Work Arounds for a Dim MPC 3000 Backlight

I'm new to the 3000. Its on its way to my house as I type this (3000le #1308). I was told that the one that i won in the auction has a dim backlight. I was wondering if there are ways to work around it. For instance, if I place a lamp over the screen. Do any of you guys do that? The backlight is only around $50, but I don't really have any soldering skills. I'm just wondering how you guys get around this issue. Thanks for any help you guys can offer.

get the vga

Hey, I never even thought about that. That would definitely do the trick, but they are a little pricey. I used to own a mv8000 w/ vga option. It felt kind of wierd operating the machine and looking up at a monitor though. I appreciate the advice though. Do you own a 3000 with a dim backlight?

vga is pretty expensive, it is probably better option to get a new backlight. unless you can live without it

Yeah, you are right. I just have to find somebody that will install the backlight for a cheap price. I once got charged over 50 dollars to get a tact switch replaced for my 2000xl sample button. I provided the new tact too. I can only imagine what the price is for putting in the backlight.

Soldering a new backlight should be pretty easy even if you have no experience. There is just two connections to make. The tapes from the foil are a little delicate but you should be ok unless you are VERY cackhanded. Have a bit of practice beforehand on some old wires or something till you are confident you can do it.
You should find the VGA port is standard on an LE. You just need to find a suitable monitor. Older 15" screens are more likely to work than newer ones but you may have to try a few before you are successful.
Having said that, I wouldn't rely on the VGA. Get that backlight fixed.

Thanks for the advice. Do you know of any videos that show how to replace a backlight on the 3000? I watched the video on the tact switches. It really gave me the confidence to replace them myself. It just seems like the backlight would be more difficult. Are you sure the vga is standard on the le? Maybe most people take them out and sell them because i've seen a lot of le's with no vga. I'm assuming its the space directly above the foot switch inputs?

I may be wrong about the VGAs
I certainly have one in mine.
You can see the screen in my avatar.


I don't know of an MPC3000 vid but here is one for the MPC60 which should give you some idea of what it involves.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LO7zQ39 ... 1&index=10

I did my MPC60 a while back with no problems but my MPC3000 backlight is still going strong so I haven;t needed to change it yet.

Yeah, I noticed your avatar. Very cool......It looks like your 3000 screen is pretty bright though. Do you use the Monitor so you don't have to strain your eyes on the small print on the mpc?

I don;t use the monitor that much but I have it now behind my mixing desk with a long VGA lead to the mpc, so I can keep an eye on it without having to be in front of the sampler.
To be honest, the VGA option is vastly overated (particularly by people who haven't tried it)

LOL....I think i'll go the backlight route. Its cool that yours came with the option though. Are you the original owner?

No I am the second owner. I tried to buy a new one in the late nineties but they were just too expensive for me.
I eventually got this one for about 800 GB pounds. It's a bargain and a Beauty.

I'd also be interested in getting information to change a backlight in a 3000. I saw the You Tube video - but this is for mpc 60 and Im new to soldering...

Pilchard wrote:You should find the VGA port is standard on an LE.

The IB-CRT VGA Expansion Board was always an option, it was never standard on any MPC 3000 (whether original issue or Limited Edition reissue).

zippertafari wrote:I'd also be interested in getting information to change a backlight in a 3000. I saw the You Tube video - but this is for mpc 60 and Im new to soldering...

This is a video for replacing the backlight on a Akai S1000 sampler. The process is relatively the same as the LCDs are very similar to the MPC 3000.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKdDsxq2uRM

If you join the MPC 3000 Yahoo Group, there is a very detailed 7 page pdf in the Files section that goes into opening up the MPC 3000 and soldering the backlight. There is more than enough information in that file than you will need.

Thanks very much. This is great.