Seiko Model A259-5010

[Derek]

Hi all, I'm new to the forum.

While repairing my Seiko Model A259-5010, I've managed to lose the two, small zebra strips (elastomeric connectors) from the top section of the display.

They measure approximately 0.75mm x 3.5mm x 6mm.

Does anyone know where I could get replacements?

I'm guessing that original parts are no longer available.

I'm in Australia btw.

[Kasper]

it will be very hard to find replacements...clean them...be vary carefull and try to re-use them.

they also have to be in the right directions..so pay attention.

[Derek]

Thanks for the advice kasper However, I think you misread my post.

The zebra strips are gone. I lost them when I disassembled the watch.

I was hoping that one of the experienced repairers here might know of a supplier of the material that doesn't expect you to buy a thousand of them.

Another possibility is a dead donor watch, but I'm not sure which models would be compatible. The thickness (about 0.75mm) is the critical value, as they can be cut to length and height.

Any advice is appreciated.

[Seiko Kid]

I should have some spare. I ll have a look and send you a pm if I have

[Derek]

Cheers Seiko Kid. Would be great if you have some spare.

Here's a pic, if it helps.

http://www.seikolcd.com/Seiko_LCD/The_Watches/P%C3%A1ginas/A_Series.html#11

[Seiko Kid]

pm your address Derek and I'll get some out to you in the week

[retroleds]

Another possibility is a dead donor watch, but I'm not sure which models would be compatible. The thickness (about 0.75mm) is the critical value, as they can be cut to length and height.

Any advice is appreciated.

Derek, cutting some to size isn''t going to work generally. It all starts with their name, "zebra strips". Invisible to your eyes, those are made up of alternating stripes of conductive) rubber and non-conducting rubber. If they were color coded, they would look like the keys on a piano, or the stripes on a zebra. The conductive stripes are like wires - they have to line up correctly with the contact points on the back of the glass. So, usually if one is going to play with the strips, it is a really good idea to mark them in some fashion with a fine-tip permanent marker, so they are re-installed correctly. Basically you need a donor module or parts from one. Even strips from another Seiko model are generally not going to work - every small element of the display that can change is represented by one of those lines in the ZS. And the stripes would have to be cut with an accuracy of say, the thickness of a piece of hair tolerance. A small amount of shrinkage is where many LCD displays have segment/character drop-out. That is how close the fit is.

[Derek]

Thanks for the heads-up, retroleds.

I considered this possibility when I first realised that I'd lost them. I examined the remaining long strip that connects the bottom half of the display, with a magnifying glass and noticed that the density of the conductive stripes was many times greater than on the PCB. So, with these ultra-fine zebra strips, it's not going to matter whether I align them correctly or not.

See (2) here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elastomeric_connector

[Seiko Kid]

I ll get them out to you in the post this week

[Derek]

Awesome

Many thanks Seiko Kid.