Oberheim OB-12 Display Replacement

via Oli: "The OB-12 interface operation relies on a 240 x 64 LCD module, for which the originals are mostly failing by now. I have found a good blue/white display which is compatible with the OB-12, and has a good contrast and viewing angle, and bright back lighting, and fits within the synth case. The photo provided here is from my ailing camera, and the actual module is somewhat crisper in contrast, brighter, and has a strong clear blue coloration.

However, the replacement module requires some minor modification prior to installation. One OB-12 owner has offered to may me (Oliver, not Matrix) to prepare a module for him to install, as he doesn't want to do his own soldering/de-soldering. I thought I would offer the service to anyone else who may be interested. I am charging $50 Australian dollars (+ costs) for my service. If enough people are interested, then there would be some savings on parts and combined shipping from supplier to me.

Cost for a single module from futurlec U.S.A. is $US65, plus $US14 shipping to me. I think combined shipping for more modules would still be $14 total, shared between participants. I will supply wires and connectors at my own cost, from my $AU50 fee (it's just easier than accounting for their costs).

If anyone would like to do this work for themselves, instructions will soon be available at the 'Friend's of OB-12' Yahoo! group.

What's involved in the LCD module replacement:

Basically I will prepare a module with my own custom modifications, and send to participating OB-12 owners for you to install in accordance with my included instructions.

From me:
- Purchase LCD module, shipped to me in Australia
- Solder custom 19 pin header onto module board
- Desolder back light LED supply power resistor from bottom side of board, and re-solder to top side of board, to allow module to fit in OB-12 case
- Construct LED back light power supply lead/connector
- Solder LED back light power supply lead to module board
- Test your new display in my OB-12
- Ship display and installation instructions to OB-12 you

From OB-12 owner:
- Email me, or contact me through 'Friend's of OB-12' Yahoo! group, BY NO LATER THAN NOVEMBER 1 (at least for first batch)
- Provide postage details, so I can provide postage quote
- Make payment to my PayPal account
- Receive display in post
- Install display according to instructions. Installation is straight forward, requiring just a Phillips/Pozidrive screwdriver
- Get back to me via email, if you require further support

Cheers,
Oli
o.fairhall [at] iinet [dot] net [dot] au"

Update via Alfa66 in the comments:

"We have now another option for replacing the display which will allow to control the contrast:


Published on May 20, 2016 Alessandro Fasan

"This is the new display type for this mod:
http://www.buydisplay.com/default/5-2...

With this display, you will need to modify slightly your ribbon cable. Cut pins 4 and 20, connect to 10k ohm as described. For Ground -connect to the white wire of the LCD backlight (yellow is +, white is ground)"

Hope you will find the video useful."