Kawai R-50.


M.I.D.S. MODE3.

Musical Instrument Display System MODE3.

(Super Enhanced Black) PMVA Display.


Available in the following colours.


Amber.

Blue.

Red.

Vintage. (Yellow/Green)

White.


All colours have a black background.

Display ships ready to Plug N Play.

NO soldering or modifications are required.


I designed the MODE3 to Plug N Play in every musical Instrument with a character type display. There are NO specific instructions for individual instruments, in relation to the display set up. There is only ( 1 ) set of instructions for everything. It's universal in nature !


MODE3 = 3 modes of operation.


1.  EXTERNAL 

2.  INTERNAL 

3.  HYBRID


1. EXTERNAL mode. (majority of instruments)


External mode is used if the instrument has an existing contrast control, either via firmware or a physical potentiometer. When EXTERNAL mode is selected, INTERNAL mode is completely disabled.


2. INTERNAL mode. 


INTERNAL mode is used if the instrument has no control to adjust the contrast, either via firmware or a physical potentiometer. When INTERNAL mode is selected, contrast is adjusted with the thumbwheel on the display. EXTERNAL mode is completely disabled.


3. HYBRID mode. 


HYBRID mode is used if the instrument has no control to adjust the contrast, and the thumbwheels are not accessible. So, in effect, HYBRID mode is INTERNAL mode with EXTERNAL operation, a combination of INTERNAL and EXTERNAL, so let's call it HYBRID mode. There are multiple instruments where there's no contrast control, and the display is hidden, either inside a front panel, under circuit boards or deep inside a keyboard. This is where HYBRID mode is essential to control INTERNAL operation "remotely"

Note ! You must always turn both thumbwheels fully anticlockwise and leave in that position

( bypass ) when using HYBRID mode, otherwise the circuit will not work correctly.


These 3 modes of operation, basically cover every possible configuration required, in every instrument that exists, with a character display. Period ! Its not necessary to make the display, any more complex than it has to be. It does everything required.


Adjustable BIAS.


In addition to EXTERNAL/INTERNAL operation, adjustable bias is another unique feature not found on any other display in existence. It's possible to optimise the contrast on every synthesizer by switching between the two fixed settings. I've calculated the optimal offset between them to maximise it's usefulness, when used with the contrast controls on various synths. For ref, if you've ever purchased one of my black PMVA, in the past. The normal 'fixed' bias setting on the old display, is the equivalent to MINUS on the MODE3. The PLUS setting, is the new addition to make it more useful, to create the offset. After choosing the right mode of operation, EXTERNAL or INTERNAL, next step is to optimise the bias. This is done simply by visually checking the contrast adjustment on the instrument, while switching between PLUS/MINUS. One of them will be better than the other, logic dictates. but ! MINUS is always the default. If you don't want to fiddle around with the bias, you can just leave it switched to MINUS, thousands of successful sales of the old displays mean, it's perfectly fine.


Important ! 


INTERNAL mode has been 'optimised' for bias MINUS. The circuit has been carefully calculated so the contrast thumbwheel is optimal at "midway" travel. So, if the MODE3 is switched to INTERNAL mode. You must always set the bias to MINUS. Also, it's fine to change the bias settings, while the display is switched ON. It's not necessary to switch it OFF. As long as the display is ON, initialized and logic voltage present, it's fine to switch between INTERNAL/EXTERNAL and bias PLUS/MINUS. 


Ultra Bright LEDs.


The LED backlight in my various MODE3 displays, is unique and unusual. The LEDs are ultra bright types. I've done this to make the backlight adjustment much more useful. Instead of having a normal LED backlight and dimmer, it's now possible to adjust either side of 'normal' brightness. If required, the backlight can be cranked up brighter, to OLED level brightness, or kept at normal levels. It's been carefully calculated to have normal LED brightness, at "midway" travel on the thumbwheel. It's also very useful when using different wavelength colours on the backlight. The red in particular, benefits from the extra brightness. Given the LEDs are ultra bright types, to start with, cranking them up to max brightness doesn't affect lifespan, as they are simply factory spec at max brightness. In fact, dimming them, increases lifespan further than the already superior lifespan, in comparison to OLED. Basically, there are no downsides whatsoever, to configuring the backlight this way, it's all positives. When your installing the display, after it's set up EXTERNAL/INTERNAL, and the correct bias is selected. This is the final step, adjusting the backlight brightness to suit your studio environment. If the backlight thumbwheel is accessible, use that, if not, turn the backlight thumbwheel fully anticlockwise (leave there) then hook up and make adjustments with (501) trimmer/cable instead.


Finally, there are a few important rules to pay attention to, with the aim of always achieving correct operation. When using HYBRID mode, the thumbwheels, must always be turned fully anticlockwise and 'left' in that position. Fully anticlockwise, basically means, they are in

( bypass ) The adjustment is then done with the small white trimmer potentiometers on the cables (501) is the backlight (502) is the contrast. Both are screen printed for identification. 


Also, in all cases (501) always plugs into display top position. There are various different MODE3 displays, but the layout is always consistent. Top position is always backlight (501) bottom is always contrast (502) You must attach the right trimmer, in the right place, otherwise the circuits won't operate correctly. Where possible, the display PCB is screen printed, showing the correct positions, but it's not always possible to screen print on the tiny versions of the MODE3 displays.

So, as a general rule.........


(501) always plugs in, top position.

(502) always plugs in, bottom position.


Below, are some useful instructions on how the MODE3 is installed / set up, in various different instruments. Read through, then apply that understanding, to whatever instrument your working on. 


Roland D-110.


The D-110 has no contrast control, therefore set the MODE3 to INTERNAL. Also, given the display is mounted inside the front panel and the thumbwheels are not accessible. Correct settings for the D-110 are INTERNAL, bias MINUS, both thumbwheels fully anticlockwise (leave there) hook up the HYBRID cables. (501) top position (502) bottom position. Next, bolt in and hook up the main cable. Remove the display screen protector. Fit the front panel, then fit the new window supplied with the display, into the front panel gap. Finally ,switch on and adjust contrast with trimmer (502) adjust backlight brightness with trimmer (501)


Roland D-550.


The D-550 has a front panel contrast pot, consequently, set the MODE3 to EXTERNAL.

Try both bias settings with the contrast adjustment, choose the most optimal one.

Turn both display thumbwheels fully anticlockwise (leave there) fit the hybrid cables. Make sure (501) is connected to the top position on the display (502) to the bottom position. Bolt in and hook up with the supplied cable. Flow the main cable through the gap in the middle of the front panel, flow the hybrid cables opposite way and out through the panel gap (interface side) Remove the screen protector from the display. Fit the front panel. Carry out final set up, adjust contrast with the front panel pot, then set the backlight brightness by adjusting trimmer (501) The other trimmer (502) will have no effect, as INTERNAL mode is disabled. Should the need arise in future, to change the display to INTERNAL mode, for example, if there was a fault with the D-550 front panel contrast potentiometer, the display can be quickly switched to INTERNAL. When that happens, trimmer (502) become "active" with the contrast thumbwheel fully anticlockwise. EXTERNAL operation is disabled.


EMU ( various )


Audity2000.

B-3.

MO'PHATT.

Orbit 3.

Planet Earth.

Proteus 1000.

Proteus 2000.

Proteus Orchestra.

TURBO PHATT .

Vintage Pro.

Virtuoso 2000.

XL-1 turbo.

Xtreme Lead-1.


The Emu modules listed above, all have contrast adjustment via the firmware. Therefore, set the MODE3 to EXTERNAL.

To install, remove the display screen protector. Bolt in and hook up the main cable. Given the display is mounted internally and all the controls are fully accessible with just the lid off. The correct setting for these Emu modules is EXTERNAL. Switch on and adjust the contrast with the Emu firmware, while testing bias PLUS or MINUS. Try both settings, keep the one you prefer. Finally, adjust the brightness with the backlight thumbwheel on the display. HYBRID cables are not necessary, as the thumbwheels are fully accessible.


Akai VX90.


The VX90 has a front panel contrast pot, consequently, set the MODE3 to EXTERNAL.

Try both bias settings with the contrast adjustment, choose one. Turn both display thumbwheels fully anticlockwise (leave there) fit the hybrid cables. Make sure (501) is connected to the top position on the display (502) to the bottom position. Bolt in and hook up with the supplied mounting kit and cable. Remove the screen protector from the display. Fit the front panel. Carry out final set up, by adjusting contrast with the front panel pot, then set the backlight brightness by adjusting trimmer (501) The other trimmer (502) will have no effect, as INTERNAL mode is disabled. Should the need arise in future, to change the display to INTERNAL mode, for example, if there was a fault on the VX90. the display can be quickly switched to INTERNAL. When that happens, trimmer (502) become "active" with the contrast thumbwheel fully anticlockwise. EXTERNAL operation is disabled.


Roland U-110.


The U-110 does have a contrast function controlled by the firmware, so the MODE3 is set to EXTERNAL. Also, given the display is mounted inside the front panel and the thumbwheels are not accessible. Correct settings for the U-110 are EXTERNAL, bias PLUS or MINUS, try both bias settings, select the one you prefer. Turn both thumbwheels fully anticlockwise (leave there) hook up the HYBRID cables. (501) top position (502) bottom position. Next, bolt in and hook up the main cable. Remove the display screen protector. Fit the front panel, then fit the new window supplied with the display, into the front panel gap. Finally, switch on and adjust the contrast with the U-110 firmware, then adjust backlight brightness with trimmer (501) The other trimmer (502) will have no effect, as INTERNAL mode is disabled. Should the need arise in future, to change the display to INTERNAL mode, for example, if there was a fault on the U-110. the display can be quickly switched to INTERNAL. When that happens, trimmer (502) become "active" with the contrast thumbwheel fully anticlockwise. EXTERNAL operation is disabled.


Roland Alpha Juno 1

Roland Alpha Juno 2


Both alpha juno keyboards have no contrast control, therefore set the MODE3 to INTERNAL. Also, given the display is mounted inside the keyboard and the thumbwheels are not easily accessible. Correct settings for the alpha junos are, INTERNAL, bias MINUS, turn both thumbwheels fully anticlockwise (leave there) hook up the HYBRID cables. (501) top position (502) bottom position. Remove the display screen protector, bolt in and plug in the FFC ribbon. Finally, switch on and adjust contrast with trimmer (502) adjust backlight brightness with trimmer (501)


Waldorf MW XT.


The XT has contrast adjustment via the waldorf firmware. Therefore, set the MODE3 to EXTERNAL. To install, remove the display screen protector. Bolt in and hook up using the existing cable. Attach to the display pins, same orientation as the old display. Given the display is mounted internally and all the controls are fully accessible with just the base off. The correct setting for the XT is EXTERNAL. Switch on and adjust the contrast with the waldorf firmware, while testing bias PLUS or MINUS. Try both settings, keep the one you prefer. Finally, adjust the brightness with the backlight thumbwheel on the display. HYBRID cables are not necessary, as the thumbwheels are fully accessible.


Yamaha DX100.


The DX100 has a lil contrast thumbwheel mounted on the chassis, therefore, set the MODE3 to EXTERNAL. Try both bias settings with the contrast adjustment, choose the most optimal one. Given the display is mounted inside the keyboard and not easily accessible,  turn both display thumbwheels fully anticlockwise (leave there) fit the hybrid cables. Make sure (501) is connected to the backlight position on the display (502) to the contrast position. both are clearly screen printed on the display PCB. Remove the screen protector from the display, bolt in and hook up with the supplied cable. Carry out final set up, adjust contrast with the DX thumbwheel, then set the backlight brightness by adjusting trimmer (501) The other trimmer (502) will have no effect, as INTERNAL mode is disabled. Should the need arise in future, to change the display to INTERNAL mode, for example, if there was a fault with the DX contrast thumbwheel, the display can be quickly switched to INTERNAL. When that happens, trimmer (502) become "active" with the display contrast thumbwheel fully anticlockwise. EXTERNAL operation is disabled.


Yamaha RX21L.


Roland JD-800.


Roland R-8M .


Roland P-330.


Roland SE-50.


Roland SE-70.


Yamaha FB-01.


Yamaha's DX27.


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