I've got a handheld meter with a LCD display (Sunpro Tachometer) and some of the LCD segments are getting flaky. Assuming it's put together with a zebra strip, would I be better off trying to take it apart and clean it, or wait until it becomes intolerable first? In other words, what are the chances of making it better rather than worse?
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You'll probably fix it if you wipe off the rubber strip.
If it was me, I'd strip it down and clean the strips, pcb and LCD element. Good, high test alcohol and a Q-tip. Vodka works ok if that is handier to the work bench, but wait until it drys for a few minutes before reassembling. (some water in Vodka). Of course there is a danger here of ruining the LCD element itself (been there, done that). But if you are half-way competent with hand tools, it shouldn't be a big problem.
Old Chief Lynn
I clean off the zebra and the LCD lands with methylated spirit and remount with the zebra upside down. Unless the rubbery bits are perished/stuck to the lands then unlikely to make matters worse.
-- Diverse Devices, Southampton, England electronic hints and repair briefs , schematics/manuals list on
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