Need a handheld enclosure for 16x2 LCD

On Monday, March 9, 2020 at 3:38:36 PM UTC-4, mpm wrote:
> Anybody know of a good source for handheld enclosures to fit a standard 16x2 line backlit LCD display?
> 
> Preferably one that also has a 9-volt battery compartment.
> Plastic is preferred.  (Metal is also OK)
> And preferably one that comes complete with a bezel.
> 
> 
> This will be for a generic (temporary-use) handheld-type tester for something that runs on an RS-485 loop.  So, a place to put QTY-(1) RJ-45 type jack would be ideal.
> 
> The PCB will be smaller than the display, so anything that you can get a decent grip on will be plenty big.  Environmental is not an issue: Even IP42 would be OK.
> 
> These 16x2 displays seem to be all over the place (Arduino projects, Raspberry Pi's, etc..) I'm surprised I'm having any trouble finding an enclosure.
> 
> Anyway, if you guys know of some, I'd really appreciate it!
> Quantity: Maybe 10 a month.
> Thanks!!

Pactec has some nice enclosures. Bezels are hard to find, unlike 20-30 years ago when LED displays were common. They can be 3D printed, for small quantities. Here is an example with a 9V battery compartment:

https://www.pactecenclosures.com/product-detail.php?productid=163&seriesid=62&classid=27

I have a couple of their TR series.

I also have a couple of these:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/293461593539
86-Plastic-project-box-enclosure-case-for-diy-LCD1602-meter-tester-with-buttN-sc

No battery compartment, but they have a hole in the back  to run wires into them. It shouldn't be too hard to use the two slotted mounting holes to retain a battery cover, and they are cheap, at around $2.50 each.

On 2020-03-09, mpm <mpmillard@aol.com> wrote:
> Anybody know of a good source for handheld enclosures to fit a standard 16x2 line backlit LCD display?

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32949006436.html

rectangular shape, it has an opening for a 1602 display 
and below that three moulded buttons. there are keyholes
in the back for wall-mount.  It looks like possilby intended
for an electronic thermostat.

Very cheap but fails most of your other requirements.

> Environmental is not an issue: Even IP42 would be OK.

IP42 seems ambitious on a device with a battery compartment and an
RJ45, passing IP42 with a 1602 display would mean a window in front of
the display or some sort of verandah.

-- 
  Jasen.

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mpm wrote:
> On Monday, March 9, 2020 at 4:35:57 PM UTC-4, mpm wrote:
>
> I found these two on Pac-Tec.
>
> I don't think either one of them is the correct size opening, but I
> can probably make it work?  The volume isn't there to do a full-on
> build, but maybe that's the answer?  I'm still a bit shocked there
> isn't something out there already, given how popular these little
> 16x2's are with the hobbyists.

That being said, how many "hobbyists" actually stick things in
(purchased) enclosures?  Everything I happen to see on YT is a 3d
printed thing.  That might explain why you're having trouble finding
what you want as a product that's already available.



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|_|_|O| Github: https://github.com/dpurgert
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On Tuesday, March 10, 2020 at 2:32:34 AM UTC-4, Jasen Betts wrote:
> On 2020-03-09, mpm wrote:
> > Anybody know of a good source for handheld enclosures to fit a standard 16x2 line backlit LCD display?
> 
> https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32949006436.html
> 
> rectangular shape, it has an opening for a 1602 display 
> and below that three moulded buttons. there are keyholes
> in the back for wall-mount.  It looks like possilby intended
> for an electronic thermostat.
> 
> Very cheap but fails most of your other requirements.
> 
> > Environmental is not an issue: Even IP42 would be OK.
> 
> IP42 seems ambitious on a device with a battery compartment and an
> RJ45, passing IP42 with a 1602 display would mean a window in front of
> the display or some sort of verandah.
> 
> -- 
>   Jasen.

Thanks, that's actually rather nice-looking.  (for what it is.)

Plan-B might just be to get some graphic overlays from JRPANEL.COM and just cut a standard box to fit.

On Monday, 9 March 2020 23:38:48 UTC, Joe Chisolm  wrote:
> On Mon, 09 Mar 2020 12:38:30 -0700, mpm wrote:
> 
> > Anybody know of a good source for handheld enclosures to fit a standard
> > 16x2 line backlit LCD display?
> > 
> > Preferably one that also has a 9-volt battery compartment.
> > Plastic is preferred.  (Metal is also OK)
> > And preferably one that comes complete with a bezel.
> > 
> > 
> > This will be for a generic (temporary-use) handheld-type tester for
> > something that runs on an RS-485 loop.  So, a place to put QTY-(1) RJ-45
> > type jack would be ideal.
> > 
> > The PCB will be smaller than the display, so anything that you can get a
> > decent grip on will be plenty big.  Environmental is not an issue: Even
> > IP42 would be OK.
> > 
> > These 16x2 displays seem to be all over the place (Arduino projects,
> > Raspberry Pi's, etc..) I'm surprised I'm having any trouble finding an
> > enclosure.
> > 
> > Anyway, if you guys know of some, I'd really appreciate it!
> > Quantity: Maybe 10 a month.
> > Thanks!!
> 
> At that qty 3d print the box to what ever specs and shape
> you need.

probably quicker than finding just what you want. Print in ABS & acetone smooth. 

Am 09.03.2020 um 20:38 schrieb mpm:
> Anybody know of a good source for handheld enclosures to fit a standard 16x2 line backlit LCD display?
> 
> Preferably one that also has a 9-volt battery compartment.
> Plastic is preferred.  (Metal is also OK)
> And preferably one that comes complete with a bezel.
> 
> Anyway, if you guys know of some, I'd really appreciate it!
> Quantity: Maybe 10 a month.

How about
https://www.okw.com/en/Plastic-enclosures/Hand-Held-Boxes.htm

cheers
Gunther