Peak's Atlas LCR40 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: peteb2
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 07, 2018, 12:37:04 am
content: I've directly invested over the years in all but their Ethernet tester including a lot of spare interconnects (since they are of a reasonable quality).I admit the units don't get a heap of use but they are damn handy when yuh need 'em!Recently went to use the LCR40 and noted the LCD wasn't looking too happy as if the contrast has shifted. The unit appears to be operating OK but it can be a bit hard to read that display sometimes especially if i'm doing a multiple run on some parts during a measuring session and its not set on a perfect angle in incident lighting.I have the LCR45 to hand of course so not a huge issue with things but i'd like to sort the LCR40.I acknowledge that Peak offer a set service-repair but since i'm in New Zealand i'm just wondering if there's anyone else who has seen such an issue before i commit to sending the unit across the other side the world for something that's kind of trivial....The unit boot message: @ R3.02 #59975 Cal due Oct 2012.

author: Miti
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 07, 2018, 12:49:16 am
content: The contrast is too high. I wonder if there's a trimmer that drifted or just some resistors with too much flux underneath and it absorbed moisture. If you open it you may figure it out, on a standard LCD interface the contrast is on pin 3.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 07, 2018, 03:47:03 am
content: Pete.PeakAtlas are members here so why not send them a PM asking for advice.From here you can get hold of them:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/buysellwanted/special-offer-to-eevblog-forum-members/

author: exe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 07, 2018, 09:36:19 am
content: There might be setup menu to adjust contrast, I'd look the manual.... Or just contact them, they are quite friendly.

author: HighVoltage
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 07, 2018, 10:12:30 am
content: I had the same issue with one of the PeakAtlas DCA55 units and send them an email.They asked me to return the instrument and within a week, I received a brand new one.This was like 2 years ago.In my case the LCD was dim on one side and black on the other side.Since I got the exchange, I am very happy with it.

author: peteb2
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2018, 05:45:16 am
content: Just a headsup that my Atlas LCR40 lives again (not that it was broken... just a wee bit hard to read).Jez from Peak saw my comments and well since i'm over what must be 19,000 miles away and posting items to UK for repair can become not only silly-costly but possibly a hassle at customs....Jez sent me a basic repair kit with an excellent repair instruction sheet.It was a simple task to swap the LCD itself but as luck would have it the issue was more about a contrast setting so substituting a different value resistor (in the kit) had the problem sorted. As with just about everything i work with these days though there was a tiny gotcha. The new LCD was a different series and the S/W Ver of my unit saw the likes of the symbol for Ohms and Mu as in the 'u' in uF became something else! In all honesty i could have lived with it but being a Sunday arvo i swapped back the original display and bam!Perfect display....Being able to use my LCR40 now and see the results way easier.... that's just gotta be good.