Casio CZ/ VZ/ FZ - Pro Series

Thanks a lot for that Matt! I actually ordered some blue EL foil from a place called... Glowhut.com if my memory is right. I think that taking things apart, making a few simple solder connections, and then putting it all back together is precisely at my current synth repair skill level - so I'm eager to give this repair a go... Everything more complex I let our local tech (for whom I have a great deal of trust and respect), deal with. It'll feel good to actually do something myself for once!

And I've been warned by another helpful member to be careful about the heat generated by the solder points near the EL foil.

Cheers,
James


Sent from my iPhone

On 2011-06-11, at 10:18 PM, "dlonrattam" <dlonrattam@...> wrote:

> James,
> 
> Replacing the whole LCD display with a modern part with an LED backlight is an option (as Bill describes). However, it *would* be a little bit of work -- like a little "mod" -- as sometimes the newer part won't have exactly the same physical dimensions or electronic connections. It is definitely do-able, but it is NOT something to attempt if you have no knowledge of electronics.
> 
> However, the reason your display has "burnt out" is likely because the original back-light in the CZ-1 is an electro-luminescent (EL) foil. These naturally fade over time and one is actually lucky to find equipment of your CZ's age with a working EL foil. Typically, they become very dim or completely dim after several years. The display simply ends up looking like it isn't back-lit, but still "dislays" fine. In fact, the guy who sold the CZ-1 to you might not even have been aware that the display was supposed to illuminate.
> 
> Fortunately, EL foils can be replaced much more simply that replacing the entire display. Usually, they just "slide" out from behind the LCD as a thin sheet. If you are comfortable the "mechanical" aspects of opening up your equipment, unscrewing lots of things, making a couple simple solder connections to the new foil, and putting it all back together, THEN you might consider doing the replacement yourself.
> 
> You can find EL foils on ebay or other places on the interwebs. Some outfits even sell foils sized for soecific equipment. Here is one for the CZ-1:
> 
> http://www.backlight4you.com/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=casio+cz-1&x=0&y=0
> 
> This outfit is a little expensive, IMO, but keep searching.
> 
> - Matt
> 
> --- In CZsynth@yahoogroups.com, <tomlinson6050@...> wrote:
> >
> > 
> > SUXXXXX !!!
> > 
> > If you get the joker to take it back, great. Otherwise, let me get out the schematics and see if anything jumps out as a potential problem. Also, I have successfully replaced the LCDs with new white test on blue background ones...takes a little drilling and soldering. IIRC there are two tone generator ICs in the CZ-1...each making 8 notes. So if one died..... Or, if the signals from the CPU were not reaching one of them....
> > 
> > I'll get back to you
> > 
> > Bill 
> > tomlinson6050@...
> > 
> > Come join us at www.vintagesynth.com
> > 
> > I go by "rhino"
> >
> 
> 


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