Scythe LCD Master

Performance:

The Scythe LCD Master LM01-GY was attached to the following system:

Seeing no information at all regarding Linux support on Scythe's website we knew there would be substantial challenges to overcome while trying to get this display working properly. After the display was installed, we booted up FedoraCore3 and launched Hardware Browser. Under System devices, we saw the following entry Scyth Taiwan. Scyth Taiwan Technology. However, no driver could be located.

We first tried to run the included LCD Master application (included on the CD) under WINE, but we could not get the data displayed on the LCD. Our first step was to get LCDproc working with the Scythe LCD Master. To do so, we acquired the latest stable release of LCDproc v0.4.5 via CVS (Concurrent Version System). After everything was configured, we ran the LCDproc server and client on the main machine, but to our disappointment, LCDproc wouldn't display any information we specified. It only would display the word Scythe, even after hours of tampering with it. Pushed almost to absolute frustration, we turned to our next choice, LCD4LINUX. After LCD4LINUX was installed, and everything had been configured accordingly, the display STILL wouldn't work! After browsing and trying some other drivers and packages, mainly at Freshmeat and Sourceforge, the Scythe LCD Master refused to cooperate, even when switching test machines. To resolve the situation, we relocated the display to one of our few remaining Windows machines.

After installing the included utility and drivers off the Scythe CD, we launched the LCD Master application. Frequently accompanying the program was a run-time error 380, which forced the program to restart. The included application was very easy to use with its seven different program tabs - text, processor, resource, system, MBM 5, WMP 9, and LCD Setting. Immediately when going to a new tab, the LCD display would change accordingly. Overall, the program was very easy to use and worked great under Microsoft Windows, excluding the multiple run-time errors. It was very easy to use one of the pre-established options or to write your own text.

Conclusion:

Although the LCD display was very mesmerizing, once functioning, it refused to operate correctly under Linux (2.6.10). Some of the other flaws included large knobs, conflicting with case doors, lack of documentation, and buggy Windows LCD Master application. Nevertheless, the Scythe LCD Master was a decent display. The option for controlling two computer fans was also much appreciated. If this looks like a display that might interest you, we would recommend you check out 3DCOOL.

Pros:

· Changeable color panels
· USB header and port cable included
· Attractive appearance
· Good quality display

Cons:

· Lack of Linux support/compatibility
· LCD Master application errors
· Knobs conflict with case doors