Re: DRB II LCD Modification
Looks great!
So how much for you to mod one?
(Sorry, have to ask!)
Hate how the original looks so commodore 64ish
Re: DRB II LCD Modification
Love the green VFD. Looks like the old-style Chrysler radios and travellers, etc. Right at home. Nice write-up, thanks Jeff!
Re: DRB II LCD Modification
The other funny thing is, there are companies out there that apparently part-out DRBII's. They try to get over $100 for the original LCD's on eBay. You can buy a new replacement (non-backlit LCD) for less than $10. I guess if you don't know any better...
Re: DRB II LCD Modification
Nice work!
That is interesting. I've disliked how it is not backlit on occasion as well.
Re: DRB II LCD Modification
Wow, this is pretty awesome. I'd like to get a different screen in mine but I'm too scared of breaking it hahaha
Re: DRB II LCD Modification
Here's the black-on-yellow backlight version.
https://uvro6a.dm.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none
So far, this one seems to provide the best combination of daytime contrast and night visibility. It looks a little boring, sure, but it's the most functional.
I still like the VFD better but it's way too much money, and I don't know a repeatable, reliable source for the colour filters.
Crystalfontz has a whole bunch of colours of LCD panels. I think there are even versions with the same mounting footprint but with bigger character size. You'd have to cut the hole in the case bigger though. That'd be a hack.
https://www.crystalfontz.com/product...ml#|87~4|86~20
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Keito
Looks great!
So how much for you to mod one?
(Sorry, have to ask!)
Hate how the original looks so commodore 64ish
Are you saying you'd like to pay me to make the modification to your DRB? I'd think that after the cost of the part and shipping, If I charge $25 for my time the total cost would be more than most people would be willing to pay. If you really want me to put a quote together PM me and we'll figure something out.
Thanks,
Jeff
Re: DRB II LCD Modification
Hello all. So I bought the Newhaven OLED module. It's amazing. It's sharp, bright and it drops right in. There's no need for shorter mounting posts, as it's as thin as the original LCD panel. Also, there's no need for jumper wires for a backlighting LED connection.
It comes in blue, green and yellow. I bought the blue one.
Pictures!
https://uvrx6a.dm.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none
https://tfry6a.ch.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none
https://uvrv6a.dm.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none
Re: DRB II LCD Modification
So it is a drop in replacement now?
Part number?
Was it NHD-0420DZW-AB5?
Re: DRB II LCD Modification
Yes, this OLED module is a drop in. Well, "drop" that involves de-soldering and re-soldering the ribbon cable that hooks it up. Don't mind pins 15 and 16 on the main connector of the OLED module, they remain unattached.
Sorry, I see now that in my first post I gave a link to the Mouser page, but not the part number. Yes, it is NHD-0420DZW-AB5 (for the blue one).
Also:
NHD-0420DZW-AG5 (green)
NHD-0420DZW-AY5 (yellow)
Later,
Jeff
Re: DRB II LCD Modification
Re: DRB II LCD Modification
Nice work! I'm curious if you ever got into an OTC 4000 and know if this might be the same for it.
Would you happen to know any easy way to repair or replace one of these key pads?
1 Attachment(s)
Re: DRB II LCD Modification
Nice work! I did exactly the same thing with my Snap On MT2500 (non-graphing) years ago and never regretted it. With the clearances in the case, I had to hand-solder 20 conductors, but it was so worth it.
http://www.turbo-mopar.com/forums/at...id=63735&stc=1
Re: DRB II LCD Modification
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Dan H
Would you happen to know any easy way to repair or replace one of these key pads?
Hi Dan,
What is the issue with the key pad? I assume you push the button and it clicks but it does not respond to you click.
I have a OTC 4000e and I would say that is likely to be a custom keypad. With that said, I have repaired similar keypads on medical devices. Usually the issue is the carbon contact area is removed on the carbon and it no longer makes good contact. I purchased 0.2mL of a Silver conductive glue from ebay for a dollar or two and used it as a conductive paint to restore the contacts. Worked great for me.
like this https://www.ebay.ca/itm/Silver-Condu...KLBX:rk:9:pf:0
Re: DRB II LCD Modification
One of the most used "keys" came apart so it doesn't even have a click anymore. I think it is the up scrolling arrow. I can try to take a picture later.
Re: DRB II LCD Modification
Is there anyone out there that is repairing DRBII's? I have a couple DRB's that do not work (acquired this way). I believe one of them the LCD just lights up showing black rectangles for each character. I don't think the other one powers up at all. I also have a few misc. NOS parts from OTC to repair parts that wear. I believe I have a new LCD & keypad. I'd have to look at the spare parts to be sure.
Todd
Re: DRB II LCD Modification
Quote:
Originally Posted by
4 l-bodies
Is there anyone out there that is repairing DRBII's? I have a couple DRB's that do not work (acquired this way). I believe one of them the LCD just lights up showing black rectangles for each character. I don't think the other one powers up at all. I also have a few misc. NOS parts from OTC to repair parts that wear. I believe I have a new LCD & keypad. I'd have to look at the spare parts to be sure.
Todd
Todd, I've had mine power up before and do just what you describe, all the LCD character spaces just solid blocks. But on disconnecting and reconnecting it works. I wasn't sure if it was a connection thing, or if is the beginnings of an eventual failure.
Although, I'm sure you have tried that unit more than once. So maybe that means mine is on borrowed time!
Still it might not hurt to verify all your terminals are clean. Brian Bucar had posted some super duper electrical contant cleaner and lubricant. DeOxit or something. Stuff works really well with some pipe cleaners to get into tight terminals.
Re: DRB II LCD Modification
Quote:
Originally Posted by
4 l-bodies
I believe one of them the LCD just lights up showing black rectangles for each character.Todd
you may be lucky and one of your parts fixes them.
a comment....
The ROM on these old things have a lifetime for 30 years, This is one of the reasons the cartridges stop working due to one too many strikes by cosmic radiation.
All ours units are on borrowed time.
1 Attachment(s)
Re: DRB II LCD Modification
I forgot about the picture. I think I'm probably past being able to use the conductive glue. Looks like the connection completely broke on the right side.
It still works for as much as a use it. I have others still. I used to leave one mounted on the left side of my dash all the time and set the "custom" display up. Even tried recording during runs... long time ago. Now we have much better ways to log!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
chromguy
Hi Dan,
What is the issue with the key pad? I assume you push the button and it clicks but it does not respond to you click.
I have a OTC 4000e and I would say that is likely to be a custom keypad. With that said, I have repaired similar keypads on medical devices. Usually the issue is the carbon contact area is removed on the carbon and it no longer makes good contact. I purchased 0.2mL of a Silver conductive glue from ebay for a dollar or two and used it as a conductive paint to restore the contacts. Worked great for me.
like this
https://www.ebay.ca/itm/Silver-Condu...KLBX:rk:9:pf:0
Re: DRB II LCD Modification
Another update to the DRB-II modification. Ever since I first cracked this open I've wanted to replace the linear voltage regulator with a more efficient "switching" style supply. Well, thanks to Miles for tipping me off to a "drop-in" replacement for the LM2940CT-5.0
You see, typically a "switching" power supply has an inductor, diode and some capacitors to smooth out the ripple from all the switching. Miles told me about a module that has all of the above and the control chip soldered onto a tiny PCB.
Murata Power Solutions Inc. P/N OKI-78SR-5/1.5-W36-C
https://www.digikey.com/products/en?...-5%2F1.5-W36-C
https://kfjrww.dm.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none
The first few pictures here show the real story. In both pictures the power supply is set to 12.00 Volts exactly.
With the LM2940CT-5.0:
https://j1jqww.dm.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none
Now, with the OKI-78SR-5/1.5-W36-C:
https://j1jxww.dm.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none
That's 0.153 A vs. 0.076 A. A reduction in 0.077 Amps. Half of the current going into nothing but waste heat in the voltage regulator.
So, I got into fitting this directly to the board. It wasn't possible without some tweaks.
https://kfjvww.dm.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none
The hole spacing on the PCB is wider than the 0.1" spacing of typical through-hole components. So I melted the plastic of the pin base and rotated the pins outward with heat on the solder of the pins. Then I bent them to fit the hole spacing and soldered it directly to the board.
https://h1ig0a.dm.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none
So, now there were some clearance issues to the probe connector port, so I just got rid of the whole aluminum heat sink.
https://h1ia0a.dm.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none
I made up a plastic end piece and installed a circular DIN connector with a 9-pin cable-to-board connector that I made up.
https://iscltw.dm.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none
https://i8cktw.dm.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none
I ended up having to desolder the big black circle-thing (voltage snubber or varistor, I can't remember, it's NOT a capacitor) and bend it's pins and solder it back in tucked under the display.
https://i8cmtw.dm.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none
https://iscftw.dm.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none
https://iscetw.dm.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none
https://i8cltw.dm.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none
I haven't tested it in the car yet.
https://i8crtw.dm.files.1drv.com/y4m...&cropmode=none
The DIN connector: CUI Inc. P/N: SD-80SN
https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail...l4bjIqq44I8%3D
9-Pin Wire-to board: TE Conn. P/N 3-640621-9
https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail...9v0Qa5w6tEw%3D