Subject:	RE: Broken Autostar LCD
Sent:	Saturday, June 29, 2013 12:04:19
From:	Shawn F (shawnf24@yahoo.com)
I just wanted to let you know that your website was very helpful when my
LCD screen became damaged.  I wanted to let you know that the screen
that I ended up using to perform my repair was not in any way shape or
form the best option as far as fitment into the original handbox but in
terms of durability it is a much better option and I'm sure someone with
more time and expertise can do better than I was able to but for all
intents and purposes my handbox is now much more resilient and likely to
remain undamaged in a fall.  I will send you photos once I unpack my
telescope but the screen that I used is available on ebay for around $5
if you order it out of China or around $10 for the same product if you
order it from an importer within the United States.

Here's a link to the exact item I used:

http://r.ebay.com/M0Id5z

The pinout was a bit different but only 2 and 3 were reversed.  I was
able to figure out the pinout by looking at the datasheet for the lcd
screen recommended by a reader on your website and the datasheet for the
replacement screen I am suggesting as an alternate.

Thanks.

Shawn

End of today's update

Subject:	possible LCD display  source
Sent:	Tuesday, April 30, 2013 10:54:19
From:	Norm Fredrick (norm@computac.com)
This might be a source to buy a replacement LCD display 
 
http://elcodis.com/parts/762954/DMC-50747NF-AK.html
 
Norm Fredrick

End of 16 May update

Subject:	Old Auto Star 497 Display
Sent:	Friday, October 8, 2010 12:32:13
From:	Bob Waterfield (waterfield55@yahoo.com)
After over a year I have finally found a workable display module for the
497 auto star. Reference your page:

http://www.weasner.com/etx/autostar/as_schematic.html

It is a perfect fit with one small draw back..  There is a white
reflective strip on the back side that must be carefully removed,
otherwise the red LED cannot shine through.

I have ordered it from the following supplier, it was $10.00 delivered.
Part can be found here:

http://www.westfloridacomponents.com/LED062/LCD+Module+Display+16x2+Optrex+DMC-50747NF-AK.html

Just have to remember to install it so that the connector pins are up. 
It offers a more BLACK on RED display from the original, but far beats
having to buy a new Autostar.

I hope this may help some of your other readers.  Finally, I can watch
Jupiter again.

Thanks for your great site.

Bob Waterfield
K8POS

Go back to the Autostar Information page.

Go to the ETX Home Page.