Reefkeeper display

primo21 · Apr 18, 2016

Anyone ever replace the display screen on an RKE? I found some old posts from users that replaced it on a RK2, wondering if anyone successfully replaced one on an RKE, where did you get the new display from, part#?

thanks

redfishbluefish · Apr 18, 2016

I have replaced two displays on two RK2's. Never have done a RKE, but I'm following because I enjoy these DIY fixes. Best of luck. If you open up the display, can you at least get part numbers for the display. It certainly displays more than the two lines on the RK2.

primo21 · Apr 18, 2016

Paul... I saw your post on the rk2 and was hoping you had some info. Will update when I open it up.

primo21 · Apr 20, 2016

Nobody has replaced one?

ReeferBob · Apr 20, 2016

I think it would be unusual to replace just the display. Probably cheaper to just buy a used unit or talk with D/A tech support and get a replacement entire unit. I imagine anything accept physical damage and they would replace it possibly even out of warranty. What would be the benefit of just replacing the display? Where would you get it from D/A?

redfishbluefish · Apr 20, 2016

We just don't have the DIY types we use to have a number of years ago!

We are a rare breed.

Here's my advice....open up the headunit and get as much info as you can find on the display. Take this info and send it the NewHaven Display, and ask them if they have a replacement display. Hopefully this will give you some direction, and give you an idea of the cost to replace. I think you can still buy new headunits for around $200.

And then post your DIY fix on here!

primo21 · Apr 20, 2016

I basically got the damaged head unit for the price of shipping, so if I can get a new display for less than $150 I made out on the deal.

Paul - will Newhaven be able to determine the replacement from whatever I find on the busted display?

redfishbluefish · Apr 20, 2016

primo21 said:
.......Paul - will Newhaven be able to determine the replacement from whatever I find on the busted display?

I don't know for certain, but that's their business, and you'd think they'd be able to tell you something. It can't hurt.

primo21 · Apr 20, 2016

yeah...that's the best lead I have.

ReeferBob · Apr 21, 2016

primo21 said:
I basically got the damaged head unit for the price of shipping, so if I can get a new display for less than $150 I made out on the deal.

Paul - will Newhaven be able to determine the replacement from whatever I find on the busted display?

I see why you would want to fix this. Do you have an RKL now? The head unit is useless without the components and modules. And if you have an RKL you can trade it for an RKE for $150 at D/A.

primo21 · Apr 21, 2016

I do have an RKL. I would be fairly surprised if I can't find a new display for this. Should arrive today and will crack it open tonight and take Paul's advice on Newhaven. Hopefully they have something I can use for less that $140. If not, I am out $10 and still have my RKL.

ReeferBob · Apr 21, 2016

FYI: Some of your RKL stuff won't work on the RKE. Good luck fixing it, post notes and pics here!

primo21 · Apr 21, 2016

like what??? I have 2 pc4, alc, and sl1. wants to add mlc, another pc4 or 2, sl2v2, apc.

primo21 · Apr 21, 2016

Ok opened it up. Here is the inside of the front and back. Any ideas how to get the screen off?

ReeferBob · Apr 22, 2016

Looks like it just lifts out (top up).

primo21 · Apr 22, 2016

you would think so by looking at it, but it is attached somehow. I don't see any screws, so I contacted D/A and they sent me to an engineer. will see what he says.

ReeferBob · Apr 22, 2016

Probably hot glued in around those posts.

primo21 · Apr 22, 2016

I am afraid to put any force into prying it up. I plugged it into myReef and it still works so I don't want to bust it.

Collinslice · Apr 22, 2016

primo21 said:
Ok opened it up. Here is the inside of the front and back. Any ideas how to get the screen off?

In your second pic, it looks like the lower board has a few jumpers to the screen. If those are attached, that's probably most of what's stopping you.

pickupman66 · Apr 22, 2016

ReeferBob said:
FYI: Some of your RKL stuff won't work on the RKE. Good luck fixing it, post notes and pics here!

To my knowledge, the only thing that wont work here is the Itemp probe.

primo21 said:
like what??? I have 2 pc4, alc, and sl1. wants to add mlc, another pc4 or 2, sl2v2, apc.

Everything listed will work with the RKE.

now on to your display, from looking at it, there are three main pieces shown in your photo. 1. bottom board which has the interface plug and beep module shown. then the next board is the main board. these two are soldered together. then the display is also soldered to the main board at the very top. so you would have to unsolder it to get it off. poses quite a challenge unless you are good at that sort of thing. I am not.