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This is a DIY Perks portable touchscreen monitor built around a commercially available display/controller kit and enclosed in polished brass. Featured by Hackaday on February 25, 2021, Matt Perks’s project combines USB-C display electronics, a repurposed smartphone battery, removable speakers, adjustable support legs, and a custom-fabricated metal enclosure. It is best understood as an inspiring fabrication project—not a fully documented, production-ready construction plan.
Hackaday’s original feature and the DIY Perks project video show how ordinary monitor hardware can be transformed into an object with the character of a polished brass instrument.
What the brass monitor is
The project starts with a slim display kit rather than a panel and controller designed entirely from scratch. The kit provides the touchscreen panel and display electronics, while the custom work focuses on the enclosure, power system, legs, and audio modules.
The completed design includes:
- A touch-capable display panel
- A display controller with USB-C functionality
- An internal battery and battery-protection circuitry
- Adjustable legs for freestanding use
- Removable speakers covered with brass mesh and plate
- A handmade brass body assembled from sheet and U-channel sections
The project is intended for use as a portable external display with compatible laptops, smartphones, compact computers, and game systems. Compatibility depends on the actual controller board and the source device; a USB-C connector by itself does not guarantee video, touch, charging, or single-cable operation.
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- Make Your Devices Touch-enabled: This portable monitor features a 10-point capacitive touch. It is compatible with both Windows and macOS systems, allowing you to add touch functionality to your laptop/PC/Macbook by simply connecting it via the fully featured USB-C interface. MUST NOTE: For Type-C 3.1 DP ALT-MODE or Thunderbolt 3/4 ports, use a Type-C to Type-C cable for power, video, and touch. Use HDMI+power cable+USB-A to USB-C cable for devices without these ports. No extra drivers are required.
- FHD Portable Monitor: The portable monitor features a 15.6-inch touchscreen with a Full HD resolution of 1920x1080. Its advanced IPS display offers a wide viewing angle of 178°, delivering accurate and vibrant colors that are perfect for gaming and watching videos. Moreover, the monitor is equipped with blue light reduction and flicker-free technology, ensuring a comfortable viewing experience even during long periods of use and reducing eye strain.
- Lightweight and Portable Travel Monitor: Designed to be ultra-slim and easy to carry. Its compact size makes it a convenient option for people on the go who need a second screen. Whether you're a traveler, student, gamer, engineer, or anyone who needs a portable monitor, this device can easily fit into any suitcase or backpack. It's perfect for those who require a second screen while out and about.
- Full Size HDMI and USB-C Ports: The monitor has Standard HDMI and USB-C ports, providing versatile connectivity options. You can connect it to a variety of devices, including laptops, desktops, gaming consoles, and mobile phones.
- Built-in Kickstand and Speakers: The CAPERAVE Portable Monitor has a built-in kickstand that allows you to easily prop it up at different angles, making it comfortable to use while sitting or standing. Additionally, it features built-in speakers that deliver clear and immersive audio, enhancing your multimedia experience.
Why use polished brass?
Brass is the defining design decision. Its warm color and reflective finish give the monitor a distinctive, almost industrial-instrument appearance that a standard plastic portable display cannot reproduce. It also works well for a hands-on fabrication project: thin brass can be cut, formed, soldered, sanded, and polished with techniques accessible to an experienced maker.
That visual benefit comes with practical costs. Brass is conductive and generally heavier than a comparable plastic enclosure. It can scratch, tarnish, and reveal fingerprints. Soldering leaves residue and heat discoloration, so the exterior requires additional finishing work. Inside the case, every circuit board, connector, flex cable, and exposed contact needs adequate insulation and mechanical clearance.
How the enclosure was fabricated
The reported construction uses brass sheets combined with brass U-channel pieces. The sections were joined through a combination of soldering and screws, creating a rigid shell around the display and electronics. After assembly, soldering residue and discoloration were removed through sanding, followed by polishing to restore the brass surface.
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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchAdjustable support legs allow the monitor to stand on its own. The exact mechanism and adjustment range are not specified in the available coverage, but the legs are important to the design: they turn a thin display into a usable freestanding object without adding a conventional plastic stand.
The rear section also accommodates the controller board, battery hardware, and speaker connections. Removable speaker modules are covered with brass mesh and plate, extending the enclosure language beyond the display itself.
This is not a complete measured build guide. The published coverage does not establish the final dimensions, brass thickness, cut patterns, solder or flux specification, assembly tolerances, tool list, or detailed wiring diagram. Reproducing the concept is possible, but duplicating the finished project requires additional design work and careful measurement around the selected panel and controller.
The display electronics are the shortcut
The major electronics are supplied by a commercially available panel/controller combination. The 2021 coverage refers to kits that included USB-C-capable displays and, among the available options, 4K panels. The DIY Perks video description also listed touchscreen USB-C, 4K HDMI-plus-Type-C, ultrawide, and high-refresh display-kit categories.
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- [10-Point Touchscreen Portable Monitor]: Portable screen compatible with Windows and MacOS systems. You can get touch function for your laptop by connecting via single full-featured Type-C interface. 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐄: For Type-C 3.1 DP ALT-MODE or Thunderbolt 3/4 ports, please use the included USB-C to USB-C cable for power, video and touch. For devices without these ports, please use HDMI+power cable+USB-A to USB-C cable(If not connected, there is no touch functionality)
- [Get a Monitor Protective Sleeve]: The case is tailor-made for your portable laptop monitor, lightweight and durable, easy to carry, a perfect companion for your travel or daily commute, and can be easily put into your backpack. Adopts scratch-resistant and durable material, effectively reducing screen wear and tear and enhancing protection. Built-in 90° adjustable stand, multiple suitable viewing angles can be selected. Monitor arm can be used for more space-saving installation
- [FHD IPS Portable Display]: 15.6 inch 1080P portable screen for laptop adopts a real reliable IPS screen with a viewing angle of 178°. Compared with 1000:1 of other monitors, the contrast ratio is upgraded to 1200:1, combined with HDR technology, providing richer and more vivid colors and images. With low blue light and flicker-free functions, it ensures that you will not be tired when watching for a long time
- [Diverse and Durable Ports]: 2 full-function Type-C ports and 1 standard HDMI port, plug-in and unplug tested thousands of times, with wide compatibility and durability. Suitable for laptops, phones, tablets, PS, Xbox or Nintendo Switch. Brightness and volume can be quickly adjusted by upgraded 4-button or touch. NOTE: Some devices cannot support touch due to system protection. For example, PS3/4/5, Switch, X-box, Steam-Deck, Fire TV stick/cube and iPhone, iPad(It's NOT the monitor's problem)
- [NOTE]: ① If the display brightness or volume is low, please use a 15W or higher power adapter. (Adapter not included in the accessories). ②Provide a 30-day return policy and 18-month warranty (excluding external force damage). ③If you have any concerns, please let us know (shown on the back of the monitor)
That does not prove that the installed monitor uses a particular 4K panel or controller. The exact panel model, native resolution, brightness, refresh rate, touch technology, and controller-board model are not established by the short editorial coverage. Those specifications must be confirmed from the original video or the documentation for the specific kit selected by a builder.
USB-C is not automatically a one-cable solution
The most important technical qualification is that USB-C describes a connector and a set of possible protocols, not a universal feature set. For video to work, the source device generally needs to support DisplayPort Alt Mode or another video-output mode accepted by the controller board. The monitor’s USB-C input must also support the required video and power arrangement.
A working build needs compatibility across several parts:
- Source device: Its USB-C port must provide compatible video output. Many USB-C ports support charging and data without supporting display output.
- Controller board: It must accept the source’s video mode and support the selected panel’s interface, resolution, and refresh rate.
- Cable: The cable must carry the required data and video signals. A charge-only cable will not work as a display cable.
- Power: The source may not provide enough power for the panel, controller, speakers, and charging circuitry.
- Touch path: Touch data may travel through USB or a separate connection, even when video travels over USB-C.
A laptop may support video and touch cleanly, while a phone may require a desktop-mode feature or special display support. A Raspberry Pi 400 or compact computer may need separate power, video, and touch connections. A game console may provide video but not accept touchscreen input in the same configuration. HDMI sources may require an active adapter, depending on the controller board.
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For that reason, the monitor should be described as USB-C-capable rather than universally compatible with every USB-C device.
How the touchscreen is likely connected
The panel kit supplies the display electronics, but touch input must also return to the host device. In a typical arrangement, the controller board exposes touch data through USB, either via the same physical USB-C arrangement or through a separate USB connection.
Touch support can vary by operating system, cable configuration, and controller firmware. A device can support USB-C video while lacking support for touch input, or it may need an additional data cable. The available project coverage identifies the build as a touchscreen monitor but does not provide a complete operating-system compatibility matrix.
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- Native touch gestures for macOS and Windows: Unlock the full potential of your OS with this advanced touchscreen portable monitor. Unlike generic screens that restrict Mac users to single clicks, cocopar delivers universal compatibility. Navigate intuitively with single-finger slide, pinch-to-zoom, drag and drop on both Windows and macOS, transforming your device into a high-efficiency external touchscreen workstation.
- Durable tempered glass portable screen with silky touch: Upgrade from the poor feel of plastic-film screens to a premium experience. This travel monitor features a high-hardness tempered glass surface for exceptional scratch resistance. It ensures a silky-smooth touch response that is faster and easier to clean, providing a high-end tactile feel that stays pristine through years of daily use as a second screen.
- Effortless one-cable USB-C monitor and laptop extender: Streamline your desk with true plug-and-play simplicity. A single USB-C cable handles power, video, and touch signals, instantly acting as a portable monitor for laptop expansion. No drivers needed. (Note: Computer must support Thunderbolt 3/4/5 or USB-C DP Alt Mode for single-cable function).
- Vivid 15.6" FHD IPS computer monitor: See every detail on this A-grade IPS panel featuring 1920x1080 resolution and 90% sRGB wide color gamut. With 270 nits of brightness and 178° viewing angles, this external display delivers consistent, professional visuals. Equipped with dual USB-C and a standard HDMI port, it serves as a versatile gaming screen (non-touch) or office display.
- Metal build with kickstand and complete kit: Built for durability, this monitor portable solution is encased in a sturdy metal frame for heat dissipation. The integrated adjustable kickstand provides stable support at any angle. The package includes a protective sleeve, power adapter, and all necessary cables (HDMI & USB-C), making it the perfect dual monitor setup ready to use right out of the box.
Battery and portability
The rear compartment contains the display control board, an old smartphone battery, and a battery-protection circuit. This allows the monitor to be used away from a wall outlet, but the available sources do not specify the battery capacity, cell configuration, charger IC, charging time, runtime, fuse, thermal sensor, or final power budget.
A protection board can help manage overcharge, over-discharge, overcurrent, and short-circuit conditions, depending on its design. It is not automatically a complete charging system or proof that a custom battery installation is certified or transport-safe.
Anyone adapting this idea should avoid unknown, damaged, or swollen lithium cells. The battery must be held securely so it cannot move inside the case, and the enclosure must prevent crushing, puncture, abrasion, and accidental short circuits. Charging hardware must match the battery chemistry and cell arrangement. The controller, voltage regulators, amplifier, and charging components also need suitable clearance and heat management.
Because neither battery capacity nor total consumption is published, runtime cannot be calculated reliably from the available coverage. “Battery-powered” should not be read as “all-day portable.”
Why the speakers are removable
The detachable speakers add practical value for compact computers and consoles that may not have convenient built-in audio. The modules use brass mesh and plate coverings, matching the monitor’s enclosure while remaining removable rather than permanently built into the display body.
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The sources do not identify the speaker drivers, amplifier power, enclosure volume, frequency response, audio-input topology, or battery impact. They should therefore be treated as a functional convenience and design feature, not as a tested high-fidelity audio system.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Could someone reproduce the project?
An experienced maker could reproduce the concept, but the Hackaday article alone is insufficient for an exact copy. A realistic build would require:
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- Full HD Frameless Display: 23.8-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) frameless IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- Multi-Touch Capability: 10-point multi-touch capacity delivers a smooth and intuitive touch experience
- Extensive Connectivity Options: Extensive connectivity with USB-C with power delivery, HDMI, DisplayPort in and out for daisy-chain, Earphone jack and USB hub for the most flexibility
- Ergonomic Design: Ergonomic design with +35 -5 tilt, 180 swivel, 90 pivot and 130mm height adjustments for a comfortable viewing experience
- USB-C Power Delivery: USB-C port allows simple laptop docking for data transmission and video signal to the display, as well as up to 80W power delivery to the laptop via just one cable
- A panel and controller confirmed to work together.
- Verified USB-C video, touch, and power requirements.
- A measured enclosure plan based on the selected panel and boards.
- Brass sheet and U-channel suitable for the desired structure.
- Metal-cutting, soldering, sanding, and polishing equipment.
- Insulating barriers, standoffs, cable strain relief, and edge protection.
- A properly matched battery, charger, and protection system.
- A serviceable layout that permits battery replacement and controller repair.
The hardest parts are likely to be mechanical rather than conceptual. Bare LCD glass is fragile, flex cables tolerate little abuse, and a thin metal shell can transfer uneven pressure into the panel. Sharp brass edges can damage cables, while metal dust and polishing compound must be kept away from electronics.
DIY brass monitor versus buying one
| Choose the DIY route when you value | Choose a commercial monitor when you value |
|---|---|
| Unique appearance and customization | Predictable specifications and compatibility |
| Hands-on metalworking and electronics | Lower assembly and troubleshooting risk |
| Control over the enclosure, legs, speakers, and battery layout | Lower weight and better travel durability |
| Repairability and experimentation | Warranty, returns, and replacement support |
A ready-made portable touchscreen is usually the better choice for travelers, professionals, students, or anyone who needs known brightness, color, refresh rate, charging behavior, and touch compatibility. It also avoids the risks of placing a lithium battery inside a handmade conductive enclosure.
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The brass build makes more sense as a fabrication project. Its materials, tools, finishing work, and inevitable trial and error may cost more than a mass-produced monitor, even before accounting for the maker’s time.
What is not specified
The following details should not be inferred from the project’s appearance or from the phrase “USB-C monitor”:
- Final panel size, resolution, brightness, or refresh rate
- Exact panel and controller models
- Battery capacity, runtime, or charging time
- Final weight and dimensions
- Speaker-driver and amplifier specifications
- Universal laptop, smartphone, Raspberry Pi, PlayStation, or Xbox compatibility
- Certified battery safety or commercial durability
- Current availability or pricing of the original component links
The project was published in 2021, and historical marketplace links or component categories should not be treated as current product recommendations without checking present-day documentation.
Final assessment
The strength of this DIY Perks project is not that it replaces a commercial monitor on price or specification. Its strength is the transformation: standard display electronics become a carefully finished object with the visual language of a piece of industrial design.
The polished brass enclosure, adjustable legs, detachable speakers, and concealed battery make the build unusually memorable. At the same time, its undocumented electrical specifications, custom fabrication demands, and lithium-battery integration mean it should be approached as an advanced maker project rather than a plug-and-play construction plan.
For a reliable portable display, buy a commercial model. For a distinctive object and a challenging combination of electronics, metalwork, and finishing, the brass monitor is an excellent source of ideas.
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