PocketLCD Explained

PocketLCD is a portable display that doubles as a power bank. Imagine a device the size of a large phone that can show your computer or phone's screen, and also charge your devices while you're on the go. The creator built this to solve a personal problem—needing both a secondary display and portable power—and decided to open-source the design so others could build one too.

The device uses a 5.5-inch high-resolution screen (1080x1920 pixels, similar to a phone display) connected to a circuit board that handles two main jobs: displaying video from an HDMI cable and managing battery charging. The display part builds on the creator's earlier open-source project called HDMI-PI, which converts the HDMI signal into a format the screen understands. The power bank side uses standard lithium-ion battery cells with built-in protection circuits and fast-charging support through USB Power Delivery (a standard that lets devices charge quickly using the right cable).

Who would want to build this? Anyone who regularly works with computers or cameras and wants a portable second monitor that also keeps their devices charged. Video editors, programmers, content creators, or anyone doing fieldwork with laptops would benefit. Because it's open-source, makers and hobbyists can customize it—changing the screen size, adding different features, or tweaking the design to match their needs.

The README includes practical assembly tips: the creator notes that the high-current charging path needs thicker solder joints, the screen uses a specific connector design that can be simplified if you're not planning to swap screens later, and brightness is controlled by a potentiometer dial. The project is released under the GPL license, which means you can build one for yourself but can't commercially manufacture and sell it under the creator's name. The creator emphasizes this is a DIY hobby project, not a commercial product with official support channels.