For a long time I have been looking for the Apple //c Flat Panel LCD, one of the nicest items on the line. This monitor was short lived as its readability was poor and the item expensive. It was retired early so not many were produced, which is what makes them rare and sought today by collectors.
I was lucky enough to be able to secure one, but quickly disappointed when first using it. I am a hands-on person that collects the Apples to use, not display. Hence, my disappointment turned into a desire to replace the extraneous LCD unit with a useful display that could be fully functional.
The challenge, like all my projects, was to add functionality without losing the original form and function. This includes external power sources, cables, or antennas that change the appearance of the peripheral. I have the experience of converting my //c 9″ green monitor, which mimics the same connectors as the original, into an LCD color monitor.
After several months of searching for suitable monitors, measuring screens, and contacting providers finally found a good match on Panelook.com. After a few weeks, I got the panel, which is just four centimeters short of the original height. Thankfully, I was able to mend the screen with black tape.
After a few days of disassembling and measures the original LCD, I fitted the small converter inside the back connector. Also, I connected the power and video cables to the //c 15 pin video interface, avoiding an external power supply.
The monitor has a bonus feature as well: a remote control that lets me change video modes from full screen to 16:9, 4:3, etc. That allows me to view games and other programs the way it was intended.
I’m very happy with the conversion, and have a functional, modern display with all the benefits of the original hardware.
