Roberts R983 LCD failure - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

qualityten · 27th Feb 2013, 11:53 pm

I recently obtained a Roberts R983, which works well, apart from a partial failure of the LCD display. I've seen this problem reported a number of times on the net, but without any reported solution.

(Incidentally, I apologise if this radio doesn't qualify as vintage, but I thought as it's not digital, it might fit here.)

Because the LCD is partially working, and is behaving in the same way that old calculator displays do when the battery power is low, I suspect that the display works and that it is a power supply problem. I have had it apart and there are no visible problems. Most of the components are SMD ones, but I wonder if anyone has had success with something simple like replacing a power supply capacitor?

I wonder if anyone has successfully resolved such a problem?

alanworland · 28th Feb 2013, 12:10 am

I have had similar probs with lcd displays and found most originate from the conductive rubber connection between pcb and display.
They never look dirty as such, but dismantling and cleaning of the area may help.
Good luck!

Alan

Freya · 28th Feb 2013, 8:49 am

I agree with Alan, indeed my fluke meter did exactly that. Cleaning all connecting surfaces with isopropanoyl and a lint free cloth cured my problem and is certainly worth a try.

Steve

qualityten · 28th Feb 2013, 7:30 pm

Thanks Alan and Steve! If it can happen to a Fluke, it can happen to anything.

Andy Day · 28th Feb 2013, 10:15 pm

In my working life I've repaired many LCDs which use the bit of conductive jelly, mostly in Canon typewriters, faxes etc, but I don't think the Roberts 983 uses one - I may be wrong but I have a recollection of scrapping one which was perfectly good otherwise 'cos the LCD was dead.

qualityten · 28th Feb 2013, 11:42 pm

I gave this a try, but the 'connection' was a piece of sellotape with conductive strips. The cover over this was soldered tight to underline the 'no user serviceable parts inside' message. Without a circuit diagram and with the SMD parts, I've decided to quit while the radio still works. It certainly does not have the charm of our old R707.

27th Feb 2013, 11:53 pm	#1
qualityten Octode Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Wallasey, UK. Posts: 1,310	Roberts R983 LCD failure I recently obtained a Roberts R983, which works well, apart from a partial failure of the LCD display. I've seen this problem reported a number of times on the net, but without any reported solution. (Incidentally, I apologise if this radio doesn't qualify as vintage, but I thought as it's not digital, it might fit here.) Because the LCD is partially working, and is behaving in the same way that old calculator displays do when the battery power is low, I suspect that the display works and that it is a power supply problem. I have had it apart and there are no visible problems. Most of the components are SMD ones, but I wonder if anyone has had success with something simple like replacing a power supply capacitor? I wonder if anyone has successfully resolved such a problem?

28th Feb 2013, 12:10 am	#2
alanworland Heptode Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Southend, Essex, UK. Posts: 802	Re: Roberts R983 LCD failure I have had similar probs with lcd displays and found most originate from the conductive rubber connection between pcb and display. They never look dirty as such, but dismantling and cleaning of the area may help. Good luck! Alan

28th Feb 2013, 8:49 am	#3
Freya Octode Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Falmouth, Cornwall, UK. Posts: 1,989	Re: Roberts R983 LCD failure I agree with Alan, indeed my fluke meter did exactly that. Cleaning all connecting surfaces with isopropanoyl and a lint free cloth cured my problem and is certainly worth a try. Steve

28th Feb 2013, 7:30 pm	#4
qualityten Octode Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Wallasey, UK. Posts: 1,310	Re: Roberts R983 LCD failure Thanks Alan and Steve! If it can happen to a Fluke, it can happen to anything.

28th Feb 2013, 10:15 pm	#5
Andy Day Pentode Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, UK. Posts: 154	Re: Roberts R983 LCD failure In my working life I've repaired many LCDs which use the bit of conductive jelly, mostly in Canon typewriters, faxes etc, but I don't think the Roberts 983 uses one - I may be wrong but I have a recollection of scrapping one which was perfectly good otherwise 'cos the LCD was dead. __________________ The older I get, the faster I was!

28th Feb 2013, 11:42 pm	#6
qualityten Octode Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Wallasey, UK. Posts: 1,310	Re: Roberts R983 LCD failure I gave this a try, but the 'connection' was a piece of sellotape with conductive strips. The cover over this was soldered tight to underline the 'no user serviceable parts inside' message. Without a circuit diagram and with the SMD parts, I've decided to quit while the radio still works. It certainly does not have the charm of our old R707.