Turn any old Apple iPad into a real HDMI monitor (with HDMI & VGA input)(iPad / air / mini / pro)

In this video I am going to turn an old iPad into an replacement Monitor with REAL HDMI, VGA & Composite inputs. You can do it too. I spent 15 bugs plus shipping on the driver board, old iPads can be found for as cheap as 15 bugs on eBay.
Here are the links to the videos where I made the suitcase Amiga: • The Suitcase Amiga - P... and here is part 2: • The Suitcase Amiga - P...
Believe it or not: This is a re-release of my most popular video!
So build your own and turn your iPad into an real external monitor!
Your iPad is not listed here? Let me know in the comments and I will try to find the correct parts for you!
The model number of the iPad 1 LCD is: LP097X02-SLD6
The model number of the iPad 2 LCD is: LP097X02-SLD6 (same as iPad 1)
(NEW) The model number of the iPad 6 LCD is: LP097QX2 (SP)(AV)
(NEW) The model number of the iPad Air 1 LCD is: LP097QX2 (SP)(AV)
I bought my LCD-driver-board here:
iPad 1: www.ebay.de/it...
iPad 2: de.aliexpress....
iPad 3/4: de.aliexpress.... // Select the second one (ipad 3/4).
iPad 5/Air: de.aliexpress....
Visit my store for cool merchandise like T-Shirts, Cups etc.: retro-is-the-n...
RETRO is the new black is a retro channel for retro enthusiasts. The channel features retro computers, game consoles and gadgets from the 1970, 1980 and 1990s as well as new tech for old machines. The videos range from simple unboxing to repairs and sometimes even the creation of new things.
I try to upload two videos a week (one smaller QUICK SHOT video and one longer main Video).
Some machines featured in my (upcoming) videos are: Commodore PET, Commodore C64, Commodore VIC 20 (VC20), Atari 800XL, Commodore Amiga, Atari ST, Amstrad (Schneider) CPC, IBM PCs, Apple IIe, Apple Macintosh, Amiga 3000, Amiga 2000 and many more.
Please like, subscribe and hit the bell icon so you will be notified with each new video.
If you have any questions or want to contact me, please refer to my website at: [e-mail].
This channel is hosted by Wolfgang Kierdorf. I am a retro enthusiast from Cologne in Germany. My retro videos are english. If you are from a different county or need a different language, please check if subtitles are available.
Thanks for watching!

[@nicolasmontmarquette8459]

Thank you for the idea!!! I have numerous LCD panels in perfect condition from obsolete Android devices, but I wasn't sure what to do with them. It's frustrating to have a perfectly good device that's become useless artificially. Luckily, my old iPad 1 still has a decent original battery. I mainly use it for: - Watching KZbin videos (using the last version of Chrome that works) - Listening to various podcasts - Playing a couple of old games - Streaming music to a Bluetooth speaker However, apart from KZbin, I can't use it for much else, especially not on HTTPS sites as the certificates have expired a long time ago.

[@paulogodinho3275]

I just recently made this exact mod, with an iPad first gen, and it was completely inspired by your other videos! Now just waiting on my 3D printer to make a proper case/stand for it, it is a perfect 3rd monitor to put in the bottom centre.

[@wimwiddershins]

Very cool! I have done this with some old laptop LCDs, but you have to be careful to get the right driver board (and firmware) for those.

[@DominikJaniec]

0:42 manufactured ewaste tuned into useful tool, nice

[@DominikJaniec]

I wonder, if one could get such driver-board with usb-c, which could power up that display itself - i.e. single-cable. and, if such component could be put within an origin chassis, then one would not need to worry about display structure.

[@808ExpeditionsAdventureTravel]

I have an iPad 1 sitting in my closet that I now know what to do with! I don't want to throw it away because it's in great condition - I love repurposing old tech! Thank you for the instructions

[@rbus]

Many years ago, Adafruit came out with the Qualia board which could drive iPad Air displays and worked beautifully, but it was pricey and had only DisplayPort in. But $50 for a replacement gorgeous Retina screen was just too good. Then $22 HDMI/VGA controller boards some time later when iPad Air screens were $25ish on eBay, so I bought a few dozen for projects. Cool that more models are available. Would love to get a 12.9” Pro screen. Even the 1st gen has near Retina color saturation.

[@willyvaessen]

Any idea on the iPad mini 2? I have one lying around, which I'd like to use for such purpose.

[@foxyfoxfilms]

In China, there is this board you can buy online for about 8 dollars that when you plug into the display of an iPad 3/4, will turn it into an usbc minihdmi monitor.

[@RetroWK]

Can you send me a link to that? My email is in the channel info. Thanks!

[@foxyfoxfilms]

@@RetroWK I’m not sure if it is available outside of China, but I’ll go have a look

[@quintennn]

It would be cool if you would put the screen back into the back shell and have an opening to plug the cable in.

[@scalamasterelectros3204]

Bro this is perfect for any ipad above ipad 3 amazing 2k resolution display

[@LeftoverBeefcake]

Excellent video, thank you! I also have an old iPad 1 and this will give it a new life instead of it collecting dust in my computer morgue. And that suitcase computer is jaw droppingly gorgeous!

[@RetroWK]

Thanks man! I made that machine for my son and instead of using it as an Amiga he plays Sonic on the Genesis emulator. The screen is just awesome for that. You will see! I am pretty sure there is no other screen with a 4:3 aspect ratio on the markt that looks that good. Here is the link to the video where I made the suitcase Amiga: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJW6louqgK6aj7M and here is part 2: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZpasiZitqKh5Y80

[@KrautRockt]

hey, super idee! danke für den clip und ich wünsche dir ne gute zeit und einen wundervollen frühling....weitersoo!!!

[@Yakroo108]

That's great! I have an iPad 3 that I don't use much. This clip is very helpful😊

[@foxyfoxfilms]

4:44 the small board is for speakers and touch. Yes, you can make it a touch screen!

[@RetroWK]

I think it worls works with this: de.aliexpress.com/item/1005005578285410.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.35.e4fesNrxsNrxQw&algo_pvid=589a1b48-8f5a-4be9-809e-6743d63cb40f&algo_exp_id=589a1b48-8f5a-4be9-809e-6743d63cb40f-17&pdp_npi=4%40dis%21EUR%2139.09%2130.88%21%21%2141.15%2132.51%21%40210387dd17154220400487533ed98c%2112000033623536180%21sea%21DE%212268004052%21&curPageLogUid=dhsOGCNmrp5b&utparam-url=scene%3Asearch%7Cquery_from%3A

[@wardj4102]

​@RetroWK have you confirmed that this linked Controller works with iPad 1 monitors?

[@RetroWK]

@@wardj4102 Nope. Just the one in the description is confirmed.

[@Theonlysaffr]

Recently just made this exact mod but with the ipad 2, i cannot express how good this is thanks for the instructions! At first i thought this is impossible as i live in asia and such boards does not exist here but im wrong, you can easily buy an ipad 2 for 300k vnd(10$) and the board on shoppee for the exact same price

[@014D]

The suitcase retro computer looks cool

[@RetroWK]

Thanks! There is a video series here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJW6louqgK6aj7M

[@LuisClement]

Great work! Do you know if we can make use of the touch functionality as well?

[@BilisNegra]

This is really sweet, I was afraid about the cost of the board before you mentioned it (well, I suppose I could have read the description before) as it means everything about this kind of project being worth it or not, but given the total cost I think I'll do this at some point. I do have an iPad 2 with part of the touch digitizer unresponsive, which makes the device nearly useless, and thought that might be repairable, being an old, obsolete model I don't think it's worth putting any money or effort into it, and guess it will serve me better as a little monitor instead. Nice!

[@jpcme2002]

there is a way to use the touch ? some kind of interface ?

[@Doughboy3DCreations]

I never though of repurpose the screens from old ipads, guess i need to see what lcd is in my ipad air 1 :D i was also in the market for an portable screen.

[@MrWaalkman]

So I checked eBay after watching this video to see what the Ritnb effect would be. I got there just in time to see a 1st Gen iPad Pro going for $344. LOL!

[@RetroWK]

Wow! I can still get them here for few bugs. Works also with never iPads or MacBooks.

[@MrWaalkman]

@@RetroWK Well, I can always scare up a few bugs... :) But I'm more of a "Never Apple" kind of guy myself (but a big fan of Newts!). The "best" consistent price on eBay here was ~$65 - $75. But there were two auctions of the "Pro" iPads fetching >$335. What's so special about those?

[@RetroWK]

@@MrWaalkman I just bought this iPad2 for € 14,-: www.ebay.de/itm/275843500605 . The pro line of ipads have the pencil support and better screens. Later (normal) iPads have this too, but the pros are the top line with all the cool features that drip down the ipad line over the next years.

[@NateJones-tk9fb]

I got an old 1st gen that is useless since apple killed them. There are no apps you can download off the apple store. Was wondering if i can use it as a moniter.

[@iPhone-jj9ef]

I got one for $30 of of ebay

[@FeroxAmarokk]

I just inherited of an old iPad 4th gen from my late grandmother. It's in literal gem mint condition of course my grandma being so careful with it the screen is just gorgeous and I was already searching for small portable monitor. But then got this so i wanted to bring it back to life and maybe help me with my streams and such. So yeah I really want to make it into a small secondary monitor for my PC. Would it be the same steps? Is it considered an iPad 2 or something of the sort? Thank you for your help if you see this!

[@RetroWK]

The screen is the same in the iPad 3 & iPad 4. Look for a driver board for that one. iPad 1 & iPad2 have a different screen. The driver board won't fit with that.

[@FeroxAmarokk]

@@RetroWK thank you for the quick reply! do you have a recomended/trusted place to check for the driver board or just check ebay ? or maybe a forum for tech mods?

[@RetroWK]

@@FeroxAmarokk ebay or AliExpress

[@user-lz2kl7cu1m]

Hi, I have the iPad Air 1st Generation and I am trying the same thing!

[@steve42lawson]

Thank you for this, but an important omission--at least for me: You already removed the cables from the iPad screen (pre-video), leaving me to scratch my head over how the heck to do that--especially the one that will accept the cable from the driver board. Do I slide it out sideways? Pull strait up?!? I tugged on it a few different ways but I'm afraid I'm going to damage something if I apply more force. Do you see my dilemma? Also, when you plugged that connector in, @4:59, your hand covered up the action, so I can only get a vague clue from that. You even said that "it's a bit tricky," so, yeah, as a videographer, this is where you need to provide better views. I was hoping these little details would be included in your video.

[@RetroWK]

You have to lift the tap on the connector. It has a piece of black tape on it and that tap kind of folds over the connector. You can also see it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3WbnHqJeZqlZqM

[@Handler1987]

Thanks for the video, i remember seeing some asian guy do something similar but i can't recall if the touch also worked, either way thanks for your video it's very good.

[@dave928]

i have a 1st gen iPad i could use, but i'd like to try this with the 12.9" screen assembly from a 1st gen iPad Pro. do you know the part number for that and if a driver board is made for it? thanks.

[@oleurgast730]

Some driver boards with composite input also accepted 15kHz on VGA, but sadly not all do (actually most do not). Have you tested if it is possible to process a 15kHz RGB source (like an Amiga monitor output) on the VGA input of this driver board? The aspect ratio seems a very good match for retro computing.

[@CoCoNutBob]

I also wonder if that composite input will provide artifact colors provided by, for example, Apples or Color Computers

[@RetroWK]

This board does not support 15khz. The aspect ratio is indeen great for retro stuff.

[@RetroWK]

I did not test that. Sorry!

[@TheBasementChannel]

Really interesting. I have a cloud locked iPad that I want to use to repurpose the screen, and retro fit it to a PowerBook 170 with a broken screen.

[@RetroWK]

I am not sure about the PowerBook video input. If it has just bog standard RGB that should work.

[@TheBasementChannel]

@@RetroWK I’m hoping to tap into the external monitor port somehow. It will be a challenge squeezing all the driver boards in though. Maybe I can put them where the battery goes.

[@RetroWK]

@@TheBasementChannel It could be, that you can leave the button board out. I think I remember that the display then powers on when it get's juice. That way it could fit. The panel in the PowerBook is a bit thicker than the lcd from the ipad. Leaving out the battery could work. Maybe remove the vga connector etc. from the board. that takes away much of it's thickness.

[@lightsaber5252]

This is what i really want to do my ipad. Maybe in the future i would do this. But as for now i'm looking for an alternative to make my ipad as second screen without detaching the screen.

[@RetroWK]

There is non for the old iPads. You can use new iPads as second screen on the mac via software, but the only way to do it machines older than 4 years is to open them up.

[@QuantumGarage]

Great video and useful to know how to do this. Are you going to do a full build video of the end project you used it in?

[@RetroWK]

Here are the links to the video where I made the suitcase Amiga: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJW6louqgK6aj7M and here is part 2: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZpasiZitqKh5Y80

[@TheDonutdude2000]

Love this idea! i have a 1st gen iPad pro 12.9in which is forever stuck in a boot loop but the screen is perfectly good, i would love to make this into a monitor, would the process be the same?

[@RetroWK]

Yep. Works just the same.

[@Syntax152]

Can you also retain touch input for the pc

[@RetroWK]

There is an adapter for that. Someone mentioned it in the comments of this video or one of my other iPad videos.

[@omarkhshi3442]

do you have the link for iPad mini LCD Driver Board HDMI compatible because I have four of them that I like to use for my car headrest

[@RetroWK]

If you send me the lcd type number I can check. You can also check AliExpress. Search for: lcd (serial) hdmi controller

[@beswiss8663]

Nice! Does the touchscreen still work?

[@RetroWK]

Nope.

[@massikaze7071]

Nice one! thanks

[@Pazthis]

What PSU do you need? 12V but how much A? And is there a way to connect a battery to make it truely portable?

[@RetroWK]

You need 2A to be one the safe side. And you can use a usb-c power bank to power it or a 12V battery.

[@JuusoHoo]

well well shat a surprise!! Does the 3,5 mm audio out work there possibly too?

[@RetroWK]

Nope, you need an HDMI-Audio Splitter for that.

[@nunomelo3736]

How to get audio ? Thanks for you video !!

[@RetroWK]

Best to use a $5 hdmi audio splitter.

[@mynameisjovinyo]

i've been wanting to reuse my g1 ipad but couldn't find a working mod until i found this ~ anyone can follow this guide

[@young24601]

Hi, did you ever figure out what the connector at 4:35 is? I see some of these boards that come with it and others that don't! Thank you!

[@RetroWK]

Some LCD panels require 24V power. This port is to attach an optional 24V power board.

[@thepacketnarc7634]

Does the Driver board include the inverter ? Or, will the inverter output on the Driver board correctly supply the iPad LCD ? Or, is additional 'external' inverter required ?

[@RetroWK]

The driver board does it all!

[@dylan-xz3zk]

PSA - you may have to try multiple different controller boards before one works. I am sending one back because it does not power the backlight.

[@dylan-xz3zk]

Actually, when I plugged everything in it did work! I thought one of the boards was an IR receiver like in the video; it was actually the backlight driver! A little strange it needs a whole separate board to work, and it also doesn't directly connect to the panel, but if it works it works!

[@wheelfree]

Do you know its power consumption? I have an ipad 3 which I assume the power draw will be similar.

[@RetroWK]

With 2A you should be on the safe side.

[@balarila99]

Have you ever done a MacBook Pro screen? I have a dead old one and considering doing the same. But I’m concerned that, when I look at the connector (flex cable), there may not be an available controller card for it.

[@RetroWK]

Yes, I did that. You can get controller boards for pretty much everything that displays pixels.

[@Sama_09]

can we use the touch digitizer ??/

[@RetroWK]

There is a driver board that can do that. Check the description of this video or one of my other ipad videos for a link.

[@MrAlan1828]

I have an ipad 3 the driver dor ipad 1 / 2 doesn't work any ideas?

[@RetroWK]

Check the description of this or my other two ipad videos. I linked the board there.

[@fosseli]

Do you know if this board will work with the gen 3 ipad (MD366KN) ?

[@RetroWK]

Nope. Use this for ipad3/4: de.aliexpress.com/item/1005006044368820.html => Select the second one (ipad 3/4).

[@islakkie]

Was looking for an VGA small LCD screen and remembered I have an old iPad

[@SirMexicanYCP]

Is it possible to use the old casing (once the original iPad innards are removed and only the screen and new board are left) for this? My guess is not really since the new ports are too big for it.

[@RetroWK]

You might need a Dremel to make it work, but it could work.

[@Taskuvesku]

Can this work on Samsung Galaxy tab 2 10.1" panel too? I have old raspberry pi and that would be perfect size screen for "mini arcane game cabinet"- project. :D

[@RetroWK]

Sure. Just check the display id and Google for "driver board" plus the display id.

[@balarila99]

I found some sellers that sell controller boards for the LP097X02 screen but did not specify the SLD6. Do you think this would also work for my ipad2? Thank you so much for your video. I have been wondering what to do with. My obsolete iPad 2 and also needed a small 2nd screen for my desktop Windows PC.

[@RetroWK]

That should work.

[@channelk-5145]

What is the brand for the Driver Board?

[@RetroWK]

Check the link in the description. I think these are pretty much generic!

[@campidelli]

Brilliant! I am after the control board for the ipad mini lcd display but i can't find it anywhere. Do you if it exists? Cheers!

[@RetroWK]

They exist. Try ebay or AliExpress.

[@jayblev]

Great video - thanks for C64 demo! I have been unable to find the adapter board for the iPad mini Gen 4 (36-pin display connector) on either Ebay or AliExpress. The 50-pin connector seems to be more common. Do you know of any other sources for that board, or a source for a converter cable from 36-pin to 50-pin? Thanks! @@RetroWK

[@RetroWK]

@@jayblev Nope, sorry! I try to find something but I assume you already did the same.

[@wardj4102]

Anyone find a compact housing for the new screen?

[@RetroWK]

You can use the ipad itself if you dremel away some material on the back.

[@Spoookynl]

I've got an ipad air 1 (a1475), but cant find the model of the display without opening.. Can you find/tell the display model number? Thank you in advance!

[@RetroWK]

I found this: LP097QX2 (SP)(AV)

[@DvdRmz]

Can you use the ipad battery for power supply?

[@RetroWK]

You would need one of these little 1$ charging circuits from AliExpress. Only do it, if you know what you are doing. These things can explode (the battery).

[@yvindfagerhus8197]

Thank you for a great video! I have a ipad with screen LTN097XL01-A01 . Do you think the LP097X02-SLD6 will fit?

[@RetroWK]

Should work

[@yvindfagerhus8197]

Ok, thank you! @@RetroWK

[@OniKrisNeptune]

hey , have you seen any drivers that will work with an ipad 7th gen

[@RetroWK]

Nope. I found the display and you can read the serial there: de.aliexpress.com/item/1005003234644423.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.3.6989bbfasbXYDb&algo_pvid=dc15736d-8d17-4d61-a0c6-4a7f4b42ebae&algo_exp_id=dc15736d-8d17-4d61-a0c6-4a7f4b42ebae-1&pdp_npi=4%40dis%21EUR%2152.27%2141.81%21%21%21401.73%21%21%4021038ed816932135070752614ed57f%2112000033146280843%21sea%21DE%212268004052%21&curPageLogUid=MQ9cmvjTUgB5

[@joshymcdaniel9233]

If I missed it I apologize Is it only the gen 1 you do this to? Will it work on a Gen 5 iPad?

[@RetroWK]

Works with all ipads but you need the matching controller board.

[@joshymcdaniel9233]

@@RetroWKis there a good site to search for comparable boards for any type of screen

[@RetroWK]

@@joshymcdaniel9233 Nope. Sorry. I just check eBay or AliExpress. Sometimes you can also find these things on Amazon.

[@RetroWK]

@@joshymcdaniel9233 ... and you can also check the photos on iFixIt. Sometimes you can see the LCD panel number there in the pictures.

[@bambapappa]

Do you know the parts for a iPad mini gen 1 screen? Love the video. +1 on your subscriber count :-)

[@RetroWK]

Thanks! Nope. But you can just search ebay and AliExpredd for „ipad mini lcd driver board“.

[@bobsworld417]

What is the model number for ipad 7?

[@RetroWK]

I found the display and you can read the model there: de.aliexpress.com/item/1005003234644423.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.3.6989bbfasbXYDb&algo_pvid=dc15736d-8d17-4d61-a0c6-4a7f4b42ebae&algo_exp_id=dc15736d-8d17-4d61-a0c6-4a7f4b42ebae-1&pdp_npi=4%40dis%21EUR%2152.27%2141.81%21%21%21401.73%21%21%4021038ed816932135070752614ed57f%2112000033146280843%21sea%21DE%212268004052%21&curPageLogUid=MQ9cmvjTUgB5

[@blamm5348]

Or take an old monitor with a broken screen and use the guts. Just need to fabricate the cable to the output

[@marioahner1796]

Das Driver-Board bei Ali "gibt es nicht", gefühlt wird mindestens die Hälfte von Ali nicht (mehr) nach Deutschland verschickt, oder kostet besonders viel. 🙄

[@RetroWK]

Tut mir leid. Bei eBay gibt es manchmal auch welche.

[@paullee107]

Wait is that a canobolized dolch pac machine!? No!!!

[@RetroWK]

Nope, I build that myself! I would never kill PacMan.

[@Rustic-Rovers]

auf deutsch wäre es nice gewesen

[@kopitoons]

Where's the repupose old macbook screen? 😁

[@RetroWK]

Works the same! I did that to an old PowerBook. The screen is just very dim. Retina Macbooks make for nice screens.

[@OniKrisNeptune]

are connectors the same for all devices? @@RetroWK

[@RetroWK]

@@OniKrisNeptune Nope. Different connector for all LCD panels. But iPad 1 and iPad 2 use the same panel, so same connector.

[@OniKrisNeptune]

@@RetroWK is there any info available on what models panels are compatible with an ipad 7 screen?

[@JoRoBoYo]

prehistoric 😅

[@geobust8442]

1000 likes

[@roelofliebenberg2880]

Not very helpful.... ! on to the next youtude video!

[@redzebra6688]

Hi Wolfgang, the algo did a good job today bringing us together. You did an amazing job and I’m pretty much speechless! I instantly subbed, this is such a fantastic idea. I’m very interested in the follow-up regarding the new housing for the screen. Again- fabulous job. 🫶👍

[@RetroWK]

Thanks!