Instruments readout.

[Mudisox]

Both log and echo sounder seem to have gone into foggy mode with the numerals being very hard to read through faintness. Both are fairy elderly Stowe.

Input to them is 12.5+ volts.

The wind readout is also on the blink but that's not unusual and hasn't shown any direction or velocity for all the season. No change there then.

Any suggestions?

Many thanks.

 

[sailorman]

are these LCD readouts

 

[William_H]

LCD readouts can be dim faded from an electrical or electronic problem but also through the plastic cover/lens going opaque. (sun damage) Look at it closely. A bit of plastic polish. (headlight restorer) might be all you need. good luck olewill

 

[Mudisox]

are these LCD readouts

Yes, and it always starts with the 1-9 numeral disappearing. i.e 22-.4m

 

[sailorman]

Yes, and it always starts with the 1-9 numeral disappearing. i.e 22-.4m

My Furuno GP 50 readout went blank, i think the LCD has a life span, although my ST 60s are 16 yrs old now & work fine

 

[Norman_E]

The way LCD screens die is often the development of a black patch that gradually spreads. If any screen has a permanent black area it is on its way out, and they do seem to have a finite lifespan, anything over 10 years old may fail that way. On my boat the VDO instruments started to die at about 12 years old, with the largest LCDs on the multifunction display units being the first to go. I still have a wind instrument that is at least 16 years old and still working, but its LCD screen is just a small one.

 

[aluijten]

It is a know characteristic of of LCD displays that they degrade as result of UV radiation. Nothing can be done other then replacing the display itself. But my guess is that is not a viable option.
For next set of instrument it's advisable to keep the sun-covers on when not in use. That prolongs lifespan.