LCD Replacement Compatibility question

[bimble]

Hi there,
I have decided to try to replace the LCD on my Roland MC-505 and was hoping to get some help regarding the replacement part. The original part was a 16 by 2 LCD unit model number DM1628-0AAB. I believe it was made by Sanyo and have read on another forum that this part is no longer available. I was wondering if there is a modern compatible part. I've attached a diagram of the circuitry involved. I'm very new to all this, have seen some 'how to' guides on the net and have decided to have a stab at it because paying someone to do it will be expensive and the 16 x 2 LCD units I've seen from component store's are really cheap. Plus, the 505 is currently gathering dust and will be brilliant if it were fixed but interesting none the less if I break it. Sure I will learn something from it,
Thanks in advance,
Jon

[Simon (Webmaster)]

Hi

Any chance of a picture of the LCD and connections? From the naming of the connections it could well be a 16x2 module with a standard parallel interface, but a picture or two might confirm this.

[bimble]

Hi Simon,
Thanks for the swift reply. I've attached a few shots from the step by step tutorial on the net. The guy who put them up does sell the LCD units but he's based in USA and they're $50 a pop. I had a quick look and saw some of a similar size for £3.50 on a UK site. Just not sure of what to look for with regards interfacing a modern one with the circuit board...
I rang Roland who weren't too helpful,
Jon

[bimble]

I can't remember where i got this from but scrawled it down at lunchtime having read it on another forum. Apparently the 505 uses a hd-44780 type LCD. Don't know if that helps nor what it means.

[Simon (Webmaster)]

Sorry for the slow reply. HD44780 is the 'standard' alphanumeric display module controller, most modules use this or a compatible controller with a selectable 4 or 8 bit parallel interface. A standard 16 x 2 character alphanumeric LCD module should therefore be electrically compatible. Some have backlighting and some don't - check which type you need. Also there are at least 2 standards for the pin-outs - you appear to need the one with the connections at the end, not the top.

Your existing module appears to have a plastic bezel around it - is this removable? I can't tell if it is part of the LCD module or the equipment. Once you think you've found a suitable module, download the datasheet for it and check that the physical dimensions are compatible.

[us724]

My LCD got no sound sometimes. It's 3 years old. Anything wrong with the electronic?