Modding a DTV Converter Box into a Mini Television

I recently added a small LCD screen to one of those “free” government-coupon DTV converter boxes that I had lying around. It is an AirLink 101 model with both coax and component outputs, and runs off a 12V DC adapter. The first step taken after opening it was to find points on the board that contained the composite video signal and associated ground reference. Luckily, the 3.5mm connector was through-hole and these points were easy to locate. I also located pins for 5V and GND by probing the on-board voltage regulators with my multimeter. Thin wire was soldered onto these points. Next, I tested my work by using alligator clips to source the signals to my small LCD setup. It worked!

I prepared the inside of the enclosure for the LCD and driver board by checking height clearance and applying insulating electrical tape to the metal casing. Then, I soldered the thin wire to the LCD driver board’s connector and covered the joints with electrical tape.

A small slit was cut into the metal in order to pass the LCD’s ribbon cable through to the other side where it plugs into the driver board. Finally, the LCD screen and driver board were epoxy glued to the metal casing and the ribbon cable attached. At last, I have a miniature digital television!