896mk3 with dead LCD, worth fixing?

[Tripi]

I've gone through three 828's and an 896mk3 now. Every time I get a MOTU interface, the LCD screens either go out, or the controls show the wrong thing. I've returned 2 828's to MOTU to fix.... but all they really do is send me a refurbished one. After the 3rd one screwed up, I tried an 896. 2 years later and the screen died. It still works for audio playback, but it needs to go to MOTU to get the screen working again. $99, and I need to be without an audio interface for a few weeks. Does anyone think it's worth the 100 bucks? Should I just give up and buy an AVID, UAD, or APOGEE interface?

[Gravity Jim]

Yeah, it's worth it, although nobody can judge for you how inconvenient it will be.

But I have to ask... is there something wrong with the AC power in your building? Because, damn, Sam... that's a lot of weirdness to befall one guy. I don't think MOTU has an ongoing problem with LCDs failing and controls going wonky. I wonder if you're not seeing the results of some kind of AC spike or something.

[HCMarkus]

Why not just use CueMix on your Mac? The only information I take from my 828mkII's screen is whether the unit is on or off, and there are other lights on the device that reveal the same information.

I have my interface connected to AC via an inexpensive UPS that also conditions power. Seems like good insurance. I have a second 828mkII on hand should my main one fail… more session insurance!

[mikehalloran]

If it is just the screen, it can be replaced if you know what you are doing. There are some old threads on this. YouTube videos, too.

Someone posted just last week with a link to a supply house that carries the parts but I can't find it. Not all MOTU interfaces use the same screen but, if you can get to it, you can figure out which one you need. Some of the parts are proprietary but the screens are not.

[mikehalloran]

Found it. Someone had appended an old thread so it didn't come up in a search — there were no tags such as replacement screen or dead LCD etc. (now there are)

Anyway, here is a UK supplier for screens. This might even be the right one.
http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/products/5326492/

Mouser shows a couple thousand parts available. The trick, as always, is trying to figure out what part you need.
http://www.mouser.com/Optoelectronics/D ... /_/N-6j735
http://www.mouser.com/

BTW, the problem might be a power supply or controller. I don't know.

Here's a thread on MOTU LCD replacement and suggestions. Apparently, DisplayTech is the mfr.

http://www.motunation.com/forum/viewtop ... 2&start=30

[bayswater]

Yes, Cuemix is the answer. But back to the question of whether it's worth fixing, I had the same question about my 828-3. The answer is fairly straightforward -- compare the cost of shipping and the $99 MOTU fee to the cost for another one on ebay, etc. For the 828-3 it wasn't worth it.

[mikehalloran]

Yes, Cuemix is the answer. But back to the question of whether it's worth fixing, I had the same question about my 828-3. The answer is fairly straightforward -- compare the cost of shipping and the $99 MOTU fee to the cost for another one on ebay, etc. For the 828-3 it wasn't worth it.

Having an 828mkII for which the $99 option is long gone, I agree.

I'd replace it with a used working unit, maybe even new. Then I'd put the old one on a bench, buy a screen and see if I could fix it. If successful, I'd try to get $50 or more on eBay. If not, it would go to the annual Electronics Recylcling Drive at the local high school.