# cooler-lcd: a Thermalright display protocol implementation

> Implements a USB picture-transfer driver for Thermalright Vision cooler displays, with a Rust dashboard replacing the vendor display application. The documented protocol sends a header and JPEG frames, with periodic resends to prevent the device reverting to its logo.

- Type: Case study
- Targets: Protocol
- Category: Independent reconstruction cases
- Relationship: Independent reconstruction project
- Sources reviewed: 2026-10-17
- Added to the catalog: 2026-10-17
- Original resource: <https://github.com/kristjaningi/cooler-lcd>
- Primary source: <https://github.com/kristjaningi/cooler-lcd/blob/9a343678ba102de784b2302f79c53fd6ddc31ab9/README.md>
- Catalog page: <https://awesomerea.org/resources/cooler-lcd-case/>
- Record JSON: <https://awesomerea.org/resources/cooler-lcd-case/record.json>
- Chinese version: [简体中文](https://awesomerea.org/zh/resources/cooler-lcd-case/index.md)

## Requirements & limits

- **Prerequisites:** Its documented environment is Linux with udev/systemd and Omarchy integration. Hyprland supplies away/lock state; NVIDIA telemetry uses NVML, and individual screens need their own optional services.
- **Scope:** Package 0.1.0 uses Rust edition 2024 and targets the 480×480 USB 87ad:70db display family.
- **Scope:** The driver cites TRCC Linux reverse-engineering notes for its 64-byte frame header and JPEG payload, with one-second keepalive resends.
- **Limits:** Only one process can own the display at once; the vendor TRCC application must relinquish it.
- **License:** MIT-licensed code. Optional traffic/map feeds and other external services retain their own terms.

## Primary sources

1. <https://github.com/kristjaningi/cooler-lcd/blob/9a343678ba102de784b2302f79c53fd6ddc31ab9/README.md>
2. <https://github.com/kristjaningi/cooler-lcd/blob/9a343678ba102de784b2302f79c53fd6ddc31ab9/Cargo.toml>
3. <https://github.com/kristjaningi/cooler-lcd/blob/9a343678ba102de784b2302f79c53fd6ddc31ab9/src/device.rs>
4. <https://github.com/kristjaningi/cooler-lcd/blob/9a343678ba102de784b2302f79c53fd6ddc31ab9/LICENSE>

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## About this entry

The description was reviewed against primary sources.
Original editorial content: MIT. Linked projects, papers and assets retain their own rights and licenses.