Portable monitor for go bags

[HCHTech]

Does anyone carry a small monitor in their field bags for testing purposes? I came across THIS searching for something else over the holidays, and thought it might make a great addition. It's not common to need it, but when you do, this would be a heck of a lot easier to carry around (with the right protective case) than a full-sized monitor.

Wouldn't you know it, we had a Comcast tech out to replace our cable box this past week and he had something very similar that he used to verify that the troublesome box was indeed NOT outputing a video signal. I looked, but couldn't find a brand name on his unit, but it had a slick rubber case around it, and it was obviously powered by battery as he didn't need to plug it in anywhere - it had a full sized HDMI input, so no adapters were necessary as well.

I haven't bought one yet, but thought I would ask if anyone else carried one, and what brand/model they liked.

 

[Markverhyden]

I stopped carrying a monitor years ago. Bought one of these about 4-5 years ago. Comes in very handy for everything from using the laptop display as a monitor to accessing and trouble shooting all kinds of devices. The version I have even allows for file transfer from from my host to the destination. But it's not cheap. You can get various VGA2whatever adapters which I already had.

 

[mikeroq]

I am curious if the techs device had other ports on it, like coax or bnc, etc? It could have been something like this:
https://commercial.sterenusa.com/hdmi-display-tester-avat

I've always wanted one of those "usb crash carts" but a bit rich for my blood.

For a time I had a spare monitor in the car that I would use when needed which honestly wasn't really that often. A benefit to the full size monitor is I could leave as a loaner if required without having to go back to the shop and make another trip (unless we had a monitor in stock).

 

[NviGate Systems]

I got a small 10" one from Amazon for $30, uses HDMI and can be powered from power bank. I just use it for spaces where an extra monitor helps but space is constrained.

 

[Moltuae]

This is mine.

BW 8" inch LCD Color CCTV Monitor with VGA BNC AV Port: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics

BW 8" inch LCD Color CCTV Monitor with VGA BNC AV Port: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics

www.amazon.co.uk

Had it a few years now. Only VGA and 1024 x 768 resolution but it fits my needs still. I bought the bag separately but it's a perfect fit. I use one of the other pockets to carry the mini keyboard, PSU, cables, etc.

I rarely use it but it's handy to have. I mainly use it for initial setup of headless servers or for any situation where I can't get into Lights-Out Management.

 

[HCHTech]

I am curious if the techs device had other ports on it, like coax or bnc, etc? It could have been something like this:
https://commercial.sterenusa.com/hdmi-display-tester-avat

This looks very similar. Plus, it revealed the magic search words - "HDMI Display Tester". There are several choices on Amazon <$200, I like this answer.

@Moltuae , I also love the mini keyboard you have. Is it wired? That looks like a great way to always have a way keyboard & mouse with you as well. They are so ubiquitous, we always have a set in our cars, but I'm trying to re-think our field bags so that everything fits in there = always at hand. For keyboard/mouse, wired makes more sense = no drivers, works with everything.

 

[HCHTech]

Bought one of these about 4-5 years ago.

Ahh, yet another piece of wizardry I didn't know existed. Hmmm, decisions, decisions. How does this work from the laptop end? Run their software and you get an RDP-like window to control the device?

 

[Moltuae]

Is it wired?

No, wireless. But I find it works at the BIOS level with most servers/computers.

I think the one I have is no longer available, but this seems very similar:

https://www.amazon.com/Rii-Wireless-Keyboard-Lightweight-Controller/dp/B00I5SW8MC/

There are probably better options available now. I suspect the Bluetooth variety might not be recognised by the BIOS but I think most cheap 2.4GHz mini keyboards should.

 

[mikeroq]

Yea pretty much every RF wireless keyboard/mouse should work in the bios since the USB receiver will present as a keyboard/mouse. Bluetooth ones will not, with exceptions. Some Microsoft/Logitech keyboards/mice with their included dongle, will use 2.4ghz and before it can switch to bluetooth. Others use HID proxy mode until the bluetooth stack in the OS is available.

 

[Markverhyden]

Ahh, yet another piece of wizardry I didn't know existed. Hmmm, decisions, decisions. How does this work from the laptop end? Run their software and you get an RDP-like window to control the device?

Yep, there's an app that Startech has. M$, macOS and Linux. I've used M$ and macOS but not Linux. Presents the video output like a KVM so you have access to BIOS options as well. Granted most headless devices still have VGA I've had a handful with HDMI that worked with a adapter.