Strange K3S Display Problem - Ghosting Segments

[VK1OO, Mike Walkington]

Hi

My K3S has been providing faithful service for many years; however, it has recently developed a strange display problem. The black LCD segments have low visibility. No combination of menu functions LCD BRT and LCD ADJ seems to make much difference, even with LCD ADJ values at the top of the range (up near 99 which is odd with manual suggesting 8 is normal). I can just make out the segments at near 90 degree viewing angles - ie vertically from above looking down or from the side.

I hope someone else has experienced this problem and can tell me how to fix it.

Mike
VK1OO

[VK1OO, Mike Walkington]

Hi

Solved. Elecraft's legendary support comes through again.  5 screws to remove FP wasn't an issue. Tacked in a discrete while I ordered an SMD ceramic. A little tough on my dodgy old eyes to solder in the SMD - so much harder than 40 years ago - but success!

The advice from Elecraft Support - which arrived seemingly within minutes of opening after the Memorial Day holiday:

When the LCD backlight is on, but no segments are lit or visible, on a K3S.
   Poor Contrast. C102 E530223 on Front panel is shorted.

E530223 is a SMD Chip Capacitor described as "10 uF,10V,20%,CERM,0805,SMD

To Fix It, you can deftly replace it by reaching in with a fine tip and steady hand without even taking the FP off. C102 is 'easy access' because it is near the edge of the board and near the top of the rig as well.

Mike
VK1OO