NS2 EX LCD Display Problem

[Rusty Mike]

Thank you for the response. I can solder well enough, but certainly a lot easier if I don't have to break out the iron.

[Rusty Mike]

Update -

I ordered a replacement display from Full Compass and installed it in my Stage. Unfortunately it did not solve the problem.

My original display did not have the exact same problem. It showed a lot of vertical lines in random places over the text in the display, effectively blocking the intended characters. Eric's display showed a bunch of black boxes along the top row. The replacement display I installed showed the same issue as Eric's, so I'm not sure the replacement is working correctly either.

For the interim, I put the original display part back in the instrument. It still behaves as before.

So now I have a few choices to make:
I'm doing a gig this weekend where the Stage is a critical part of the rig. I can substitute the Stage with my Roland RD800, which I'm not fond of doing. It's heavy and I have not programmed all the capabilities I need, so some of the material's orchestrations will have to be altered. It has never been outside of my studio. Or I could take the Stage with the non-functioning display and make my way through the evening calling programs from memory/hunt & peck, hoping the display is the only real problem.

I also now have to call Full Compass to arrange a return and hope they trust my sincerity. I've not really worked with them before, and I'm concerned they will think I've done a bait and switch or somehow caused a problem with the part.

I'm also not sure I want to pursue this anymore as a DIY. I'll need to take the Stage to my service center for repair. I was hoping to save some time and money by doing it myself, but I think this is now beyond my skill and desire for personal liability.

Through all my Nord instruments over the past 12 or so years, I think this is the first actual problem I've had. I know I've posted about the HP action and lubrication, but I don't necessarily consider that a product issue.

We will see how this goes.

[ajstan]

Wow, sorry to hear that, Mike. Can you use a tablet or phone with something like Set List Maker or BandHelper to change programs? Might be less time to configure than setting up the RD800.

Edit:
Or if you don't already have a laptop to use, for $229 + $25 expedited shipping, you can have one of these inexpensive 2-in-1s delivered tomorrow and just use NSM to change programs.
https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-la ... ns_section

[pterm]

I ordered a replacement display from Full Compass and installed it in my Stage. Unfortunately it did not solve the problem.

My original display did not have the exact same problem. It showed a lot of vertical lines in random places over the text in the display, effectively blocking the intended characters. Eric's display showed a bunch of black boxes along the top row. The replacement display I installed showed the same issue as Eric's, so I'm not sure the replacement is working correctly either.

Hi Rusty Mike,
I looked at the Full Compass website. It appears the flexible connector tail mates to a zero insertion force (ZIF) style connector on the host PCB. I experienced difficulty getting these seated correctly/fully in the past... The flexible connector tail needs to be fully inserted - sometimes they snag on something inside the ZIF giving you the impression you seated it properly. The tail also needs to be squarely inserted, that is, it must not be at an angle. Finally, the locking tab or slider on the ZIF needs to be fully seated.

If you feel like retrying this, also take proper electrostatic discharge (ESD) precautions (ideally a grounded static mat and wrist strap) while handling or touching electronic devices. Alternatively, always touch a large metal object (like the Nord chassis) before handling or touching electronic devices. Touch again if you move (e.g., sliding on your chair's seat).

Best of luck (either with the retry or the return),
pterm

[Rusty Mike]

Wow, sorry to hear that, Mike. Can you use a tablet or phone with something like Set List Maker or BandHelper to change programs? Might be less time to configure than setting up the RD800. . .

Thanks for the response. I arranged the 15 programs I need into three consecutive banks, made the list on an index card and will tape it to the instrument. That will get me through the evening. This is not an uptight performance, so I'll be able to peck the keys to make sure I'm in the right place.

I looked at the Full Compass website. It appears the flexible connector tail mates to a zero insertion force (ZIF) style connector on the host PCB. I experienced difficulty getting these seated correctly/fully in the past... The flexible connector tail needs to be fully inserted - sometimes they snag on something inside the ZIF giving you the impression you seated it properly. The tail also needs to be squarely inserted, that is, it must not be at an angle. Finally, the locking tab or slider on the ZIF needs to be fully seated.

Again, thanks. I learned about the ZIF socket through some patient trial and error (and good lighting!). I managed to seat the replacement just fine, and even did it again to make sure. Unfortunately, the results were the same.

If you feel like retrying this, also take proper electrostatic discharge (ESD) precautions (ideally a grounded static mat and wrist strap) while handling or touching electronic devices. Alternatively, always touch a large metal object (like the Nord chassis) before handling or touching electronic devices. Touch again if you move (e.g., sliding on your chair's seat).

I didn't have the strap, but was constantly touching grounded metal to minimize the static. Very important to take the proper precautions.

I spoke with Full Compass. They will only do exchanges for parts and not refunds. I understand why, even though I wish it were different. I'm going to take the replacement with me to the service shop and ask them to test it. If it is defective, I'll make an exchange and put the part up on eBay or something.

Now to make it through the weekend. Even though I'm fairly confident that the display is the only faulty element, I may pack the RD800 and keep it in the car as a backup.

Thanks for your well wishes.

[ericL]

Good luck! I had to make my way through almost an entire gig the night my display went haywire.

I've carried a backup instrument ever since (I have two NS3 Compacts now). One of my NS3 Compacts had a weird, hard to reproduce glitch also related to the display and the instrument getting "hung" in complex split mode. So between the NS2 display issue and that NS3 glitch, I'm now a little bit more precautious to keep a spare keyboard available if the worst happens during a gig.

[Rusty Mike]

Thanks.

I have my Electro 6D 73 that works as a backup for 90% of my needs. Saturday is a rare fusion band gig which requires more than a basic rig.

But it certainly gives me pause to consider a portable piano-centric standby.

[ScottyfromParis]

Hello,

I'm encountering the exact same problem right now with my Nord Stage 2 EX (88) - btw I bought it in 2016. Maybe a bad serie ...

The display went a bit messy at first, not fully refreshing its content while changing programs, and adding more or less sharps and vertical lines ASCII charcaters quite anywhere.
Then, after a backup, a factory restore, and one ot two power-up cycles, it looks now exactly like the picture you posted ...

Unfortunately this LCD screen seems to be quite out of stock right now. This is very annoying ...

Thank you very much Eric for posting the replacement walkthrough. This is very helpful considering a DIY operation (I'll probably do that to save me some time and not having to carry the NS to a tech ...)