I had a small touchscreen that I figured would be nice to use as a third screen. It was light enough that a microphone boom arm could hold it in place, so I made an adapter for it.

The monitor uses a 75mm spacing, in accordance with the VESA standard. This is only designed to connect to 3/8-16 threads.
For instructions and demo, see video at https://youtu.be/zoa_xO2T-Tw

Initially, I used a 3/8 Female to 5/8 Male thread adapter because that came with the mic boom. However, I later switched to a design that uses a 3/8 nut because it's a cheaper insert.

Parts

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Depending on what type of insert you want to use,

• 3/8-16 UNC Hex Nut
  or
• 3/8 Female to 5/8 Male Screw Adapter.
  Whichever you choose, in the instructions, this will be referred to as "the insert".

Also,

• A M4 grub screw is used to hold the insert in place. Something between an M4-4 and an M4-8 will work.
  • x1
• M4-8 socket head screws.
  • x4

If using the adapter, ensure it has a slotted drive (like where a large flathead screwdriver could fit).

The nut is recommended because the price per individual adapter is over ten times that of the nut.
While there are multiple bores for grubs, only 1 grub is needed.

Printing

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There are two versions, depending on what kind of insert you want to use.

• Nut
  • Uses a 3/8-16 UNC hex nut insert.
  • VESA_Boom_Nut.stl
• Adapter
  • Uses a 3/8 Female to 5/8 Male adapter.
  • VESA_Boom_Adapter.stl for the main assembly, and AdapterDriver.stl as a screwdriver.

All models should already be oriented correctly so that the proper side is lying on the bed. I recommend selectively adding supports to the overhang of the bore for the insert. No other supports are needed.

Tools

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• A driver for the M4 grub screw.
• A driver for the M4 screws.
• Pliers to tear off the supports.

Assembly

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See the project video for more details.

1. Tear out the supports
2. Ensure the bores for the grub screws are clear
3. Place the insert into the center of the assembly print.
   • If using the adapter, use the included driver to thread (self-tap) it in, if needed.
4. Thread the grub in one of the sideways bores.
5. Hand-tighten the grub until it gives moderate resistance - do not overtighten.
6. Thread the M4-8 screws so that they barely poke out the bottom.
7. Place the assembly onto the back of the screen. Align the screws with the VESA screw holes.
8. Hand-tighten the M4-8 screws to attach to the screen. Turn each until you feel moderate resistance - do not overtighten.
9. Attach the VESA mount to the threads of the mic arm.

Extra Notes

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I won't go into depth on what I plan to use the extra mini-touchscreen for, but one very useful thing worth mentioning is installing WebDeck on the machine and accessing it from the touchscreen. It's like a StreamDeck, but it runs a web server and you access it through a web browser.

Even without a third touchscreen monitor, WebDeck is useful if you have a spare tablet you no longer use, as it can work over the local network and web browser. (Just make sure to do proper IT and security stuff if you open it to the network)