What is it?

This is a pin-for-pin compatible nearly exact replacement for the LCD module in the Radio Shack TRS-80 PC-1 or Sharp PC-1211 pocket computer released in 1980.

Why did you make it?

Many PC-1 and PC-1211 pocket computers suffer from LCD degradation to the point where they are no longer useful. Apparently the seal around the LCD was of poor quality, and over the years moisture gets in and ruins the liquid crystal. The result is a display ranging from a few splotches to complete failure.

I decided that it was important to bring all these dead PC-1 and PC-1211 computers back to life by reverse-engineering the LCD and remanufacturing them.

What makes it special?

These LCDs were custom manufactured by Sharp for the PC-1211. Radio Shack had a rebranding agreement with Sharp, and named the computer the TRS-80 PC-1. Replacement LCDs were never available, and finding a working LCD is problematic, given the systematic failure of the seal.

I tried as much as possible to make the fonts and positions used for the indicators as identical to the original as possible. The color of the glass is different -- green rather than yellowish-brown.

Instructions for replacement

I've made a video showing how to replace one of these LCDs. There are a few crucial things you have to be aware of:

• Be sure to remove the plastic protective sheet on the top before installation.
• After removing the bezel+LCD assembly from the original computer, you'll need to soak the assembly in acetone for 12 to 24 hours to get the old LCD unstuck from the bezel.
• Wipe the contacts on the new LCD and clean the elastomeric strips from your existing computer with isopropyl alcohol -- preferably the 99.9% purity kind.
• Because the voltage thresholds differ between old and new LCDs, you will need to increase the display contrast resistance to its maximum. Unfortunately, the manufacturers glued the wiper down so it can't be moved without breaking it. That's ok -- go ahead and break the wiper off! After all, you won't be needing it anymore. The video shows how.
• Replacing the LCD will not guarantee a working computer! There could be other faults.
• Getting the positioning right is crucial. The video shows how to do this easily.