The Half-Baked Maker

907 orders since May 28, 2019

Morgan Hill, CA, United States of America

Ships from United States of America.

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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.

Overall Rating:

Review Breakdown

Average Ratings

Product: (5.00)

Documentation: (4.91)

Shipping: (4.91)

Communication: (4.91)

All Reviews

Mariano | Feb. 2, 2021

Perfect LCD replacement

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

A new life for a computer I have used while I was engineer student. I also repaired my CE-122 printer and cassette interface with new batteries.
Good information in video instructions and no problems with replacement.
Thanks for the product.

Eric | Jan. 4, 2021

These displays are great and super affordable!!!

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

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 :)

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

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!

Ricardo | Dec. 18, 2020

Awesome item and service

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

Outstanding project that gives a chance to bring to live the frist Pocket Computer in history and related items. Collectors community are quite gratefull. No yet tried to repair mine, but the item worths whatever the results are. A frist shipping was lost (may e COVID -19 issues) by USPS overseas, but kindly it was replaced inmediatelly at no cost.

Update: being in mind my poor skills, I was afraid of the outcome of the repair, but it was successful at the first go in both two machines: PC-1211 and PC-1210. So, If I did it for sure you can do it as well.

PC-1210 (the previous version and the very first Pocket Computer ever made) has only 3 G-13 batteries (instead of 4) a slightly different and simpler battery connections, but the rest is exactly the same. The TR80 PC-1 in the vid have some minor differences in respect PC-1211 (some connections plate under the speaker).

My two cents: Do not hurry up, work gently, take your time and go along process in two o three days in short enjoyable periods.
In my cases the screen alignment was not an issue. Just push the screen to the RHS. The centered contact alignment in the bezel window was not critical. The flexible worm contacts wiggle at first, but gently pressing them against the new screen edges magically got them straight (adhesion and compression made it, I guess).

In respect constrast: Previous to remove the pot dial try to adjust the dial. Even it is glued or painted, it is an aged non-iron made substance and it does not make much resistance to move with and tiny screwdriver form the other side of the board, at least in my PC-1210. Moving the dial full anti-clock wise made contrast OK. Nevertheless the PC-1211 (the first I restored) I went directly to remove the entire dial as mentioned on the vid (Error: may be I should have tried first to move the dial) but the screen still is too dark, with noticiable shadows. I measure a resistance of 800 K of the pot rod. With half charged batteries it improves visibility (constrast is reduced). I think I can live with it, otherwise I will solder a resistance and see.

Again, thanks to Robert for this impressive project.

I guess that other SHARP machines could be us this screen (PC-1500 , 1350 series ? and may be others). It will be nice to have a listing of them.

Massimo | Dec. 17, 2020

Very fine LCD display replacement for Sharp calculators

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

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

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

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.

Mitsunori | Nov. 22, 2020

EXCELLENT!!

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

The Youtube video was very easy to understand and helpful. I don't understand English, so I couldn't understand what the "contrast adjustment" part was doing. For the time being, I used 3 LR44 batteries and a jumper wire. We would like to pay tribute to The Half-Baked Maker's activities. I'm really thankful to you.

Michael | Oct. 8, 2020

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

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

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.

Richard | Oct. 3, 2020

Saved 3 Sharp PC-1211s from the bin

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

I recently won a few Sharp PC-1211s in an auction. Sadly the LCDs had all succumbed to screen rot, which was all the more tragic seeing as everything else in the units worked perfectly. I put them away in the hope of using them for parts when a unit with a working LCD showed up.
While browsing through Pocket Computer content on YouTube, I happened across Robert's tutorial on replacing the LCDs in TRS-80 PC-1s, and through that, his Tindie page.
Ordering was straight forward and easy, costs including shipping were transparent.
Shipping was quite fast, and the biggest delay was in customs on my side of the pond. The quality of the modules is fantastic and installation was very easy thanks to the Youtube video.

Robert's modules will save quite a few of these pocket computers from an unnecessary death.

Thank you!

Kevin | Sept. 30, 2020

Excellent Product! My TRS-80 PC-1 is like new!

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

Process was straight forward just like in the instructional youtube video. Thank you for taking the time to produce this display.

Mitsunori | Sept. 13, 2020

Great!!!

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

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!

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

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 !!

Patrick | March 18, 2020

Excellent value

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

I have been waiting for this product to be produced for years and was not disappointed. I have fixed 3 pocket computers with these new screens.

Kotaro | Feb. 22, 2020

Excellent!

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

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!!

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

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.

Barbe | Feb. 5, 2020

Amazing product

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

It's have ordered it for fixing some of my Sharp PC 1211 & Tandy PC1 LCD screen. Looks perfect.

The video for the repair and fix is very helpfull.

Donald | Feb. 5, 2020

Excellent replacement LCD

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

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!!

Vladislav | Jan. 28, 2020

Awesome!!!

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

Really great job. Thank you very much.

P.S. to correct the contrast I’ve just lifted middle contact of the variable resistor - it works perfectly in my case :-)

Lawrence | Dec. 21, 2019

Excellent product and delivery

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

Arrived well packaged, exactly as described. Followed the youtube installation guide and my Sharp PC-1211 display is new again. I truly thought it was dead forever. The only deviation in the instructions taken was to allow the old display to soak in acetone for only about 4 hours. I they carefully tested releasing the display. The old adhesive strips released the old display, but remained completely on the bezel and stayed gummy, This allowed me to carefully position the new display and stick it into position without a shim or having it shift around. Perfect installation on the first go. Thanks so much for taking the time to reverse-engineer and provide these displays. I could not be happier.

Petr | Nov. 30, 2019

Excellent Product, fast delivery

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

I repaired four Sharp PC-1211 successfully. Video tutorial of replacement is very useful and so replacement was very easy. Thank you very much Robert for reborn of these lovely PCs

David | Nov. 24, 2019

An amazing effort, absolutely spectacular

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

Due to manufacturing issues, 100 % of the TRS-80 PC-1 pocket computers will need a new LCD display - most probably need one now. I am the original owner of one that is just getting to the point where without a new display it will become a doorstop. In what can only be described as a spectacular herculean effort this guy has created a drop-in replacement LCD for these collectible computers - thus literally saving them. The LCD fast and looks like a production part - this is not a kluge or prototype, this is the real freaking deal. It amazes the hell out of me that someone actually took on this project - thank you so much!!!

Garrett | Nov. 16, 2019

Excellent Product

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

Perfect fit and function. Video tutorial on installation is a big plus. Out of all of the TRS-80 pocket computer series, the PC-1 is the one that is almost always plagued with a failed LCD. I own four of these pocket computers, all with varying degrees of failure, from light blemishes, to complete blacked out. The key is cleanliness, taking your time, follow the alignment procedures. If you are starting out with a "know good" operational unit, you should have success. Quick shipping, and quality packaging methods too.

Donald | Nov. 14, 2019

Brilliant

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

Super work!!

I repaired five units successfully.
I advise not to remove the POT wiper.
Carefully bending up a few degrees is all that is required.
The POT is very brittle and breaks easily.

Laurent | Sept. 25, 2019

I just coul not believe someone did it

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

I own several of these Pocket Computers (either Sharp PC-1211 or Tandy TRS-80 PC1), and I have been an absolute fan of these devices since I was a teenager.
See my web pages dedicated to this wonderful device: https://www.aldweb.com/articles.php?lng=en&pg=26
I never believed that the dying yellowish LCD issue of this first pocket computer would be solved one day.

I followed carefully the video, except that I decided not to use acetone or isopropyl alcohol.
I basically smoothed the defective LCD adhesive with hot water and liquid soap. Removing the defective LCD from its metallic case was a little bit harder than with acetone, but faster (I did not have to wait overnight for the acetone to activate).
I also did not need to polish any part with isopropyl alcohol, I just used a smartphone screen dust remover instead.
All other operations were really easy.

I am so happy that my first device is back to work.
I was right to buy several of these LCDs, I will now refurb my other devices, reviving them back to operating life, some 35 years after they were manufactured.

Thank you so much Robert for your great work and very clear instructions of how to proceed.

aldweb
https://www.aldweb.com/articles.php?lng=en&pg=26 (my web pages dedicated to this device)

Matthew | Sept. 11, 2019

I Almost Couldn't Believe It

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

My PC-1 was retrieved from my to-be-recycled bin about 5 years ago **at the very last minute**, even though the LCD display was about 75% "roached out". Boy, am I glad I did. Being the first computer I ever owned, I just couldn't part with it, even though it would probably never be functional again. What were the odds? Then I stumbled across these videos by some crazy guy who decided, "Hey, we can fix all these rotted LCD displays, NO PROBLEM!" after which he proceeded to create them and make them available to anyone who wanted one. Flabbergasted, I rushed to the store to buy some batteries to satisfy myself that the remaining 25% of my old LCD was "correctly" displaying characters, making an attempted replacement worth the effort. I then put in my order quickly (in case supplies should run out before I could respond!!) and a week later had the new part in my hands. My installation (having avoided all the cited pitfalls and possible missteps so well documented in the excellent video instructions) went smoothly. The computer works like brand new.

What's so surprising is that this unit is to this day a functional and useful piece of gear which after almost 40 years is a testament to its overall ruggedness and efficient design. One could wax eloquent on the ability of designers from that time period to squeeze the most usefulness out of the parts available for the purpose. I cannot thank the _Half_Baked_Maker_ enough for creating this excellent replacement part. It has provided no small amount of joy to this PC-1 user.

Marvin | July 17, 2019

Great product! Rejuvenated my TRS-80

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

After viewing the video a couple times I decided to refurb my old TRS-80 which had a bad display. This new one worked just like in the video and now I have a working TRS-80. My only warning is that the removal of the old display involves acetone. I was careless and let this sit on my sink. The sink is made of resin and damaged it. So keep acetone off your sink! Use some cheap basin to contain the acetone. Yes, the zip-loc bags leaked a bit. I would purchase this kit again in a similar situation.

Steven | June 23, 2019

Great restoration

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

It was really fun to be able to restore my old computer to better-than-factory condition by replacing the old dying LCD. The new display works perfectly, and Robert's video on the installation process covered all the bases.

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