Thanks for sharing.
Does anyone know where the trimpot is located for adjusting screen brightness on the MK1 units?
Yes this is after putting this exact same screen in a Mk1 Keys. There is nothing special at all about the screens the guy is selling on reverbā¦Heās using these or something similarā¦attaching a pin header and adding 75% on to the price. There is no true āblack backgroundā LCD because of technical limitations.
As far as I remember the trimmer for contrast is about an inch or two to the right of the LCD on the Keys, on the main panel board. If youāre unsure, follow the traces from the trimpot back to the screen to make sure its the correct one.
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I should mention its the same with the VFD conversions offered on reverb (same sellerā¦for elektron units) No need to pay $xxxx when you can order the part and simply at most move one small part around and save a ton of $$. The seller somewhat rubbed me the wrong way. If you need help changing a screen in your synth for less (the part# lol) ask me instead. The VFDās especially can be ācoloredā with a film over them. Also keep in mind the pictures on reverb are āGlamour shotsā 
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The guy selling the screens on reverb is a total douchebag. He got pissed because I asked some questions about the screen and the parts.
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Is this the same display? Will it work, you think?
Does anyone have any links to a U.S. source for a new A4 mki LCD (preferably white on black)? Only thing I could find is the Reverb source above and it says the seller āis on vacationā (hilarious that Reverb has that disclaimer). Thanks in advance!
Seems like specs to search for (for mk1 A4/AR/AK) are 122x32 dots, 8 bit parallel interface, CFAH1602A type, Avant SBN1661G or SED1520 controller.
As others have mentioned white on black is not possible with LCD, those which are sold as this are really light blue on dark blue with selective editing on the photo to make them appear like that. I know because I bought one of these supposed white on black from that seller, and it was dark blue.
Edit: Added - if you want to attempt replacing the screen yourself better to get one without header pins fitted, it is much less risky and easier to leave the pins in the main PCB. Use a good quality solder wick/braid to remove the solder, I have done a few now and this is by far the quickest and easiest method with no risk of damage to the expensive Elektron PCB.
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Thanks for the info!
So this looks like the business. Think I should confirm with Elektron before pulling the trigger?
Iām definitely going to find a local tech (Chicago recommendations welcome) or have it sent off.
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I took a shot and ordered one today. Hopefully, itāll do the job for my RYTM Mk1.
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Will these also fade with time?
Someone knows where I can buy such a replacement display in Europe ?
Howād it go?
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The screen never got so bad that I bothered to replace it and eventually sold it (and the unused display) on to another Elektronaut.
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The screen I posted will work in all elektron mk1 machines that use LCDs. (a4, rytm etc)
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Marvelous! I have been waiting for a confirmation for this to work for years, and I just checked back! I will order from Crystalfontz then. How much was the shipping and all? (Iām in Europe by the way). Thanks for tying it out <3
There is now an OLED replacement version available here for Mk1.
https://www.ebay.de/itm/176180274325
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If it was $20 instead of $220 Iād get one and upgrade my AK immediately.
Looks really nice, but 200 is to muchā¦ As long as mine is still āokā
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Itās expensive but it also looks involved. It appears they used a 128x32 OLED, where the stock screen is 122x32 LCD. Iām assuming thereās also a difference in the controller chip between the 2, which all implies some sort of middleware/controller.
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