Replacement screen for Autopilot

[Simi 60]

Hi,
I have a TMQ AP500 autopilot with a well defined rudder indicator and rotary knob steering.

Unfortunately the screen is on its way out (lines, missing pixels) and I have been onto TMQ wanting a replacement but they say no.

Their only solution isnt really one.
It was to buy a new head unit that does not have rudder indicator or rotary knob steering and then buy a separate rudder indicator.
cost would be over $1000 plus install.

My question is, surely there is someway of getting a screen replacement.
I cant imagine a 90 x 65 mono lcd screen is a one off build for these units alone, I would have thought standard bits would have been used in its manufacture.

Can anyone give me pointers on where to start?
I have pulled it apart, taken pictures of screen and wiring attachment (Tape) but without pulling that wiring tape off I cant actually see if there are identifying numbers on the other side.

The electronic panel on the inside is interestingly a JRC product.

[Simi 60]

Anyone?

[Paul L]

Does your unit support a remote? If so, maybe you can add a remote with a display in a visible spot.

Alternately you could try one of the Asian laptop/computer repair places and see if they could source the LCD display.

[Marinetech]

The display is the same as the JRC JNav 500. I don't know if the software that contols the display PCB is on the the processor board or on the display PCB. E Bay has a couple of J Nav 500 displays for 250 USD.

[Ray-Dianna]

Hi, I had this guy repair my dead ST-6000+ AP and now works like brand new. Cost was a heck of a lot cheaper than even a used one, $159. His name is Dan Gieberhart...C250@mydurango.net. send him an email and tell him your issue and he will let you know if he can and what cost.

[Simi 60]

Originally Posted by Paul L

Alternately you could try one of the Asian laptop/computer repair places and see if they could source the LCD display.

There is that and thanks.
Hoping to source part online and replace myself first if I can.
Boat continually out away from repair places but do have internet and postal address on nearby island.

[Simi 60]

Originally Posted by Marinetech

The display is the same as the JRC JNav 500. I don't know if the software that contols the display PCB is on the the processor board or on the display PCB. E Bay has a couple of J Nav 500 displays for 250 USD.

Well done.
Not really keen on 2nd hand as the screen will most likely be suffering a similar fate but it has allowed me to contact JRC with a product number to see if they may have some new old screens.

[Simi 60]

Originally Posted by Ray-Dianna

Hi, I had this guy repair my dead ST-6000+ AP and now works like brand new. Cost was a heck of a lot cheaper than even a used one, $159. His name is Dan Gieberhart...C250@mydurango.net. send him an email and tell him your issue and he will let you know if he can and what cost.

Thanks but we are in Australia.
Freight and time would be a killer.

[billgewater]

I had recent experience with a Navman 1300 depth sounder unit. The NZ company (now defunct) installed LCD screens and mine went a.. up. The screen can't be obtained or replaced at all.
My advice is to ask manufacturers if their screens are replaceable on their marine instruments. Ask this in addition to any time constrained warranty. No written assurance, buy elsewhere.
Water vapour ingress is a common source of failure as is excessive warming for these screens and considering the usual environment, failure is often an assured final outcome.

[jacktheflyer]

If you are up do doing this sort of repair yourself, I would look at RS Components for a generic type screen. I have done this before with some success.