If you have the following failures on your LCD, you are probably facing the same issue:
- Digits or complete lines of pixels have disappeared or flicker.
- On Board Computer (OBC) displays are difficult or impossible to read.
- Dark Spots on LCD screen
- High or low temperatures effect display readout.
The pixel problem lies with the ribbon cable that connects the LCD display to the circuit board of the OBC. Dead and fading LCD pixels can be restored DIY simply replacing the faulty ribbon cable.
LCD pixel failure repair kits, ribbon cable light bulb, background light lamps are now available for DIY repairs (sold on www.germanaudiotech.net). The pictures above show the SID LCD display before and after the ribbon cable replacement. This LCD pixel failure is due to the ribbon cable, which can be done DIY.
Tools Required:
- T9 Torx Screwdriver
- 3/32 x 1-1/2 Flathead screwdriver
- Pixel Strip
- Special Soldering Iron w/ T-Tip
- Teflon Applicator for Iron
- Acetone or Isopropyl Alcohol
Step 1:
Unclip back from front, gently pull rear plastic casing off. Put aside.
Step 2:
Use flathead screwdriver to gently wedge and release white plastic light-board clips from inside faceplate to separate from housing.
Step 3:
Unclip black plastic frame from around LCD.
Step 4:
Remove (2) T9 torx screws from bottom of PCB. These screws secure the light board onto the PCB.
Step 5:
Separate light board from PCB by simply unclipping them apart.
Step 6:
Remove old pixel cable by pulling it off LCD and PCB.
Step 7:
Use flat head screwdriver to gently scrub off adhesive left over from old cable pulled off LCD. Use acetone on LCD to gently remove Only the contact area where the new cable will be installed onto the LCD. Use acetone to remove ALL residue left over from old cable on circuit board traces.
Step 8:
Place teflon applicator onto soldering iron T head, turn on iron and let warm up fully. Should take about 2-3 minutes. The teflon may come off, unplug the iron allowing it to cool down, then putting the piece back on should fix this. Line up cable on traces of LCD, use heat to bond the cable to the glass.
Once cable is bonded to LCD, now line up traces of cable and bond to PCB contacts.
Step 8:
Reassemble device.
Here are before / after pictures of the repaired On Board Computer:
Here is a video we posted on our German Audio Tech Instagram page.