Akai MPC2000
This time, an Akai MPC2000 sampler arrived at my workshop —a highly popular device currently experiencing a renaissance. Unfortunately, the instrument had a damaged LCD display module, which initially showed no image at all. It turned out that the built-in SCI7661C IC, a DC-DC converter providing negative contrast voltage, was faulty. The IC and the electrolytic capacitors in the converter circuit were replaced, revealing a more serious problem.
The display had many damaged image columns, caused by mechanical damage to the flexible ribbon connecting the glass display panel to its PCB, likely from improper previous disassembly. Such damage is generally not repairable, so I faced the challenge of finding an alternative solution. While used displays of varying quality are available online, a compatible replacement is also produced by MPCstuff, though at a significantly high cost. The owner opted for a used display, which, although not perfect, provided a substantial improvement over the partially repaired original unit.
