Topic: VP2 Console LCD fading away

[C5250]

 Before I call Davis... Anyone seen this before?



 Looks like a contrast control issue and is most noticeable from an angle. Most everything but the upper, outdoor, line has become almost unreadable. Not certain yet, but I have impression it is worse with higher temps.

[cospringswx]

No I haven't seen it before. Is it located where it gets hot? That would be my only guess. How old?

[johnd]

It's rare but not unknown. Most likely the console needs a new display panel, but depending on the age/history of the unit there's a small possibility - especially if the console has been jolted recently - that that the ribbon cable connecting main PCBA and display has become loosened at the one end and needs reseating and the connector latches resetting. For C5250 it might be worth taking a quick look inside and checking, but I wouldn't advise this more generally - separating the front and back of the case needs a little care and in general it's best not to mess with the innards of the console.

[C5250]

 From the Mfg code, it was made in 2007. And, yes, it is in a room that is difficult to keep cool, so 85F or more is not unusual this time of year. Probably doesn't help that I always have the backlight on. The pic above is after I've already had it apart and cleaned the connections between the LCD, LCD board and the rubbery things. Reset the ribbon between the LCD and Control boards a number of times. Added some closed cell foam between the LCD and retention frame to increase pressure. Also cranked up what is apparently a contrast control pot on the LCD board. Only the latter made any difference.

 Also of note is that sometimes when the Console is rebooted, only half of the display works. That seems to happen randomly.

 My main concern is whether Davis will send me a replacement LCD, or if I'll have to return the Console. I could swap the LCD in few minutes. If I have to return it, I'll be with out this Console for 2 weeks or so, which is not desirable this time of year. 

[d_l]

Archer sometimes has replacement LCDs. Unfortunately he has none in stock currently.  If Davis won't sell you one, you might talk with him and see what he can do.  I think his stock in items like this is solely from "part out" disassemblies of functioning units.

[cospringswx]

Ryan at archer trading post is a very nice guy and easy to deal with. I got all of my equipment through him.

[Weather Display]

try pushing hard on the plastic around the edge of the LCD panel
to reseat the connections

[C5250]

 As mentioned I did consider that as a potential problem, although it may not have been obvious. If pressure changed anything it would suggest a problem with the elastomeric (aka zebra) strips. Those can take a set and loose connection over time. Which is why I removed the metal frame that retains the LCD to the LCD board and added some strips of foam between the frame and the LCD to increase the pressure on them.

 This is a common issue with zebra strips, and a common way to solve the problem, but it didn't work in this case. If it wasn't so difficult to get replacements, I'd try just replacing the zebra strips, if only to learn if that was the cause.

[LFWX]

My main concern is whether Davis will send me a replacement LCD, or if I'll have to return the Console. I could swap the LCD in few minutes. If I have to return it, I'll be with out this Console for 2 weeks or so, which is not desirable this time of year. 

They would most likely send the new Console and give you a month to return the old Console after you receive the new one - that's been my experience at least (even for items which are out of warranty)

[C5250]

Hmm, something else to think about... If that where to be the case I'd loose all the stored Hi/Lows, etc. Unless I where to dump the EEPROM before returning it. Although, I suppose, I could also pull that data from the older Envoy. Haven't attempted that before though, in the past about all I've done is set the year/month rain totals when putting another console in service.

It would be nice to have them all in sync back through '06 though, so you have given me something to think about further.