TR-505 LCD Backlight
It has FINALLY happened. After over 20 years of dealing with the TR-505’s impossible-to-read screen, I’ve developed a backlight solution that solders directly to the main board and gives you the image on the left. All you need is a screwdriver, soldering setup, and this kit (available on Reverb HERE), which includes a custom-built LCD backlight and replacement zebra strips. You can find a video outlining the install process here.
If your display is one of the few that still looks decent, you can skip the removal of the backing sticker (though you will want to remove the serial number sticker from the back of the LCD). Otherwise, you’ll want to follow the instructions you see here, all of the way up to the step where you add the paper (don’t add the paper)
THIS IS BACKWARDS! Working on an updated build video now, but you should swap red and black here
Remove the bottom/main panel from the TR-505 and flip it over. Near the power input you should see the connectors pictured on the left. Solder the red and black wires from the LCD, as pictured, then reattach the bottom board, letting the wires from the LCD run through the edge as shown below.
Now you’ll want to pop the backlight in on top of the LCD panel. The side with the black bar should be facing the LCD panel, with the wires running out to your right, as pictured below. It is a tight fit by design, so you may need to flex the body of the 505 a bit to get the backlight to snap into place. Also be pay attention to how the cables are running around the screw post on the right in order to assure they don’t get pinched! Now is also the time to drop a new zebra strip on the top and bottom.
Lastly, reattach the LCD backing board using the original screws. You will see a bit of a bulge, and feel some resistance when reattaching - this assures there is space for the new backlight while maintaining a solid connection to the board itself.
And that’s it! You now have a beautiful, backlit TR-505 that you can ACTUALLY USE!
Don’t hesitate to use the contact form above or below with any questions, comments, photos, or requests for bulk orders.