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LED parts and modules. Please help

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rws_engineer

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LED parts and modules. Please help

Post17 May 2008, 03:44

Can someone tell me what I have? That’s a vague question. Ill show pictures and give you as much information as I can. Can someone tell me what watch cases will take these modules? I’d like to try to build some watches or sell these parts, or trash them if they are obsolete. Thank you in advance for your time.

I have 12 of these and they all say Hughes 1040042 and they say 705-A, 705-B, or 705-D. Some have brown plastic retainers, most are green. The capacitors seem very large to me. I have some spares.
http://www.maj.com/gallery/rwsengineer/watches/01.jpg
http://www.maj.com/gallery/rwsengineer/watches/02.jpg
http://www.maj.com/gallery/rwsengineer/watches/03.jpg

I have 3 of these. They are smaller than the green ones and I’ve tried to show the markings in the picture.
http://www.maj.com/gallery/rwsengineer/watches/04.jpg
http://www.maj.com/gallery/rwsengineer/watches/04a.jpg

Are these National Semiconductor? They are marked NS WM29 830.
http://www.maj.com/gallery/rwsengineer/watches/05.jpg
http://www.maj.com/gallery/rwsengineer/watches/05a.jpg

Here are two marked Optel.
http://www.maj.com/gallery/rwsengineer/watches/09.jpg

Trimmer screws to adjust oscilator?
http://www.maj.com/gallery/rwsengineer/watches/06.jpg
http://www.maj.com/gallery/rwsengineer/watches/07.jpg

I have an assortment of female size modules. I think I saw Fairchild, Optel, and others.
http://www.maj.com/gallery/rwsengineer/watches/08.jpg

I have 10 of these.
http://www.maj.com/gallery/rwsengineer/watches/10.jpg

Most of these modules seem to have writing or stamped numbers on them. Maybe service notes?
http://www.maj.com/gallery/rwsengineer/watches/11.jpg

Here are the pre-cut crystals and material to cut new crystals.
http://www.maj.com/gallery/rwsengineer/watches/12.jpg
http://www.maj.com/gallery/rwsengineer/watches/12a.jpg

Here is a shot of the parts
http://www.maj.com/gallery/rwsengineer/watches/13.jpg
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Led-Time

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: LED parts and modules. Please help

Post17 May 2008, 12:09

If all these modules are in working condition you've got yourself a little goldmine there, excellent.

The first lot (Hughes 29mm) will fit in watches with the button configuration like this one.

http://www.ledwatches.net/photo-pages/w ... olara5.htm

The next lot of three (Hughes 25mm) fit in watches like this with the command and set button opposite. These are very valuable but be careful when testing them as they are quite fragile and can be easily broken by fitting the wrong size of battery.

http://www.ledwatches.net/photo-pages/compuchron8.htm

The next two are National Semiconductor and can be found in most watches with two buttons on the same side like this.

http://www.ledwatches.net/photo-pages/novus6.htm

The Optel modules, well these are probably ultra rare, the watches to look out for have two command buttons on one side and a set button between them. Like this.

http://www.ledwatches.net/photo-pages/ultimatic.htm

The lot of ten could be Sanyo modules but I’am not sure, if they are they fit watches like this.

http://www.ledwatches.net/photo-pages/compuchron2.htm

Next is a Hughes module with the protective cover over the wire bonds removed, probably broken.

Carefully test them all to see if they work, by all means put them up for sale you’ll get a good price for them but if your passionate about LED’s your in a great position to rescue some of the dwindling stock of remaining watches by getting some good cases and putting them in... :-D
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: LED parts and modules. Please help

Post17 May 2008, 12:40

The lot of 10 you have are Pulsar P3 modules I think (later P2 as well).
They've been removed from their carriers and reed switches) and will be difficult to test without some experience. However, they've probably been removed from their carriers for a reason.

The Hughes modules fit Compuchrons and Wittnauers and many others I think.

I told you some pictures would do the trick !

Rgds,
Andrew.
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rws_engineer

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: LED parts and modules. Please help

Post18 May 2008, 03:53

Klippie,

I cant express how much I appreciate your reply. I am going to take some time to study these modules and the examples from your reply with my friend who gave me these parts. It has been over 20 years since he has been in the repair business but I'm certain he will have some memory of what he did. :-D
Maybe he will be able to help me make a better total diagnosis before deciding what to do with these.

Right now, with my initial simple testing, these modules seem to be behaving in all different ways. Some seem to be operating normal, some are doing crazy flashing displays, one shows letters when powered, a couple are showing normal operation except with the exact same segments of each block not working. Coincidence? Some seem to not be working but none are showing cracks or green corrosion.

Ill keep you posted. Again, I hope to build some watches which is why I am very grateful for the help you have provided. This will probably be a winter project (lots scheduled for this summer and fall) but If I lose interest or find a "holy grail" lcd for sale, I may consider selling these parts. I still owe it to myself or a future buyer to determine the condition of these pieces.

Thanks Again
rws
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: LED parts and modules. Please help

Post18 May 2008, 11:28

I cant express how much I appreciate your reply.


No problem I'am glad to help.. :-)

If you have any more questions about your modules post them in the Digital Workbench section as there are members here with vast LED knowledge who will help you out.
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: LED parts and modules. Please help

Post19 May 2008, 20:42

Klippie,

Can you help me again? By the way, great advice on contacting the techies on the workbench forum, but first I just need to understand more about what I have, what cases accept or require these modules, and what the market is for what I have "as is" and installed in an appropriate watch case.

I found eight more working modules. Can you give me the same diagnosis as you did with my first group and tell me what these may be compatible with? I appreciate your help. By the way, most of the earlier modules are working fine, some are showing signs of life, some are dead at first sight, and only a couple had broken circuit boards.

Here are the eight new modules I found.

This first one is marked simply with a 202546 in the battery compartment
http://www.maj.com/gallery/rwsengineer/watches/a.jpg
http://www.maj.com/gallery/rwsengineer/watches/b.jpg

????
http://www.maj.com/gallery/rwsengineer/watches/c.jpg
http://www.maj.com/gallery/rwsengineer/watches/d.jpg

This one seems to be 25mm, has a dark green case with rounded front and has USA marked inside.
http://www.maj.com/gallery/rwsengineer/watches/e.jpg
http://www.maj.com/gallery/rwsengineer/watches/f.jpg

???
http://www.maj.com/gallery/rwsengineer/watches/g.jpg
http://www.maj.com/gallery/rwsengineer/watches/h.jpg

???
http://www.maj.com/gallery/rwsengineer/watches/i.jpg
http://www.maj.com/gallery/rwsengineer/watches/j.jpg

Here is a National Semiconductor? marked NS300 542
http://www.maj.com/gallery/rwsengineer/watches/k.jpg
http://www.maj.com/gallery/rwsengineer/watches/l.jpg

These are marked Fairchild and came with a metal piece to cover the batteries? I have two of these and they were sealed in a plastic baggie and look new. I put one in my Mercury Time case.
http://www.maj.com/gallery/rwsengineer/watches/m.jpg
http://www.maj.com/gallery/rwsengineer/watches/n.jpg
http://www.maj.com/gallery/rwsengineer/watches/o.jpg

Thanks again
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: LED parts and modules. Please help

Post19 May 2008, 21:23

The first one looks like a NSC,
the second one like Texas instruments
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Post19 May 2008, 23:53

"I" is a LA General module, made for a Gillette Reflex9most likely).
Green 25mm is a Kuutron (probably)

Broken circuit boards are probably more Fairchilds, since the boards are so fragile on those. Just guesses. 8-)
http://www.retroleds.com - Sales of vintage LED, LCD, analog watches, parts and gadgets - repair tutorials & tips
Nov. 2022 - back in business!! BItter divorce is in home stretch, come grabs some great deals, I had to open the safe . . . damn attorneys. piss.
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: LED parts and modules. Please help

Post20 May 2008, 01:53

Now that you mention it I think I remember seeing 2 partials; one called Fai and one called rchild. :lol:
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Post21 May 2008, 23:11

A/B - National Semiconductor

C/D - Texas Instruments - someone correct me if I’am wrong, the back clip of the battery connector is missing.

E/F - I don’t know so I’ll defer to Retroleds superior knowledge on this one.

G/H - If the two button contacts are at the 10 and 2 o’clock positions I’am pretty certain its an Armitron, there should also be a battery clip/connector screwed into those two little holes between the battery contacts. See here - http://www.ledwatches.net/photo-pages/armitron5.htm

I/J - As Ed said its a Gillette, these modules have a flick/twist of the wrist function which means you don’t have to press a button to show the time, “off” displayed means this function is turned off. ( I would keep this one if I were you and wait for a good cased non runner to appear on Ebay) See here - http://www.ledwatches.net/photo-pages/gillette305.htm

K/L - National Semiconductor, does the lines of the numbers look like its made up of little dots or solid lines.

And your Fairchild’s, I really like the look of these modules they have a nice crisp clear display I’ve got a Fairchild watch myself it’s the same as this one for sale on Ebay just now - http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/FAIRCHILD-LED_W0Q ... 638Q2em122

I’am sure you’ll have had a good look around - http://www.ledwatches.net/index.html - its another of Ed’s very useful LED watch websites it’s a fantastic reference source for seeing what good examples of LED’s look like before taking the plunge on Ebay.
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Post22 May 2008, 01:04

So, does the Gillette have a mercury switch inside? I wandered what the gray block on the module was. Is that a mercury switch? It feels like there is something loose inside when I tilt it. Are these modules difficult to find in working condition? On the same note, are these cases easy to find with non working condition?
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Post22 May 2008, 18:45

So, does the Gillette have a mercury switch inside?

Probably, it must have something like that to make contact when its moved.

Are these modules difficult to find in working condition? On the same note, are these cases easy to find with non working condition?


I've not seen a Gillette watch for sale for ages they can make very good money if in good working condition the fact you cannot get modules for these so if a non worker appears your quids in.

You mentioned most of the previous modules you tested worked fine thats brilliant all you need now is some decent cases and you'll have a nice LED watch collection building up in no time, but please remember one is never enough then two then three and so on before you know it you'll be up to your ears in LED's... ;-)
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Post22 May 2008, 20:12

Klippie,

You are preaching to the choir. When I set out to find all the lcd watches I had growing up, I discovered a few more, and lets just say it may have gotten a little out of hand. Im almost obsessed. There is something that really attracts me to LEDs too, and I am a little scared to find out what it is. My wife seems to be OK with my lcd collection if I keep it tame, but she really wants me to sell off these LED modules. She may win this argument. It all seems a little overwhelming. Besides, were going to Disneyworld this year and every extra dime helps especially with gasoline at these prices. :shock:

I do thank you for your time
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Post22 May 2008, 22:07

especially with gasoline at these prices


OK, humor me how much is a gallon of unleaded in the US.
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Post22 May 2008, 23:04

$4.00 (US) per/gallon for regular 87 octane, but remember, the US dollar is equal to peanuts right now :cry:
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Post23 May 2008, 00:09

Thats $1.05 or £0.53 a litre...:shock: :shock: :shock:

I drive a diesel car and my local garage charges £1.29 per litre or $9.66 per US gallon. It nearly costs me a days wages per week just to drive to work, fuel prices have gotten way out of hand over here in the UK. Silly me, I keep forgetting, its to pay for all the wars, this is very important you see... :-?
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: LED parts and modules. Please help

Post23 May 2008, 10:28

Funny, I come to work, check the DWF and see you talking about gasoline prices - and this exactly 10 minutes after I cracked the 100€ barrier at the gas station for the very first time: 62.8 litres of 98 octane at 1.60€/l, that's 2.52US$/l or 1.27£/l. And this is just the beginning, that's for sure...

BTW: I always wonder why some apparently civilized nations still use gallons - and even worse: DIFFERENT gallons.... ;-)
And pints (how many different pints are there?), and lbs, and .... :mrgreen:
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: LED parts and modules. Please help

Post23 May 2008, 11:33

IN the UK you have to remember that we have the worst tax regime in the western world. The UK labour government (otherwise known as socialist communist idiots, wearing buisness like suits and ties, and selling ideas stolen from other parties) demands something like 70% on petrol. And we have to pay for this out of wages that have already had income tax and national insurance tax and all the other taxes already.

If you allow for all the taxes we have to pay, such as Income tac / PAYE tax, National insurance tax, VAT on everything, car tax, petrol tax, road tax, insurance tax, house tax, food tax, book tax, utility taxes, death tax, house purchase tax, tax on all services for anything and then more tax tax tax, the overall tax rate we suffer is about 60-65% of our gross income. This gets even worse if you are a higher rate tax payer to start with !

So for me to put £95 of petrol in my car each time, means I actually have to earn about £250+ in gross salary. And becuase my car does under 20mpg, I get about 250 miles per tank full.

As for differences in metric and imperial ... this is a historical thing as I am sure you know ! When I grew up, we had Miles, Yards, Feet, inches, and Pounds, shillings, pennies, and gallons, pints etc, and lots of other standards that the UK has been using for over 500 years.

So when you grow up with it, it obviously becomes completely normal. However, metric is super nice and easy and every thing is based on a power of 10, so even complete idiots (including socialist dickheads) can get their head around it. Sure it makes sense, but I actually like the fact we still live in a world where idiosynchractic quaintness can still exist as it gives character and charm, even if it is incompatible with metric everything ! Unfortunately I think the EU's obsession with standardising everything you can think off is ripping the character out of europe. It wasnt so many years ago that they ruled that Bannanas had to grow straight and be of a certain length so that they could fit into the bland standards demanded of metrication.....

(ok, friday rant over ;-)
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: LED parts and modules. Please help

Post23 May 2008, 21:08

IN the UK you have to remember that we have the worst tax regime in the western world. The UK labour government (otherwise known as socialist communist idiots, wearing buisness like suits and ties, and selling ideas stolen from other parties....


Unfortunately it seems many US citizens feel they need to catch up with the UK> Once Obama (Hillary? doubtful at this time) gets in office we'll be rewarded with plenty of new taxes here. :-(
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: LED parts and modules. Please help

Post23 May 2008, 23:29

Ah politics, lovely. Seriously Diginut's spot on. I'd emigrate but the wife won't consider it due to family ties :( However, in answer to Rewolfs pints question, there is only one that's important and that's the one sitting next to me full of beer :-D Cheers everyone.

Damn, even the alcohols taxed to buggery. :roll:
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: LED parts and modules. Please help

Post24 May 2008, 00:19

there is only one that's important and that's the one sitting next to me full of beer


Hmmm, that does sound good I think I'll open a bottle of Nukie brown... :-P

but remember, the US dollar is equal to peanuts right now


Good thing for us in the UK as we can buy your LED's cheap just now... ;-)
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: LED parts and modules. Please help

Post24 May 2008, 01:26

there is only one that's important and that's the one sitting next to me full of beer


Amen to that brother. A Friday evening calls for a few cold ones... :-D
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