Mackie MCU Pro Backlight Mod

[zendrum]

Hello All-

In my studio, I have one Mackie MCU Pro and 3 MCU XT Pro units. I have had problems with the LCD scribble strip backlights repeatedly failing. First they get dim, then they fail intermittently, followed by complete failure. I replaced all 4 of them at $98.00 a pop, and now 2 of them are starting to go again. This is obviously a system issue.

Rather than buy more LCD modules, I have been researching mod ideas for the LCD backlights. I think I have a solution that will work well - woven fiber optic backlights driven by an LED. I even have a company who is willing to make them for me. To get the first batch, there is an approximately $600 setup and tooling charge, and a minimum 10 piece order.

I wondered if any of the other MCU users who have had the backlight issue would be interested in going in on this with me, to help defray the tooling charge and subsidize the minimum order. I don't know the total costs yet, but I will have them soon for interested parties.

There would be no tech support on this at all, and it would void your Mackie warranty, so I would suggest this only for people with some electronics knowledge or access to someone with that knowledge who could help them.

My initial stab at the installation steps would be:

1. Remove the back cover of the MCU Pro / MCU XT Pro
2. Remove the LCD module
3. Remove the electrical tape and cut the wires going to the original backlight, an Electro-Luminescent strip
4. Slide the new backlight in behind the LCD, on top of the PCB and secure with silicon glue
5. Solder a current limiting resistor in line with the new LED (value to be determined) or make a small board with this and a connector
6. Solder the power leads to the 7.5VDC on-off switch
7. Secure the wiring to the inside of the MCU
8. Clip a leg on the old Electro-Luminescent driver IC to disable that part of the circuit (Still researching this)
9. Reassemble and mix with your now beautifully lit scribble strips

If anyone is interested, please PM me. Thanks to all!