--- Robert Rolf <Robert.Rolf@ualberta.ca> wrote:

> The interconnect material is called "zebra strip"
> elastomeric connector.
> http://www.neufeld.newton.ks.us/electronics/?p=3D167
> "The anisotropic strip on the LCD is technically
> known as an =

> elastromeric connector, but usually referred to as a
> zebra strip. If you =

> examine it closely under a strong magnifying glass
> or a low power =

> microscope, you=92ll see alternating bands of
> conductive and insulating =

> material, usually something like graphite loaded
> rubber for the =

> conductive material and unloaded rubber for the
> insulating material. The =

> graphite loaded rubber gives that portion of the
> strip a darker colour. =

> Thus, you have alternating light and dark bands,
> similar to what a zebra =

> looks like.  "
> =

> =

> The 'ghost' connectors you are seeing on the glass
> display,
> are indium tin oxide, which is conductive, and quite
> clear.
> =

> I think your issue may be insufficient pressure, so
> the contact
> surfaces are oxydizing, rather than being sealed by
> the rubber.
> A surface contact cleaner which leaves a residue
> (like NuTrol,
> from M.G. Chemical) may work for you.
> =

> I too have had problems with DMM displays (notably
> two Beckmans)
> with the exact same problem of display contact
> failure with age.
> After trying to fix it for the forth time in 2
> years, I bought
> a Fluke, and have had no problems with the 6 or so
> Flukes we regularly
> use in the lab.
> =

> R
> =

  Some of the Flukes do get oxidation on the LCD
connectors. Most of the successful reports use DeoxIt
solution for curing it.

John


      _____________________________________________________________________=
_______________
Tonight's top picks. What will you watch tonight? Preview the hottest shows=
 on Yahoo! TV.
http://tv.yahoo.com/ =


-- =

http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive
View/change your membership options at
http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist