Marconi TF2023/4 RF Signal generators - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Wendymott · 13th Nov 2023, 5:12 pm

Hi peeps. A while ago I was fortunate to buy a TF2023 RF Generator. However as I guessed it had been "On" constantly, the LCD Display back light was a bit "tired". The members of the Marconi group suggested I retro fit a Winbond SC15029. This was bought from CPC, no cheapie though £74.14 inc vat.
The back light is now a Led, and the width of the display about 20mm less. The logic / data connections were different too.. The Old display was a 20 pin single in line connector, while the new one is 10 x 2. Details of the "retro fit" were a bit scant, so I decided to write up my conversion.
I have included a few photo's to help.
First to mount the display you need to make a couple of adaptor plates. Mine were 18 swg ally. Photo 1. The ally was 68mm X 20mm with a cutout for the data plug. PLEASE REMEMBER. The display must be fitted as shown.
I then soldered 2 X 10 pins to the display for the data. I obtained a IDE 20 pin lead from Ebay plugged at both ends. I cut the IDE lead about 5cm from the display end. I then added pins the the IDE lead for the 20 pin IDE connector.
To be honest this was a bit "scruffy" so for the 2024 I used a bit of vero as the interface substrate.
The LED power must be 3.8V DC. The HT PSU for the old display was removed and a pcb made to fit in its place. The HT Psu is found under the Top plate of the SMP at the front, ob a small pcb. I used 2 X 39R in parallel to get 3.8V. I had replaced the top panel before I realised I had not photographed the DC module.
The 20 pin IDE plug as pin 9 blanked off... Thus wire 9 from the new display is not connected.
As I was quite happy with the mod I decided to upgrade the 2024 as well. However the contrast was not to my liking. The data sheet for the display shows a pot connected to pin 4 of the display, however I could not get it to work in this application, thus I reverted to no pot.
I would suggest that two pieces of identical equipment show the differences of each. Anyways.. they are both back in situ ready for the next RF Project.
If any members have comments please feel free.

Freya · 14th Nov 2023, 6:06 pm

Very smart job, well done

13th Nov 2023, 5:12 pm	#1
Wendymott Octode Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 1,740	Marconi TF2023/4 RF Signal generators Hi peeps. A while ago I was fortunate to buy a TF2023 RF Generator. However as I guessed it had been "On" constantly, the LCD Display back light was a bit "tired". The members of the Marconi group suggested I retro fit a Winbond SC15029. This was bought from CPC, no cheapie though £74.14 inc vat. The back light is now a Led, and the width of the display about 20mm less. The logic / data connections were different too.. The Old display was a 20 pin single in line connector, while the new one is 10 x 2. Details of the "retro fit" were a bit scant, so I decided to write up my conversion. I have included a few photo's to help. First to mount the display you need to make a couple of adaptor plates. Mine were 18 swg ally. Photo 1. The ally was 68mm X 20mm with a cutout for the data plug. PLEASE REMEMBER. The display must be fitted as shown. I then soldered 2 X 10 pins to the display for the data. I obtained a IDE 20 pin lead from Ebay plugged at both ends. I cut the IDE lead about 5cm from the display end. I then added pins the the IDE lead for the 20 pin IDE connector. To be honest this was a bit "scruffy" so for the 2024 I used a bit of vero as the interface substrate. The LED power must be 3.8V DC. The HT PSU for the old display was removed and a pcb made to fit in its place. The HT Psu is found under the Top plate of the SMP at the front, ob a small pcb. I used 2 X 39R in parallel to get 3.8V. I had replaced the top panel before I realised I had not photographed the DC module. The 20 pin IDE plug as pin 9 blanked off... Thus wire 9 from the new display is not connected. As I was quite happy with the mod I decided to upgrade the 2024 as well. However the contrast was not to my liking. The data sheet for the display shows a pot connected to pin 4 of the display, however I could not get it to work in this application, thus I reverted to no pot. I would suggest that two pieces of identical equipment show the differences of each. Anyways.. they are both back in situ ready for the next RF Project. If any members have comments please feel free. Attached Thumbnails __________________ Should get out more. Regards Wendy G8BZY

14th Nov 2023, 6:06 pm	#2
Freya Octode Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Falmouth, Cornwall, UK. Posts: 1,962	Re: Marconi TF2023/4 RF Signal generators Very smart job, well done __________________ Stephen _________"It`s only an old telly" ___