Anyone ever open up the faceplate to a 996 radio?

[perryinva]

The LCD backlight on my CR-220 died, (I can still read everything in direct sunlight, and everything works) I assume it's the bulbs, but could be the dropping resistor. The faceplate LOOKS easy to open, but before I delve in there, I figured it was worth asking on the board if anyone has ever replaced the backlight. For a few bucks, it's worth repairing, but I sure would never pay the $70 that is being asked on ebay for a face plate. I have a CDR-220 to use in the meantime, so no big rush at all, but I like to use cassettes at times. TIA.

[Long Islander]

The LCD backlight on my CR-220 died, (I can still read everything in direct sunlight, and everything works) I assume it's the bulbs, but could be the dropping resistor. The faceplate LOOKS easy to open, but before I delve in there, I figured it was worth asking on the board if anyone has ever replaced the backlight. For a few bucks, it's worth repairing, but I sure would never pay the $70 that is being asked on ebay for a face plate. I have a CDR-220 to use in the meantime, so no big rush at all, but I like to use cassettes at times. TIA.

I would check with SW Stereo (www.swstereo.com) and see how much they want to fix it, or if they can give you some DIY tips.

[demosan]

The LCD backlight on my CR-220 died, (I can still read everything in direct sunlight, and everything works) I assume it's the bulbs, but could be the dropping resistor. The faceplate LOOKS easy to open, but before I delve in there, I figured it was worth asking on the board if anyone has ever replaced the backlight. For a few bucks, it's worth repairing, but I sure would never pay the $70 that is being asked on ebay for a face plate. I have a CDR-220 to use in the meantime, so no big rush at all, but I like to use cassettes at times. TIA.

I Would clean the contacts on the dispay facepate and see if that "rejuvenates" the back-lite ?? Beyond tha tyou could try and reach Becker and see if they offer a repair service that is cost effective. Good Luck!! :cheers:

Demosan

[perryinva]

Well, I opened it up and there are no bulbs, it is LED lighting, 3 banks of 20, plus 1 in each corner, +2 where the alarm "set" red led is. The flashing red is still there, it's just the white ones (the yellow color is a film over the LCD display). So sinc eit's impossible for 65 leds to burn out, it has to be a dropping resistor on the supply circuit, or what appears to be a fuse labeled "4.19". I'll have to take my meter to is and see if has any value. If it's open, then I'll have to open up my working CDR-220, and see if it has a matching component and measure it.

[JeTexas]

This is a little late since you already opened it, but I had put together a DIY on taking it apart.

http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=21228

[perryinva]

Actually, that was still very helpful. I hadn't thought to maximize the pressureon the zebra connector by putting the lower tabs in tight first. Good advice. I don't suppose you still have the extra funky faceplate you want to sell cheap? As long as it lights up, I can build one good one around those two, same way. All my buttons are in great shape.

[dammad]

Actually, that was still very helpful. I hadn't thought to maximize the pressureon the zebra connector by putting the lower tabs in tight first. Good advice. I don't suppose you still have the extra funky faceplate you want to sell cheap? As long as it lights up, I can build one good one around those two, same way. All my buttons are in great shape.

Did you ever get your backlight fixed? I have the same problem. While the DIY is helpful, since they are LED backlights I'm looking for info on what was the root cause.

[Dharn55]

Keep an eye on Ebay. I have seen several of the removable faceplates there over the years.

[Wayne R. Dempsey]

I've tried many times to fix these types of radios in the Porsches and BMWs too - never quite succeeded, and the best solution was to often purchase a broken unit from eBay (broken for a different reason) and swap out the face plates.

-Wayne