lcd display depthsounder

[Ardenfour]

hi. does anyone have any knowledge about whether the contrast can be increased on my autohelm st50 sounder? I dont mean the user adjustable function, which adjusts as normal. However increasing the contrast to maximum simply increases the visibility of the unused segments, leaving the active ones still a grey rather than black. Extremely poor at any daytime viewing angle, and next to impossible to read at night with backlight on. Do these displays wear out? or do these symptoms suggest component failure internally?
thanks

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[bruce]

they can fade in sunlight over time, that is not to say yours has, just that some fade

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[Ships_Cat]

That certainly is not normal for the ST50's so you have a fault - as you are probably aware. I suspect that it will be the LCD display aged and it would have to be replaced to cure the problem (could be expensive, if the part is available).

As Bruce has said LCD's do not like long exposure to sunlight and in my view should be covered when not in use (even when passage making).

John

<hr width=100% size=1>I am the cat but I am only 6.

 

[taipa001]

Check the voltage getting to the unit. Low voltage will keep the unit working but contrast dissapears.

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[Ardenfour]

thanks, I eventually suspected the voltage, but then tried the unit at home using a 12v adaptor and got the same results. Guess the units due for burial at sea...

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[dickh]

I also have ST50's and have noticed that they are sometimes difficult to read in strong sunlight and one in particular seems to have faded more than the others. Put it down to age & the technology of the time. They are always covered up when not in use.

<hr width=100% size=1>dickh
I'd rather be sailing... /forums/images/icons/smile.gif