Laptop displays as panels for flats

[JamesF]

I appear to have a few old laptops lying about that are pretty much useless these days. Is it worth the harassment of trying to turn one or more of them into a panel for flats, or should I just stick them in the pile to go to be recycled?

James

[SnakeyJ]

I've gone a little further and removed the panel and psu from an old laptop. Pretty sure it will work reasonably, but I think the older cold cathode types can produce an uneven colour temperature, as can the LEDs - the electro luminiscent panels look favourite and cost around £ 50-60 pounds for an A4 size panel, though again its getting one that produces an even colour temp and might be worth spending a few quid more rather than skimping. Pretty sure the laptop display will do for my needs for the time being, but might be up for replacement when I can afford to go CCD!

[Gina]

A clean white T shirt works well and costs only a couple of quid. I use a tissue held on by an elastic band on my lenses for flats - seems to work fine. I just point scope or lenses away from the sun but towards the sky. Set exposure for around 25,000 to 30,000 ADU.

[Russe]

I'm using my iPad as a screen. Works fine. Even white light.

[JamesF]

Blimey.  A useful purpose for an iPad at last.  Who'd have thought it?

James

[Russe]

Only works for scopes around the 130mm aperture mark. Otherwise it's too small.

[JamesF]

I'm sure there'll be an Apple iFlat out any time now.

James

[kirkster501]

I'm using my iPad as a screen. Works fine. Even white light.

I have done this too.  What do you use to get a white screen on the iPad?  I used the mail app with a blank email but keeps flashign the keyboard up....

[Russe]

I use an app called flashlight

[kirkster501]

I use an app called flashlight

Thanks.  I will check it out.

[andyboy1970]

Someone on here removed the TFT layer and was left with a nice white flat panel.

Can't seem to find the thread now though.

[earth titan]

I have an old LCD picture frame that still lights up but no longer works as a picture frame. Super solution for Nice even flats.

[Zakalwe]

I have my obsy monitor on a monitor arm that allows me to get the screen near the scope. I use Als Virtual Lightbox to get a white screen and then point the scope at the screen.

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=30188

[JKB]

Someone on here removed the TFT layer and was left with a nice white flat panel.

Can't seem to find the thread now though.

Not sure if it was mine http://stargazerslounge.com/topic/136207-cheap-flat-field-panel/?hl=%2Bcheap+%2Bflat+%2Bpanel#entry1958096 but I have successfully done this. Cheap too

Cheers

Jamie