Getting Starting with LCDs

[polarbear_ed]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to this forum, and although I used to do hobby electronics when I was in school with my uncle, I can't remember much of it.

Recently I broke an LCD on a radio, so I took it apart to see if it could be replaced. Google searches don't show up anything.

Basically, it has 18 pins, all of which seem to be unmarked on the PCB; PCB attached LCD lighting, a panel that has the markings 221-1162-1608, 5141145-0004 and that's about it. The LCD seems to be 2 lines of 16 characters, (but that's just from inspection).

I don't know where to go from here not knowing the purpose of each pin, or why there are 18 and not the usual 16. I went to a local electronics store, and they had either dot-matrix or other panels, I bough a $20 panel, but now that I've unwrapped it, I don't think it's even close to fitting. It has its own attached board, so I assume it stores its characters in memory, whereas the radio has them built in.

If anyone can describe to me how I can get any of this working, or tell me whether or not the whole thing's a waste, then that'd be great. I've attached a link to an album of photos for further information.

https://goo.gl/photos/zbd4o9rZwKawEd9h7

Thank-you!

 

[Harald Kapp]

The LCD in question is probably a custom LCD with dedicated symbols etc. for this (and possibly similar) radio(s). My guess is that you will not be able to find a replacement - unless you can get hold of the same type of radio, possibly with another defect, to salvage the LCD from there.

 

[dorke]

Another possibility:
1.If the radio was bought locally you can try and locate the local representative for service or parts.
2.If the radio is from a known brand, the above is possible worldwide(in theory).

Sadly,
In any case it will probably cost you more than buying a new radio...

 

[polarbear_ed]

Another possibility:
1.If the radio was bought locally you can try and locate the local representative for service or parts.
2.If the radio is from a known brand, the above is possible worldwide(in theory).

Sadly,
In any case it will probably cost you more than buying a new radio...

I tried sourcing parts, but I couldn't find any. The radio cost more than $100 but I suppose there's not much chance.

 

[dorke]

What is the Brand and Model Number?
Is it an Internet wi-fi radio?

 

[polarbear_ed]

What is the Brand and Model Number?
Is it an Internet wi-fi radio?

Sangean DPR-67, it's not an internet radio. It's just a DAB radio, which are still costly in Aus for some reason.

 

[dorke]

Well,
here is your contact info Sangean
Try getting the part from them.
Good Luck

 

[polarbear_ed]

Well,
here is your contact info Sangean
Try getting the part from them.
Good Luck

Thanks for this.
So there's no hope you think for a generic display that can be bought in an electronics store?

I would have thought the working display looked like a pretty generic 2 line display.

 

[dorke]

Thanks for this.
So there's no hope you think for a generic display that can be bought in an electronics store?

I would have thought the working display looked like a pretty generic 2 line display.

There sure is, if it is 2x16 characters only as you say.
In any case I would contact the company and ask them for a generic part# and manufacture .
With that info you could get a replacement(original or equivalent).

 

[Harald Kapp]

I would have thought the working display looked like a pretty generic 2 line display.

O.K., you have a point there. This could not be seen from the first post. But even this type of display is not as generic as you may think. They use different controllerrs, backlights etc.

 

[polarbear_ed]

Hi everyone, I emailed Sangean directly about a new LCD. They've been very helpful and forwarded on my request.

Today they sent me a wiring diagram, and told me I could email them back as to the part number for the display, and to order a new one.

Also below is a diagram I created of the display I purchased from Jaycar Electronics a while ago. I can't tell if it'd work with the radio or not, now that I have the diagram. Although now that I have a diagram from Sangean, is there something I should be looking for when purchasing a compatible LCD from an electronics store?

LCD from store:LCD diagram from radio company, Sangean:

 

[dorke]

1.To start with the Sangean has 24pins the other has only 16pins.
that means they are totally non-compatible.
2.But the biggest problem usually is the internal LCD controller chip,
to be compatible they have to be exactly the same IC and that you can not know with the info you have.
3.Are Snagean charging a reasonable price for their LCD(including shipment) ?
If they are,buy it from them,it will save you a lot of trouble.....