Octatrack LCD Contrast - adjustment possible?

Elektron Gear Octatrack
#1

Hi all. Long time MDUW user, and recent Octatrack and Monomachine user.

I picked up the Octatrack first, and then came the Monomachine.

Both the Octatrack and Monomachine have the same colour (or very, very, indistinguishably similiar) LCD’s, however the contrast on the Octatrack is faded …unless you are looking at it more-or-less straight on, it takes on this kind of blurring effect. The Monomachine on the other hand has a brilliantly crisp contrast, and you can read it perfectly from any angle. Same with the MDUW.

I like to sit down with my elektrons most of the time, not stand over them … and so I can see the MnM and MDUW screens perfectly at this angle … the Octatrack on the other hand is a blurry mess from this angle.

so… can the Octatrack’s LCD contrast be adjusted to bring it more in line with the MnM ?

cheers

#2

Have you removed the (near invisible) plastic cover from the Octatrack screen? The contrast is much much better with it off.

#3

Sorry for the necroposting.
The contrast of the displays in the elektron instruments can be adjusted.
But for this purpose the device will have to be dismantled.
If someone is interested in it - ask. I’ll tell you how.

1 Like
#4

How? :slight_smile:

1 Like
#5

So, now we’ll look in detail at the process of adjusting the contrast of the OT MK1 display.

:exclamation: IMPORTANT NOTES:
-as the procedure involves disassembling the device, keep in mind that you may lose the warranty.
-all that you do can damage the device in one way or another. If you are not sure of your abilities - please, entrust the procedure to a specialist.

In general, there is nothing difficult in adjusting the contrast.
What we need:

  1. smooth working hands and sober mind.
  2. three screwdrivers: T8, T10 and PH00.
    1
    1.jpg2189×2918 2.67 MB

    STEP 1:
    -remove all caps and unscrew the six screws marked in the photo with T8 screwdriver.
    2
    2.jpg2918×2189 2.05 MB

    STEP 2:
    -gently lift the panel, disconnect the three cables from the main board and unscrew all marked screws with a screwdriver T10.
    3
    3.jpg2918×2189 1.97 MB

    STEP 3:
    -remove the front panel from the interface board and carefully plug back the 6-pin connector marked on the photo (marked as J3 on maimboard).
    4
    4.jpg2918×2189 1.9 MB

    STEP 4:
    -Put any insulating material between the interface board and the housing of the instrument. For example a sheet of heavy paper. The control board must not touch the metal parts of the device body.
    5
    5.jpg2918×2189 2.09 MB

    STEP 5:
    -Using the screwdriver PH00, adjust the contrast level by gently(!!!) rotating the marked potentiometer (P101).
    6
    6.jpg2918×2189 1.77 MB

    7
    7.jpg2918×2189 1.88 MB

    STEP 6:
    -After adjusting the contrast level, turn off the device and reassemble in the reverse order.
    That’s all. Enjoy! :slightly_smiling_face:

Similar potentiometer for adjusting the display contrast is available in all devices of the MK1 series. In some devices, access to it is easier.
Usually in the factory state, the contrast adjustment is performed properly and does not require any intervention.
More often adjustment is necessary when replacing the display or performing some repair / modification works.
And add a little tip: adjusting the contrast level - watch the display at an angle. So it’s easier to set the maximum contrast and at the same time avoid obscuring unnecessary areas.
Regards. :upside_down_face:

14 Likes
#6

Sorry to revive this old thread but thank you for this, it has saved me a synth repair fee of about £150 and only took about 30 minutes

3 Likes