Touch Screen Monitor With Two Way Mirror Film

EoF · May 3, 2016, 3:28 PM

Hello,

I am working on a Magic Mirror of my own but I want to have the ability for touch screen. I went ahead and ordered some film I found online that I am going to test on an old Android phone I have to see if the touchscreen works behind the film.

I am aware finger prints will become a problem, this is a secondary concern for me that I will address later.

I was wondering a couple things.

1.) Has anyone tried this before? What were the results?
2.) The applying process requires using a soapy water mix on the surface the film is being applied to. Anyone know if there is an alternative for this? Or do you think a monitor will survive some soapy water being on it during the process of applying the film?
3.) Anyone know a good place to get some cheap (maybe even refurbished) touch screen monitors?
4.) Optical, Capacity, or Resistive touch screen? Which would be best for this?

KirAsh4 · May 3, 2016, 4:12 PM

Personally I would recommend getting an actual touch screen monitor for this, rather than using a film. The film will scratch over time and you will end up having to replace it, whereas the panel on the monitor is made from stronger and better materials. You can either look for a touch screen monitor, or you can also buy a touch screen “screen”, a separate piece that simply overlays over the monitor, and communicates with the computer (or in this case, the raspberry) through other means, be it USB or Serial.

As for what type you should use, consider watching this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=da8HYxdFI1k

EoF · May 3, 2016, 5:10 PM

@KirAsh4 Hey thanks for the response. Yeah I will be using an actual touchscreen monitor for the process, depending on how the tests go with my old phone.

But I’m confused from your post. You had said to get a touch screen monitor rather than a film, but my plan is to put the film over a touchscreen monitor. So I would need both for this.

Can you clear this bit up?

KirAsh4 · May 3, 2016, 5:14 PM

Oh, you mean a reflective film! Duh. Um, yeah you’d have to I suppose. But then you also want a resistive touch screen. A capacitive might work through the film, but depending on the material on the film, you may run into issues.

EoF · May 3, 2016, 5:21 PM

@KirAsh4 Yeah it’s a transparent / two way mirror film. That’s why I’m going to test it on one of my old Android devices to see if the effect works, and if I can still use the touch screen through the film.

Depending on how that goes, I’ll have to try and find a monitor that is similar to the touch screen on that device.

My only worry is applying the film. You need to wet the surface you are applying it to with a soap and water mix. I’m hoping I don’t damage a monitor (when I have one) when doing this.

KirAsh4 · May 3, 2016, 5:25 PM

Except, find out what kind of screen is on your phone. They’re not all the same, and they’re certainly not all capacitive nor resistive. The technology world has changed a lot over the last decade and those screens now come in a variety of different tech. As for the film … yeah, not much I can say there. Maybe check with a local place that applies window tints to glass, maybe they can give you some suggestions.

EoF · May 3, 2016, 5:27 PM

@KirAsh4 Yeah I’m going to have to research that a bit. Thanks for the suggestions! I’ll follow up with results when I get the film in about 2 days.

KirAsh4 · May 3, 2016, 5:30 PM

If you must use liquid to adhere the film to the monitor, I would recommend putting a small bead of silicone along the edges to seal the glass to the frame. Or, if you are removing the frame, you can seal all around the glass screen itself with a thin layer of silicone before you put the liquid on.

EoF · May 3, 2016, 5:40 PM

@KirAsh4 Good advice! I plan to take the screen out of the enclosure anyways so that I can build a custom enclosure for it. I’m not sure whether I will do this before I apply the film or not yet. I’m thinking it will be much easier that way.

KirAsh4 · May 3, 2016, 5:45 PM

Remove the frame, look at the edges of the glass. That’s the important part not to get wet. You can likely put a layer of silicone all around on the edges, let it cure over night, then put the film on the next day. It’s not like you have to soak the thing, so changes are you can do it with minimal water exposure and it would be fine. Just keep an eye where the water is going, keep a dry rag handy to wipe it off right away. Let it sit out to air dry for a day or two before putting it back together and connected to power again.