in the comments for the previous part that I was attempting to etch stencils to speed assembly.\u00a0 Using the method outlined here<\/a>, I attempted about 20 times to reliably etch a stencil from a soda can, trying various transfer papers, heat\/pressure application, and printer settings, and I never landed on a particularly reliable method.\u00a0 The problem is that the pins on the connectors of this board are really small (FFC) or really close together (DisplayPort), and the ratio of depth to web thickness means it is very difficult to etch enough from all areas without overetching any others.\u00a0 I finally landed on one that was halfway okay, but I still spent a lot of time pushing paste around with a toothpick.\u00a0 If I knew I was going to have to build a few more of these, I’d definitely order a professionally-made stencil.<\/p>\n

But now that this board is on the shelf, I need to shift my focus to the “real” iPad interface, which has more or less taken a backseat lately, so feel free to take this design and order your own, modify it to suit your needs, etc.\u00a0 I also have some boards and stuff left over if you don’t want to buy your own directly (even though three boards is only $10 from OSH Park).\u00a0 Shoot me an email or leave a message if you want something and we’ll see what we can work out.<\/p>\n

I’ve re-linked the board documents here.\u00a0 Do with them as you see fit.\u00a0 Happy hacking!<\/p>\n