LCD replacement for Sharp PC-1245 pocket computer
LCD replacement for Sharp PC-1245
Sold by The Half-Baked Maker
$20.00
No tax for United States [change]
Stock available: 1420
Note that if you are in Japan, you might be able to get LCDs more quickly from this local seller who also remanufactured these LCDs!
What is it?
This is a pin-for-pin compatible nearly exact replacement for the LCD module in the Sharp PC-1245 pocket computer released in 1983. This LCD will *not * work in any pocket computer other than the Sharp PC-1245.
Why did you make it?
Some PC-1245 pocket computers suffer from LCD degradation to the point where they are no longer useful. Apparently the seal around the LCD was of poor quality, and over the years moisture gets in and ruins the liquid crystal. The result is a display ranging from a few splotches to complete failure. Or, the LCD might just be broken. Here's a picture of a broken LCD from a PC-1246, since I couldn't find a broken PC-1245.
I decided that it was important to bring all these dead PC-1245 computers back to life by reverse-engineering the LCD and remanufacturing them.
What makes it special?
These LCDs were custom manufactured by Sharp for the PC-1245. Replacement LCDs were never available, and finding a working LCD can involve finding another broken PC-1245 to strip it for its hopefully working LCD.
I tried as much as possible to make the fonts and positions used for the indicators as identical to the original as possible. Here's a picture of a PC-1245 with the replacement LCD, courtesy Rick Swartz, who helped validate that the PC-1245 replacement indeed works.
Instructions for replacement
Honestly, the procedure can be a bit finicky, so if you're not willing to try a few times to get it right, this is not the product for you. It can require careful lining up of the LCD pads with the PCB contacts. In addition, it is very easy to break the thin wires going to the piezo speaker. Once you have replaced the LCD, you should be prepared to re-solder the wires to the piezo.
Some Sharp pocket computer enthusiasts in Japan have put together some nice procedure documents to follow. You will want to make use of translate.google.com if you cannot read Japanese.
- PC-1245 LCD交換マニュアル (PC-1245 LCD replacement manual)
- SHARP PC-1245 の整備をしてみた (I tried to repair a SHARP PC-1245)
Remember, even though you replace the LCD, there still might be something wrong with your PC-1245.
Links to code and documentation
Product HS Code: 85241100
Shipping policy
I ship via the United States Postal Service, every Monday (US Pacific time) except on USPS holidays, when I ship on the next open day. US destinations usually take a few days after that, EU/JP about 2 weeks, and South and Central American destinations can take up to 6 weeks.
I CANNOT SHIP TO THE UK. Too many packages to the UK have been tracked as ENTERING THE UK, but after that the package disappears. Because of the unusually low rate of successful delivery, I no longer ship to the UK. You can find a parcel forwarder in the US. They will give you a US address to ship to, and then they will send your package from there to you using a reliable mail service.
I CANNOT SHIP TO BRAZIL. Too many packages to Brazil have been tracked as ENTERING BRAZIL, but after that the package disappears. Because of the unusually low rate of successful delivery, I no longer ship to Brazil. You can find a parcel forwarder in the US. They will give you a US address to ship to, and then they will send your package from there to you using a reliable mail service.
Here are some extras that might be useful for your project!
The seller
I make all kinds of stuff. Sometimes the stuff can be useful to others. It's always Open Hardware, but I make some for sale if you want.