| Tensioner |
Thermostat
| Tensioner |
Thermostat
The weak link that causes such display issues in all of the NAVMAN/NAVSTAR 3100 Series Instruments is also the problem with the 3150 Wind digital display. A small but important ribbon connector that runs between the LCD display (the screen you see on the outside) and the Printed Circuit Board, which is the brains of the instrument, is the cause of the problem. This is not unlike the connector issue with the 3100 Series instruments except that the repair is quite a bit more involved. The image below shows the original ribbon connector on a typical NAVMAN 3150 Wind Instrument.
This connector is held in place at each end with an adhesive which is prone to deterioration over time. It is commonly believed that a combination of moisture, heat and time causes the connections to intermittantly open and thus cause the segments in the LCD to display improperly or not at all. Some owners have reported varying degrees of display success by turning the internal lighting to its highest level or placing the instrument in a minimally warm oven.
A far more permanent and successful solution is to replace the connector with a different design altogether. Unfortunately, the design of the 3150 Wind does not lend itself to the very straightforward and relatively simple fix provided by the installation of a single Zebra® Connector. With the initiatives and success of a customer in France, we are now able to offer a repair utilizing not one, but two Zebra® Connectors. A stainless steel support brace is first installed between the front colored screen and its plastic support piece as shown below.
Next, a new specially designed Auxiliary Printed Circuit Board (APCB) is installed with a thin Zebra® Connector between it and the original PCB as shown below.
The last major step involves landing the original LCD on the new APCB with another thin Zebra® Connector making the connection as shown below.
The unit is then fully reassembled and when powered up yields a 3150 Wind with fully functional Analog and Digital indications..
THE BOTTOM LINE, DO NOT DISCARD A NAVMAN/NAVSTAR INSTRUMENT JUST BECAUSE THERE IS NOTHING SHOWING ON THE SCREEN!!
Just what is a Zebra® connector? The drawing above is a conceptual view of a Zebra® Elastometric Connector as manufactured by FujiPoly. Essentially, the connector is a silicon assembly consisting of two support members which "sandwich" a series of conductive pathways. The conductive pathways consist of alternating conductive and non-conductive layers such that discrete conductors exist parallel to one another. When this connector assembly is placed between an LCD and a Printed Circuit Board, conductive pathways are established between the two. For more imformation regarding Fujipoly's offerings, check out their website at fujipoly.com/products/zebra-elastomeric-connectors
A Complete Retrofit Package
Indigo Electronics is pleased to offer a Repair and Return option for bringing your NAVMAN 3150 Instrument back to full functionality:
Indigo Electronics, Inc.105 Pipe Kiln CourtWilliamsburg, VA 23185
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