LCD replacement for TRS-80 PC-3 / Sharp PC-125x

Name: LCD replacement for TRS-80 PC-3 / Sharp PC-125x
SKU: 19246
Price: 20.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.90 (25 reviews)

(25 Reviews)

LCD replacement for TRS-80 PC-3 and Sharp PC-1250/-1251/-1255 pocket computers

Designed by The Half-Baked Maker in United States of America

LCD replacement for TRS-80 PC-3 / Sharp PC-125x 1

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I batch orders approximately once a week. Packages normally go out on Monday mornings, unless it's a US Post Office holiday in which case the next business day.

LCD replacement for TRS-80 PC-3 and Sharp PC-1250/-1251/-1255 pocket computers

What is it? This is a pin-for-pin compatible nearly exact replacement for the LCD module in the Radio Shack TRS-80 PC-3 or Sharp PC-1250/-1251/-1255 pocket computer released in 1983. Why did you make…

What is it?

This is a pin-for-pin compatible nearly exact replacement for the LCD module in the Radio Shack TRS-80 PC-3 or Sharp PC-1250/-1251/-1255 pocket computer released in 1983.

Why did you make it?

Many PC-3 and PC-125x pocket computers suffer from LCD degradation to the point where they are no longer useful. Apparently the seal around the LCD was of poor quality, and over the years moisture gets in and ruins the liquid crystal. The result is a display ranging from a few splotches to complete failure.

I decided that it was important to bring all these dead PC-3 and PC-125x computers back to life by reverse-engineering the LCD and remanufacturing them.

What makes it special?

These LCDs were custom manufactured by Sharp for the PC-125x. Radio Shack had a rebranding agreement with Sharp, and named the computer the TRS-80 PC-3. Replacement LCDs were never available, and finding a working LCD is problematic, given the systematic failure of the seal.

I tried as much as possible to make the fonts and positions used for the indicators as identical to the original as possible.

Instructions for replacement

I've made a video showing how to replace one of these LCDs. There are a few crucial things you have to be aware of:

Be sure to remove the plastic protective sheet on the top before installation.
After removing the bezel+LCD assembly from the original computer, you'll need to soak the assembly in acetone for 2 to 3 hours to get the old LCD unstuck from the bezel. Alternatively, I've heard about successes by putting the assembly on a hotplate set to 100C for about three minutes -- be very careful that you don't burn yourself!
Wipe the contacts on the new LCD and clean the elastomeric strips from your existing computer with isopropyl alcohol -- preferably the 99.9% purity kind.
Replacing the LCD will not guarantee a working computer! There could be other faults.
Getting the orientation right is crucial. The video shows how to do this easily.

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Review Breakdown

Average Ratings

Product: (5.00)

Documentation: (4.84)

Shipping: (4.96)

Communication: (4.80)

Zumstein | Jan. 17, 2024

Amazing work, thank you a lot

My PC-1251 woke up again, thank to your investigation and work. Great job!
I used your instructions except that I used a hot air metal plate at 100 degrees C for about 5 minutes to be able to separate the old display from it's frame.
Thank you a lot!

Frank | July 5, 2023

Perfect replacement, good video howto, perfect.

I tried to get my sharp PC-1251 back to live - it was in perfect condition besides the deceased LCD.
This replacement is perfect, gives the original look and feel and the replacement is easy, thanks to the good video tutorial.
Bevor you throw your dysfunctional TRS-80 PC-3 / Sharp PC-125x into landfill, give it a new life and have fun with 1982s BASIC ...

Michel | Jan. 10, 2023

Awesome products and easy to install

It’s a pity to see our beloved pocket computers dying. Thank to Robert, this is an old story.

I am the worst handyman I know but, thanks to the videos, I have been able to replace so far 1 PC 3, 1 Sharp PC 1251 and 1 Sharp PC 1211. So, if I can do it, everyone can.

Thank you Robert.

PS: I changed today (Feb 18th 23) the screen of a PC 1245.

Joseph | July 2, 2022

Another one lives!

When I decided to get into vintage pocket computers, I bought a Tandy PC-3, not realizing that the display was completely gone (pictures rarely tell the full story). Undeterred, I ended up getting a Sharp PC-1250A in perfect working order, but of course I held on to the Tandy. I knew Half-Baked Maker had reverse engineered the display for the Sharp PC-1211, but I didn't realize until a few weeks ago that he had also reverse engineered the display for the Sharp PC-1250 series! Naturally, I pounced. I went ahead and got 2 just to have a backup for my 1250A, but I was really excited to try and get the Tandy working again. I've got to say that I was a bit nervous using acetone for the first time ever, but everything went very well and very smoothly. Definitely watch his video a few times before attempting this repair; it's amazingly clear, and he goes through the entire process slowly and methodically enough for any beginner to easily follow. If you have a PC-1250 or any of its brethren with a bad display, don't hesitate to order a replacement! You'll be very pleased with the results!

Ninja | March 23, 2022

Really great!

I was giftet a PC-1251 with a complete black LCD. Coincidentally I stumbled over the YT channel of Robert. After I saw the videos, I didn't hesitate a long time and bought 2 displays (this and one for my PC-1211). With the video it was very easy to change the LCD and the PC-1251 is back to life again! I'm happy that people can now prevent the great PCs from ending up in the garbage just because of a defective display. Thank you so much for this! :)

Jimmy | March 16, 2022

Got my TRS-80 PC-3 display working again

Fast Shipping. I was able to repair my TRS-80 PC-3 without any major problems. This is a pocket computer that I had originally purchased in the early 1980's. Followed the tutorial by Robert Baruch on Youtube to make the repair. I was successful even though I first tried to put the display in upside down! I guess that I needed someone to keep yelling white side up during the operation. We did need to purchase a fresh bottle of acetone to replace an older one that my wife had. The old one did not work at all.

Goran | Nov. 11, 2021

Received fast, Works great!

Thank you for this replacement LCD. What used to be a useless pocket computer, SHARP PC-1251 with a broken LCD, is now usable again.

Joseph | Sept. 11, 2021

Works great!

This allowed me to restore a PC-1250A I bought on eBay. Its screen was all black. No problems at all with the replacement- I did watch your Youtube video instructions. Now I need to find a replacement belt for the tape player in the associated CE-125..

I'm amazed that there was a reasonable cost way of duplicating these LCD displays. I definitely need to design a custom LCD display for my next project.

Owen | Aug. 13, 2021

Brilliant project and end result that breaths life into old

I don’t know where to begin to say thank you for this brill replacement LCD. Fitting was straight forward and the results startling. What had been a useless pocket computer, PC-1251, is now usable again. I didn’t need to do anything with the contrast wheel except to turn it up quite high and put two new batteries in. I have a slight issue in that digits 3 and 4 in from the right are flaky, missing pixels or too many pixels. I’ve tried refitting 5 times now, and won’t do it again as I could feel the LCD bracket lugs starting to give way. Even with this you can always make out what the display is.

All I can say is wow! I wouldn’t even have got off the starting blocks with this project, much, much less had the skills to get it to production.

Garrett | June 18, 2021

Great product, support his efforts - Buy with confidence

Another great product. I've purchased 5 or 6 of the LCD's for the PC1 and all worked perfectly. I recently got a couple PC3's of which one of them had a dead LCD. I did a blind BEEP test to confirm the unit functioned and purchased. I'd say the PC3 is a little easier to work on and replace than the PC1. Great video support as well for instructions. I'm going to buy a spare LCD for the other PC3 that will likely fail over time, as well as a spare or two for the PC1. Thanks Robert and I look forward to other projects you may have in the works. And a special thanks for supporting these old units and keeping vintage computing alive and well. . .

Joshua | May 21, 2021

Received fast, Works great

Good quality replacement LCD. Watched his instructional YouTube video and changed it myself, I would recommend.

Eric | Jan. 4, 2021

These displays are great and super affordable!!!

I found out about these displays from a gem of a Youtube channel called Robert Baruch.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBcljXmuXPok9kT_VGA3adg

Robert has video's showing the replacement LCD displays he had recreated for the Tandy and Sharp pocket computers and explains/shows how to perform the replacement in a pocket computer.

After finding and reading his old EEVLOG thread for when he first came up with the idea to recreate these displays, I was amazed at his dedication and engineering Robert put into these fantastic displays. I was in awe to say the least. I quickly ordered 2 displays for my failing PC-1's - I received them very quickly - and after a Sunday afternoon and a little patience, I now have two working Tandy pocket computers. Without Roberts displays, my pocket computers would have been vintage junk destined for the bin. But Robert has given them new life. And the price? I paid 20$ each, which in my opinion, Robert is being extremely generous. I cannot convey enough thanks to Robert for these displays -- THANK YOU ROBERT!!

Dimitrios | Dec. 30, 2020

Revived an almost 40 years NOS PC-1251 :)

It was sheer luck that I got my hands on a NOS PC-1251 and that Robert managed to reproduce the LCD, for its original was long dead. The display came well packaged and quite fast from the USA to Germany and with the instructions from the video it was quite easy to do the job. I didn't use acetone but an other solvent (call Universal-Nitroverdünnung here) because what it is needed, is just something that dissolve the adhesive strips that hold the glass in the bezel. About 90 minutes later the old display could be removed and after a thorough cleaning I put everything together again.

Powered up, the display worked but I had strange effects with some pixels that never seemed to show. I asked Robert and followed his advice to remove the bezel and have a good look to the alignment of the contacts (hard to see as they are transparent and only show themselves under certain light conditions). I immediately saw that I was ~0.5 mm left of the gold contacts on the PCB and after correcting that, everything is fine :)

Thanks for a great product that allows us to keep these old machines running!

Massimo | Dec. 17, 2020

Very fine LCD display replacement for Sharp calculators

Very fine replacement: a modern exact replica of the LCD display for Sharp calculators 1200 series. Very clear, more durable, good video with substitution infos, need a minimum of practice and patience.
Work 100% like original, but follow exactly all steps indicated into the video to substitute it.
I hope will be made more LCD for other Sharp calculators soon!
Seller is a very kindly person, no problems to buy, very quick to ship, cheap shipping cost.
Many thanks again, my Sharp live again!

Kriss-Andre | Nov. 24, 2020

Amazing

Got my Sharp PC-1251 working again! I'm just amazed about what some people do to preserve vintage computer technology. This screen is a direct replacement, and works perfectly.

Hidefumi | Nov. 16, 2020

Excellent LCD!

I purchased the LCD of PC-1211 and PC-125x and was able to revive PC-1211 and PC-1255.
Thank you very much.

I'm sorry, I made a mistake. (I wrote PC-125x in the review of PC-1211.)

Tomohiro | Nov. 4, 2020

It was a good part

I wanted to use the PC-1251 I used in the past again.
Only those with a damaged LCD were available.
I couldn't repair it until now, but I was able to repair it with this part.
I was very happy with the existence of this part.

Frederic | Oct. 9, 2020

Resurrected my pc1251 I bought in 1986

The YouTube video is clear and the replacement of the LCD relatively easy. You just need to be careful and meticulous.
I am really happy this LCD has been made available.
Thanks a lot for your time and hard work!

Michael | Oct. 8, 2020

Great product - restored my Sharp PC-1255 in 2 hours

Thanks a lot for instruction video on YouTube and this kit! Restored my Sharp PC-1255 in 2 hours with these great instructions. Acetone worked much faster for me (~ 80 minutes). Instead of Q-Tips and Iso, a good supply of simple Walmart pre-moistened lens wipes does the job as well.

Mitsunori | Sept. 13, 2020

Great!!!

Thank you for shipping as soon as possible. I'm really thankful to you. I replaced the LCD that I received. It worked fine. I couldn't help but watch the liquid crystal darken little by little every year. However, it has healed after 35 years. I didn't expect this day to come. And the memories of my childhood have been revived. Your job is a historic achievement. I'm really thankful to you. Pay tribute to your work.

Hideaki | Aug. 19, 2020

really wonderful!

Hello.
My nostalgic PC-1251 has revived !
Because I bought seven LCDs,
I got a PC-125* with broken LCD at a low price, at auctions, etc., repair it, and enjoyed so much.
There are many repaired PC-125* in my toy box!lol.
Your tutorial video that was easy to understand, so it was very helpful.
The Knack is to stick the liquid crystal rubber as original （to the top, bottom, left, and right without making any mistakes ).
Thank you for making a perfect LCD.
That's really great!
Again Thank you !!

Eiji | March 6, 2020

Thanks for making this product.

I bought a replacement LCD for Sharp PC-125x. I was able to exchange according to the tutorial video. Since I didn't have acetone, I peeled off the bezel using stationery sticker spray for two days.
In the original state, the liquid crystal turned black, and the state of the machine could be checked only with the BEEP command, but it was completely restored. Thanks for making this product.

Kotaro | Feb. 22, 2020

Excellent!

You saved my old PC-1251. I did not fail because of your nice how-to video.
Thanks so much for your amazing product.

Keiichi | Feb. 21, 2020

I feel so happy!!

I had ever owned a pocket computer sharp PC-1251 when I was university student. It was a up-to-date computer and enjoyed scientific programming whenever I want to. So, I lived with it everyday, everywhere, and I felt happy when I use it. Unfortunately, its lcd came to black, and felt sad. For over 10 years I put it into a drawer, and I fortunately found this lcd part. I got it and the day I received, I replaced it. It came to success and display letters again. I felt happy and I remember my youth over 30 years ago. Of course it seldom came to useful now, it is almost my time machine. I appreciate the seller for selling such a wonderful part for old computer. The pc came back to be my treasure again. Thank you so much.

Donald | Feb. 5, 2020

Excellent replacement LCD

Successfully repaired two PC3 and one PC1250.
Placement and orientation of the flexible contacts strips is critical.
Keep track of how they were originally located and positioned.
Left end - right end, upper strip - lower strip , PCB side - glass side.
The side that faces the PCB has indentations in the strip from years of contact with the PCB.
That side will not work well if placed against the LCD glass.
The strips should not overhang the edge of the LCD and make contact with the metal bezel.
I had to reposition the LCD and strips three times on one of my units.
Risking metal fatigue and possible tab failure of the bezel.
The LCD needed to be all the way to the side of the bezel with the hole.

Thanks you Robert for this fine product. Well done!!

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The Half-Baked Maker

Morgan Hill, CA, United States of America

Ships from United States of America.

75 Reviews | 939 Orders

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Tindie

LCD replacement for TRS-80 PC-3 / Sharp PC-125x

LCD replacement for TRS-80 PC-3 and Sharp PC-1250/-1251/-1255 pocket computers

What is it?

Why did you make it?

What makes it special?

Instructions for replacement

Rates to

The Half-Baked Maker Shipping Policy:

Review Breakdown

Average Ratings

Amazing work, thank you a lot

Perfect replacement, good video howto, perfect.

Awesome products and easy to install

Another one lives!

Really great!

Got my TRS-80 PC-3 display working again

Received fast, Works great!

Works great!

Brilliant project and end result that breaths life into old

Great product, support his efforts - Buy with confidence

Received fast, Works great

These displays are great and super affordable!!!

Revived an almost 40 years NOS PC-1251 :)

Very fine LCD display replacement for Sharp calculators

Amazing

Excellent LCD!

It was a good part

Resurrected my pc1251 I bought in 1986

Great product - restored my Sharp PC-1255 in 2 hours

Great!!!

really wonderful!

Thanks for making this product.

Excellent!

I feel so happy!!

Excellent replacement LCD

The Half-Baked Maker

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LCD replacement for TRS-80 PC-1 / Sharp PC-1211

LCD replacement for Sharp PC-1245

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