Excellent info - many thanks. I did purchase one a while ago and might give this another go.
For those in the UK, Maplin have a replacement (same screw centres)display in a choice of 3 colours.
--- In Simmons_Drums@yahoogroups.com, vout@... wrote:
>
> Hi,
>
> I have installed the new display and it works well, a big improvement. I had a few small problems when fitting it so I will mention them here -
>
> The footprint of the new display (I used) was much smaller vertically than the original display, so I could not use all the original mounting screws. I decided to just mount it using the top screws only. This works ok and the display bottom edge is resting on the lower screws so it does not move about.
>
> One thing about the mounting screws - they are fitted loosely through the front panel from the front side, but behind the stick-on panel overlay, which holds them in place. When I was loosening and tightening the retaining nuts on these screws, I had to apply pressure to the front panel where the screw heads are to stop them from turning.
>
> When I fitted the new display and first powered it up, I realised it was upside down! - the connections are on the top edge, on the original display they are on the bottom edge.
>
> The connectors on the new display are numbered 1-16, this seems to be a standardised connection for this type of display. You need to desolder the ribbon cable from the original display and solder it in the same positions on the new display (connections 1-14 in exactly the same order as the old display) This leaves connections 15 & 16 free, which are for the led backlight (15 is 5v and 16 is ground/0v) You can obtain these voltages from the main pcb nearby - resistor R7 is connected accross the 5v power rail so all you have to do is solder a wire to each side of R7 (the end of R7 nearest to the front panel is +5v) and connect the wires to 15 and 16 on the LCD.
>
> If you unplug the LCD ribbon connector from the main board, make a note of which way round it goes.
>
> The LCD contrast needs to be adjusted - there is a small trimmer on the main pcb just behind the display - I had to turn it fully anticlockwise to get an acceptable contrast - it is ok now, but could be better. The reason for this is that the original display uses a negative voltage for contrast adjustment, but the new one I used needs a positive voltage. I will probably modify this so it gives the proper range of adjustment, but for now it is usable as is.
>
> Hope that info is of some help if you decide to change the LCD, it is definitely worthwhile.
>
> I will try and get some photos uploaded to the file section soon.
>
> Cheers, vout
>
>
> --- In Simmons_Drums@yahoogroups.com, "teknikfourteen" <teknik14@> wrote:
> >
> > How is the MTM LCD Display project coming along?
> > :-)
> >
> > Cheers
> > Teknik14
> >
> >
> > --- In Simmons_Drums@yahoogroups.com, vout@ wrote:
> > >
> > > Hi,
> > >
> > > I recently bought an MTM and I am also looking to fit a backlit display. The service manual shows that the display is a standard HD44780 controller type - these are available everywhere for a few pounds. There are a couple of things to consider - the mounting holes on most current displays seem to be slightly further apart (1-2mm horizontally) a bit of filing should sort that. Also you need to feed 5v to the backlight - usually pins 15/16 on the display or there may be a separate backlight connection. I've just ordered a cheap display from ebay (£1.50 including delivery!), we'll see how it goes.
> > >
> > > Cheers, vout
> > >
> > > --- In Simmons_Drums@yahoogroups.com, "teknikfourteen" <teknik14@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Hi all..
> > > >
> > > > Re MTM:
> > > >
> > > > I am in the process of cosmetically reconditioning a working MTM:
> > > >
> > > > 1. Does anyone know of a suitable replacement part # and source that would allow replacing the current LCD "dark" display with a new back-lit one? Some MTM's had back-lit displays, this one does not.
> > > > Would the display that's available for the Portakit from a Canadian supplier be suitable?
> > > > I don't have access to MTM schematics.. :-(
> > > >
> > > > 2. Does anyone have dead MTM for sale or parts available? I'm looking for:
> > > > - set of Rack Ears
> > > > - front panel knob for the "Trig out" pot
> > > >
> > > > I just had the case stripped and powder coated and the unit looks fantastic except for the missing knob (bought unit from eBay in this condition).
> > > >
> > > > Cheers :-)
> > > > Teknik14
> > > >
> > >
> >
>