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Project Log 7: LCD Testing Rig – Progress & a Painful Drop

A project log for Nokia N97 Cyberdeck Resurrection

Rebuilding a Nokia N97 into a pocket Linux cyberdeck with SBC, HDMI display, original keyboard, and touchscreen.

retrobyteretrobyte 07/31/2025 at 19:150 Comments

Spent some time this week building and refining the test rig for the LCD panel. The goal was to get the RGB565-compatible display hooked up and talking to the SBC to start validating the interface. Wiring was less messy than dupont cables and things were going smoothly — power was stable, backlight was on, and I had all the signals mapped out.

Unfortunately… no image yet — and before I could get much deeper into debugging, I accidentally dropped the LCD and cracked it. 💀

Not ideal, obviously. But I’m posting this as part of the "real build log" — mistakes and setbacks are part of the process. I’ve got a replacement screen already on order, and I’ll be taking a closer look at the signal integrity and timing once it arrives. This time, I’ll be securing the panel to the jig before powering on.

The upside:

More soon once the new screen arrives. If anyone’s got tips on minimizing LCD signal noise or working with RGB565 over FPC, I’m all ears.

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