My first mirror (NYC)

iamtyce

So I’ve been considering this for a while and am finally getting around to building my first mirror.

I’ve ordered the RasPi parts so far but need some advice on the monitor and mirror.

RasPi

RasPi 3 Model B (http://amzn.to/2hT11dk) US$41
3x outlet extension cable (http://amzn.to/2j9Uflm) US$9
HDMI cable (http://amzn.to/2iPPiL4) US$8
CanaKit 5V 2.5A power supply (http://amzn.to/2iAS6hI) US$10

Monitor

I’m tossing up between the following monitors but am totally open to suggestions. My price range is around US$100-180 and was hoping for ~27" but will settle for 24".

ViewSonic VX2452MH 24" (http://amzn.to/2iAUgxG) US$140
ViewSonic VA2446M 24" (http://amzn.to/2iIRAOP) US$120
BenQ GL2760H 27" (http://amzn.to/2hQWJjs) US$168

Mirror

Here in the U.S it looks like the affordable and usable option is the 2-Way Mirrored Acrylic Sheets from TAP Plastics:

Clear 1/8" 22 x 17" to suit 24" monitor (http://bit.ly/1ikBibq) US$63
Clear 1/8" 25 x 19" to suit 27" monitor (http://bit.ly/1ikBibq) US$79

Questions

I’ve read about OLED monitors and their advantages for magic mirrors. Does this matter? I can’t tell if the monitors I’ve shortlisted will fulfill this or not.
Will the acrylic sheets cut the mustard? Is it going to look rubbish at night / in the dark?
How should I get the exact measurements for the mirror? Should I order the monitor first, take off the bezel and then get edge to edge measurements before I order the acrylic sheets or mirror?
Am I missing any vital steps (at least in the hardware area)?

Thanks in advance for your help, looking forward to assembly this thing soon!

broberg

I’ve read about OLED monitors and there advantages for magic mirrors. Does this matter? I can’t tell if the monitors I’ve shortlisted will fulfill this or not.

I think the OLED monitors on market today is around 5000usd (Dell 30"), little pricey at the moment.

How should I get the exact measurements for the mirror? Should I order the monitor first, take off the bezel and then

Yupp, get the monitor first, then you know what you have to work with, unless you are trying to build a ultra slim mirror you don’t really need to disassemble the monitor, which could be a bonus if it stops working while the warranty is still good.

iamtyce

@broberg Holy crap… $5k?! Not a chance. Ok great, good advice. Any ideas on a good monitor for a 24 - 27" mirror?

iamtyce

Still looking for some advice with this if anyone has some wise words?

nuckinfutz

Here is my 2 cents.

Everything you spec’d will work fine. As for the monitor, just about anything will work. There really isn’t a “best” monitor.

What do you want to display and where do you want to display it? Quite often builders will get a monitor that is 1/4 the size of the mirror and mount the monitor so they are displayed in the upper left or right of the actual mirror. Is this to be installed as a bathroom mirror? Do you want to stare at the weather report in front of your face while you are trying to shave?

As for the best “quality” monitor, anything you buy will work great. Figure out the size you want then look at how the thing is rated by customers and professionals. People here are from all over the world. Many in the U.S. use Craigs List to find monitors.

Don’t install pm2 until you are comfortable that all of your modules are working correctly. There is good info that can be had from starting the mirror from a terminal session.

Buy the Raspberry Pi, find an old monitor laying around and start playing. The monitor doesn’t even have to be HDMI. You can get an adapter to go from VGA to HDMI . https://www.amazon.com/gp/slredirect/picassoRedirect.html/ref=pa_sp_atf_electronics_sr_pg1_2?ie=UTF8&adId=A1023898KTBOLVX626S3&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FActive-Adapter-Benfei-Converter-Gold-Plated%2Fdp%2FB01KLKQN9U%2Fref%3Dsr_1_2%3Fs%3Delectronics%26ie%3DUTF8%26qid%3D1483978418%26sr%3D1-2-spons%26keywords%3Dhdmi%2Badapter%26psc%3D1&qualifier=1483978418&id=4118648475855561&widgetName=sp_atf
You don’t even need a keyboard or mouse. You can VNC into the Pi.

In my opinion you are over thinking this. Decide how big you want the mirror and frame to be based on where it will be placed then worry about the monitor size.