Pioneer DEH-55DH EL source?

[Darcy Roberts]

Greetings all:

I'm after a Canadian source for the electroluminescent
panel behind the LCD found in the DEH-55DH Car
CD player. (Or at least a work-alike).

This unit has progressively gotten dimmer and
dimmer over the last three or so years and is
now so dim it cannot be seen in daylight.

I've removed the EL panel, and compared it to some
others kicking around. It is, in fact, really
dim in comparison.

Can anyone point me in the right direction?

Thanks and regards,
Darcy Roberts.

[BOB URZ]

Is this the unit with the external hi voltage supply in a little box?
Have you checked the hi voltage to make sure it is the correct level?
Do you have the manual?

Bob Urz
NSE

[Darcy Roberts]

Bob:

I do not have a service manual for this unit.
Can you tell me the correct voltage and frequency
I should find at the El panel? (while it is
connected, of course).

Is the HV adjustable?

regards,
Darcy Roberts.

[BOB URZ]

I am still checking for manuals on the 55. I found DEH-45 & DEH-50
manuals Both of these units used back light LCD's with incadensent
bulbs behind /beside it. They are a
pain to change because you have to remove the lcd to do this some
models.
Is you unit a double height unit?. Does it have a separate metal box
with wires going
into the main unit?

[BOB URZ]

Ok, more info. I do not have a DEH-55 manual, but I have DEH-55 laying
around
from a customer. It refreshed my memory of a few issues. The 55 is a
double high unit
(double din) it has a big detach face. Did you check to make sure the
model number on
the face matches the model number on the body of the unit? Why does this
matter?.
The DEH-40 looks the same and the face will fit the 55. problem is the
40 used lamps for
back light while the 55 used EL. The customer unit I had in had a 40
face on a 55 body.
Took me hours to finally realize why it would not power up right. There
is a small daughter PC board inside under the cd mech. It has a very
small flat transformer on it and 3 or four transistors. This is the
power supply for the panel. You might try taking this board out and
checking the transistors for shorts or bad solder connections. Sorry,
the similar manual I have does not list what the voltage should be (AC
VOLTS). I am guessing 30 to 50 volts AC. Check any resistors for signs
of burns., Especially 10 ohm 1 watt resistor. Good luck. I hope this
helps.

[Steven Rice]

Don't recall exact voltage, but the last time I changed one (and then let it
bite me) I measured it in the region of 100+.

BOB URZ <so...@inetnebr.com> wrote in message
news:37001505...@inetnebr.com...

[Darcy Roberts]

Bob:

Thanks for the further info. The unit is, as you
have described, a double high (GM/Chrylser) unit.
The body is marked DEH-55DH as is the faceplate.
I haven't yet disassembled the main unit, but I have
the faceplate. (and it has an EL panel).

I extracted the EL panel from the front panel and
hooked it up to another EL power supply. It was
very dim, compared to another EL panel of similar
colour and size.

I was thinking that the dimming was a natural
part of being an EL panel. EL panels exhibit
a 'half-life' of 2000 or so hours. With this CD
player exceeding this, I figured it was time to
replace it - especially since it had dimmed too much
to be read anymore in daylight.

I will examine the parts on the HV board for
evidence of failure. I've got some EL material
coming to try a replacement, but I'd rather
have an exact Pioneer replacement. Any ideas
on a part number for the EL panel? (and a Canadian
source willing to sell to a non-authorized
individual?)

Regards,

Darcy Roberts.
BOB URZ wrote:
>

[byr...@worldnet.att.net]

Darcy,

If you don't mind me asking, from where did you get the EL panels? I
am looking for a few small pieces of EL and have not been able to locate
a source for small quantities.

Thanks.

byr...@worldnet.att.net