Author Topic: How to fix Vinegar Syndrome on NEC Supertwist LCD from 1986  (Read 2952 times)

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Offline MGaddictTopic starter

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How to fix Vinegar Syndrome on NEC Supertwist LCD from 1986
« on: November 17, 2020, 03:17:36 pm »
I have a perfectly working almost fully restored original NEC Multispeed laptop that was handed down to me back in 1991 and I continued to use for several years. The only problem is that the rear reflection/polarizing film has grossly deteriorated. I don't mind attempting to replace it as there is no way to replace the whole LCD however, I have never bought this stuff before and would love some recommendations on a reputable source for this type of film.
Below are pictures of the front and backside of the panel separated from the board.
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Sent from a P4 HT still in daily use. Old != Useless
 

Offline MGaddictTopic starter

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Re: How to fix Vinegar Syndrome on NEC Supertwist LCD from 1986
« Reply #1 on: November 17, 2020, 03:18:38 pm »
Only 1 picture apparently posted. So here is the second.
__________________________________________
Sent from a P4 HT still in daily use. Old != Useless
 

Offline shakalnokturn

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Re: How to fix Vinegar Syndrome on NEC Supertwist LCD from 1986
« Reply #2 on: November 17, 2020, 08:33:56 pm »
There are a few discussions on replacing polarizers on here, mostly related to Tektronix TDS 210/220 or Fluke Scopemeters.
As for a reputable source for the adequate model... I'd be pleased know of one too.
 
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Offline Doctorandus_P

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Re: How to fix Vinegar Syndrome on NEC Supertwist LCD from 1986
« Reply #3 on: November 19, 2020, 05:01:33 pm »
Finding such parts new will probably be difficult.

Have you thought about taking apart some 2nd hand monitor?
With a bit of luck you can probably find some second hand 14" monitors for a small amount of money.
 

Offline MGaddictTopic starter

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Re: How to fix Vinegar Syndrome on NEC Supertwist LCD from 1986
« Reply #4 on: November 19, 2020, 07:51:42 pm »
This appears to be a common issue to fix. It really is just a film that needs to be scrapped off and replaced. Apparently, old polarizer film, and some new stuff, just degrades and basically turns to vinegar (ergo Vinegar Syndrome). Since this is a vintage computer, one I owned as a kid, I'd really prefer to keep it as original as possible. I have no doubt I could find another screen, figure out the pinout for the connector and somehow build a custom controller to convert the signal to the new screen. But that is a ton of work for a simple problem.
Lastly, we tend to be so wasteful with electronics today. I get it, if the polarizer film was $120, well, I can replace the whole laptop for that cost. But it's only about $10. So in this case, it really makes no sense not to fix it. I just don't want to spend $100 on different films until I find the right one. LOTS of people have done this, I just wish I knew what exact product they used from what company.
Lastly, it's a 10"x5.5" 640x200 Green Yellow STN LCD. Only about a handfull of devices ever used STN for more than a calculator type screen. If you've ever used a calculator that doesn't have a backlight and has a green background with black text, that's exactly the type of display this is, just much larger. That's part of what makes finding the polarizer so difficult, it's sold in really tiny sizes for things like original Game Boys. Although even that used TFT LCD. But I know it's out there.
Thank you though for your reply.
__________________________________________
Sent from a P4 HT still in daily use. Old != Useless
 


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