K5synth

I know a professional electronics guy who can attach a 20 pin cable to these so that you wouldn't have to desolder and reattach the old one if anyone is interested. He doesn't charge very much

--- On Sat, 7/9/11, Matthew <formanmatthew@...> wrote:


From: Matthew <formanmatthew@...>
Subject: [k5synth] Better LCD + backlight replacement option.
To: k5synth@yahoogroups.com
Received: Saturday, July 9, 2011, 4:16 PM


  



Hi fellow K folks,

Just recently got hold of a K5m in pretty good condition after having been after one at a decent price for ages. Just one issue: you guessed it - no backlight!

As seems to be pretty common, both the inverter and EL film are dead. Rather than fiddle around with replacement film and inverter, I obtained a compatible LCD module with a yellow/green LED backlight. I did a bit of work to make sure it should be compatible (eg. that the PSU had spare capacity to drive the LEDs), and I've just installed and tested it. Results? Great! See pic here:

https://www.dropbox.com/gallery/4052505/1/K5m?h=2f0eb8

It's not *really* bright, but it's a transflective unit, so good contrast even with high ambient light. *Much* better viewing angle than the original, too.

I thought it'd be worth a shot - the LED solution ought to be much more reliable than inverter+EL film backlight, and of course no irritating HF whine..

Anyway, if you're interested in getting one of these - USD30 or GBP18.50 +shipping - let me know. Fitting is a bit fiddly (desoldering/replacement of 20 Way IDC header), but as a pro electronic engineer and amateur synthesist I'd like to help people out if I can. I could fit (including the extra components), connect to the PSU and test in my spare time for a very modest fee.

This group looks to be a good community and resource (Service Manual was particularly helpful - thanks somethingkillingyou). Hope I'll be able to put something back into it!

Matt