Mini PC HDMI out to USB monitor

PapaRed · 05-01-2021, 06:47 AM

I have a Mini Computer that uses HDMI output to a monitor or tv. I have a DoubleSight portable monitor that takes USB input. Is there any sort of adaptor that will take the HDMI output and convert it to USB input?

Podivin · 05-01-2021, 07:37 AM

That 'TO USB' part is kind of a snag, as I'm sure you've found. Most all the cables are designed to go from USB.
I wonder about a double converstion. From HDMI to VGA and the from VGA to USB. The cables below have the male/female ends, but the second cable is USB TO VGA. I'm not sure how directional that cable is, if it could go VGA to USB or not. If it's just wires connected together it should work, but if there is any sort of a chip supplying 'brains' in the cable then it probably only works one direction.
For the HDMI to VGA cable I chose one with a mini HDMI connector, not sure what size you've got on your computer though.

https://www.amazon.com/Adapter-Compa...83&sr=8-5&th=1

https://www.amazon.com/Gold-Plated-C...xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

PapaRed · 05-01-2021, 07:50 AM

Thanks for info Podivin

I will check it out some more. I currently use the DoubleSight monitor with my laptop. The monitor has a driver, and works well from the USB port on my laptop, but for some reason did not work on the Mini even after installing the driver.

Wayne M · 05-01-2021, 08:15 AM

Not sure if this is the informtion you are looking for, but...HDMI to USB so they say.

PapaRed · 05-01-2021, 08:25 AM

Thanks, Wayne. I checked that out, but the dongle price is more than the cost of the project!

As a fallback, I can use the RCA Cambria to display Silverleaf and TPMS.
Sure would like to use the mini PC and my 7-inch DoubleSight monitor though. By doing that, I can reduce a lot of driver area clutter and distraction.

Wayne M · 05-01-2021, 11:53 AM

What are the model numbers of the computer and monitor, if you don't mind.

PapaRed · 05-01-2021, 12:07 PM

The monitor is a DoubleSight Model DS-70U USB monitor.
The PC is a Terryza Mini Computer with Intel Celeron J4125 Processor 2.70 GHz, 8GB RAM 128GB ROM Micro Desktop Computer.

It's listed on Amazon here:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08GCWKB9K...NsaWNrPXRydWU=

Don't know the model number.

Wayne M · 05-01-2021, 08:22 PM

I am totally frustrated. I had two long pieces of information typed and lost both of them to the computer nerds running around in my computer. Sheesh!

Bottom line:

How to connect a laptop to a monitor using USB

j5creat taken from article.

Sorry.. if you were closer I have a bunch of adapters I have collected over the years.

PapaRed · 05-01-2021, 08:45 PM

Thanks Wayne, but I think I am now thoroughly confused. After reading your supplied information several times it sounds like the device connects to the USB port and delivers HDMI output for a monitor.
What I needed was an HDMI output converted to USB.
Nonetheless, I became convinced that the PC architecture of the Mini PC did not allow converting the HDMI or VGA output to a USB connection, and to simplify things, I ordered a 7-inch monitor that will receive either VGA or HDMI input.

Wayne M · 05-02-2021, 08:55 AM

I feel you frustration. I spent some time searching for an answer, not only for you but to satisfy my own curiosity. Every search on HDMI to USB resulted in USB to HDMI, except in some high priced items.

Put the old one on Ebay and someone will grab it if the price is right. Probably a wise decision to get one that is compatible. I would enjoy experimenting with items like that...but in the end the dumpster may get it.

Sorry!

PapaRed · 05-02-2021, 09:53 AM

Thanks for your effort, Wayne. I contacted my retired older brother - an electronics engineer and after discussing the situation, convinced me that the architecture in the mini PC wasn't designed to accommodate video on the USB bus.

For this old tire-kicking retired airplane mechanic, I found it hard to conceive the USB monitor working fine on my desktop PC and my Dell laptop, but not on the Mini PC! The easiest solution for me was to just abandon the effort and purchase a HDMI monitor.

Wayne M · 05-02-2021, 10:01 AM

Smart brother!

PapaRed · 05-05-2021, 11:14 AM

Project nearly complete - now if I could figure out how to get the display full screen.

And, how to display the attached photos correctly!

Wayne M · 05-05-2021, 07:27 PM

Here you go. Whenever I take a picture I open in Preview, correct it, save it, then post it.

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NMBluept · 05-06-2021, 01:01 PM

Have you looked at www.monoprice.com? They have a multitude of adapters, dongles, connectors and cables at very reasonable prices. Also a great source for TV wall mounts.

PapaRed · 05-06-2021, 05:45 PM

Thanks Albert - I looked, but don't think they have what I need. Had a long, long phone conversation with a tech at DoubleSight this afternoon. Try as he may, we could not achieve the desired results. (Powering my 7-inch DoubleSight USB connected to a Mini PC.) We did succeed in configuring it as a second monitor.

After numerous efforts, we gave up, but another tech joined the conversation and determined I was using the WRONG USB cable?!? That's the same cable I have used since I bought it 6 or 8 years ago! The recommended cable has 2 USB male connectors for the PC and one mini USB for the monitor. I ordered one, and hopefully it solves the issue, though I have my doubts.

Sometimes I wish I was smart enough to understand digital electronics!

Wayne M · 05-06-2021, 10:18 PM

Don't fret! Technology goes over my head since I've been out of it for 12 years. Well, except for all my friends that run around in my computer and in my head. The head ones are real dangerous. I never know which one is going to pop up and say something regretful.