SN 10 Display problem

The display on the SN10 has horizontal lines across the bottom 20% of the screen. I think it is probably the contacts between the display and the unit. I was curious if it is possible to get access to the contacts for the display to clean them?

I saw the similar problem on 3 screens this summer. 1 in the front screen of a Duo DIscus. The other two were front and repeater screens in an ASH 25. After talking with Dave Nadler the options were to upgrade them all to SN10b or the less expensive option was to have him install good used replacement (Green) screens he had on hand from previously upgraded SN10's. The Duo got an original style (Green) screen and the 25 got upgraded to SN10b screens.

Both of these gliders live in the heat of the Mojave desert. What climate is your glidre stored in?

M Eiler

So I am not alone with the problem... sounds like a good way to justify the upgrade to the B display.

This glider spent time in Tennesse but more recently in Wyoming. I was curious if the problem was the display or the connections... it seems that some channels are missing information. I would have guessed that humidity would have caused a contact problem if at some point in the construction there is a connector.

Many LCD displays use a rubber strip thingy with embedded conductors to connect between the thinly plated glass and circuit board. There is usually some sort of clamping device, screws, metal or plastic clip, that holds the sandwich together. If elements of the LCD display are missing or faded, the fix may be to disassemble, clean all four contact surfaces with Q-tip and alcohol or other suitable cleaner,. Make sure no lint or contaminants remain, then reassemble and hope.

Hi Steve - Sorry it took a day to reply as I was travelling. I did receive copies of your inquiry direct, from K&G, from ILEC, and from R.A.S...

The LCD has 'zebra' connections between the glass and underlying PC board. It is possible to disassemble, clean, and reassemble and also reset the proper clamping pressure, but it is a real science project.

We can replace the LCD with a used one (trade-ins from 'B' upgrades) for the cost of labor plus shipping. I recommend doing the 'B' upgrade, as the screens are much nicer and more reliable.

I'll contact you directly regarding costs, shipping, etc.

Happy Holidays, Best Regards, Dave

Mr. Nadler was kind enough to offer advise regarding the problem. He did mention that the display uses a 'Zebra' connector. That is what I think is the correct term for those thin cables that look like plastic tape with a very fine group of conductive channels.

In the phone business I have found them to cause poor displays when they make poor contact, either from not enough clamping pressure or from oxidation.

He did mention that getting to the cable is a, quote, 'Science Project' as I am sure that things are tight and complex.

So far the folks that support the Ilec have been very helpful...

I am curious how much of a science project it is to get to the zebra connector. I would like to clean it and see if that helps before I pack it up and send it out for a new dislpay.

Thanks

Hi Steve

you will find that the LCD is made of several major parts. A foundation PCB, the glass display assembly, the backlight unit and the zebra connectors ( Silicon mouldings with carbon based conductors like bougicord plug leads ) and a pressed metal frame. The whole assemlbysandwich is usually held together by tabs on the back of the metal frame passing through the PCB and then being twised aside.

When reassembling it is important to align the glass part fairly closely with the original position on the PCB. This is best done with the metal frame in place but before retwisting the tabs. Care should be used when cleaning the silicon zebras because beding and twisting can break the conductivity of the vertical carbon connections.