Updated 6 June 2011
Important note about display replacement options:
Some of the PLED displays which were supplied with the original LP-100 are experiencing failures after several years. The display starts to lose lines or just goes dark. This does not seem to be related to hours of use as much as it is to age. In fact, the less the meter is used, the more likely a failure. The display on the first LP-100, still in daily use at N8LP, looks perfect after over 5 years of 24/7 operation. The culprit is something called "tin whiskers", which are microscopic lines that grow between circuit traces and eventually short them out. Tin whiskers are much more prevalent with lead-free solder, especially formulations that were being used when the EU's RoHS (Reduction of Hazardous Substances) directive was first mandated by the EC in Europe, which is when the PLED displays were manufactured. This is why mission critical applications like space, military and medical are exempted.
The PLED displays originally supplied with the LP-100 are no longer available. This page details the options which are available for replacement of displays for the original LP-100. We recommend the following two options. The OLED option for easiest replacement, lowest cost and the same look and performance as the original PLED. The GVFD option allows the user to essentially upgrade to an LP-100A electrically, and offers the added resolution and continuous look of the graphic bargraphs.
OLED
These
displays are plugin replacements for the original PLED, using the
original hardware and connector. For proper
display of the last segment of the bargraphs, new firmware must be
flashed into the meter. This is due to the different way in which the
cursors are implemented in the displays. A menu item has been added to
v1.1.8.0 which allows selection of display type... PLED, VFD and OLED.
This firmware is available on the LP-100 Current Software page at
http://www.telepostinc.com/LP-100-Update.html.
The displays are available in both green and yellow versions, with more colors to follow. Lifetime is specified as 50,000 hours based on accelerated testing, which rivals VFD, theoretically. Here is a picture of the yellow version...
Graphic VFD
The GVFD display is the same as the one used in the LP-100A. This is a very high quality display and offers better bargraph resolution, added features and display longevity which should last the life of the meter. This option requires adding a daughtercard to the LP-100, as explained below. The option upgrades your meter to LP-100A, electrically. The cost for this option varies from $75 for a kit to $110 for factory upgrade with return shipping (US only). More details are listed below.
GVFD Display Upgrade kit for LP-100:
The displays are available in both green and yellow versions, with more colors to follow. Lifetime is specified as 50,000 hours based on accelerated testing, which rivals VFD, theoretically. Here is a picture of the yellow version...
The installation manual for the OLED
displays is located here...
OLED_Manual.pdf
_______________________________________________________
Pricing and Ordering for US customers...
The OLED displays cost $35 each plus shipping ($9 for Priority Mail, $10 for UPS/Fedex Ground).
_______________________________________________________
Select color and shipping choice.
_______________________________________________________
Pricing and Ordering for overseas customers...
NOTICE: 1st Class Airmail and Priority Mail shipping of these small packages is NOT insured. 1st Class shipping to Canada / Mexico is $6USD, oustide North America $16USD. Priority Mail shipping to Canada / Mexico is $10USD, oustide North America $28USD.
______________________________________________________
Select color, shipping and region choice
OLED_Manual.pdf
_______________________________________________________
Pricing and Ordering for US customers...
The OLED displays cost $35 each plus shipping ($9 for Priority Mail, $10 for UPS/Fedex Ground).
_______________________________________________________
Select color and shipping choice.
| Color / Shipping |
| Add a note... |
_______________________________________________________
Pricing and Ordering for overseas customers...
NOTICE: 1st Class Airmail and Priority Mail shipping of these small packages is NOT insured. 1st Class shipping to Canada / Mexico is $6USD, oustide North America $16USD. Priority Mail shipping to Canada / Mexico is $10USD, oustide North America $28USD.
______________________________________________________
Select color, shipping and region choice
The GVFD display is the same as the one used in the LP-100A. This is a very high quality display and offers better bargraph resolution, added features and display longevity which should last the life of the meter. This option requires adding a daughtercard to the LP-100, as explained below. The option upgrades your meter to LP-100A, electrically. The cost for this option varies from $75 for a kit to $110 for factory upgrade with return shipping (US only). More details are listed below.
GVFD Display Upgrade kit for LP-100:
