Blue DigiDoc5 Ghetto Mod

[RoboTech]

Hi guys,

I finally got around to modding one of my DD5s...



I am usually not one to cut corners or do things half-way, but in this case I decided to modify one of my DD5s without any delicate soldering (you will have to solder some wires) and without buying the expensive blue LCD back lights. I already had a bag full of assorted blue LEDs so I didn't have to buy anything. My method involves disassembling the DD5, carefully clipping off the two orange light bars and then gluing four super-bright, blue LEDs to the circuit board next to the display.

Blue DigiDoc5 Ghetto Mod

Note: The brightness and contrast are both weaker with the blue LEDs than with the original orange back lights. The display is actually a darker blue color than it appears in the picture above. This is in part due to the LEDs I used, which are rated at 3.5 VDC for full illumination so running all four on 12 VDC doesn't quite bring them to full power. The LCD may incorporate a filter or polarizing filter that is optimized for the longer wavelength orange light - I don't know. Anyway, it is still quite readable and looks very cool.

RoboTech

[bigben2k]

Your blue display is crooked!

Nice. I'm sure it was a fair bit of work. You might consider running those LEDs at full intensity, but that would be a much more extensive mod.

Now try to swap the display for a VFD!

[RoboTech]

Hey Ben,

Originally posted by bigben2k
Your blue display is crooked!

I know it looks that way in the pic... but the LCD really is mounted square and flush back in the DD5 bracket. I first noticed it when I was editing the pics in Photoshop for the article. Went and checked - and square as could be. A trick of light I guess... or camera angle.

You might consider running those LEDs at full intensity, but that would be a much more extensive mod.

I considered wiring the LEDs in pairs and then powering each pair from 12V thru a resistor but decided to keep it simple. I don't think the 0.5V is making that much difference - they are really bright. I suspect the real problem is the LCD polarizing filter is probably optimized for red-yellow wavelengths and not transmitting the blue as well.

I'll wait for the next gen DD5 for the VFD...