FANUC CRT to LCD Upgrade Complete Guide — Product & Installation Guide
Applicable to FANUC 0i/16i/18i series CNC systems
Figure: FANUC CRT to LCD upgrade process timeline | Source: Kongto Technology
procurement flowchart | Source: Kongto Technology
FANUC A61L Compatibility Chart
Every FANUC A61L-0001 series CRT model below has a direct drop-in LCD replacement module available. The LCD uses the same 20-pin Honda MR-20M connector and presents the same video signal as the original CRT, so no parameter changes or machine modifications are required.
| CRT Model | CRT Size & Type | Replacement LCD | Compatible Controls |
|---|---|---|---|
| A61L-0001-0072 | 9-inch Monochrome CRT | 8-inch TFT-LCD | FANUC 0/0i/16i/18i/21i |
| A61L-0001-0074 | 14-inch Color CRT | 12.1-inch TFT-LCD | FANUC 0/0i/16i/18i/21i |
| A61L-0001-0076 | 9-inch Monochrome CRT | 8-inch TFT-LCD | FANUC 0/0i/16i/18i/21i |
| A61L-0001-0086 | 9-inch Monochrome CRT | 8-inch TFT-LCD | FANUC 0/0i/16i/18i/21i |
| A61L-0001-0090 | 9-inch Monochrome CRT | 8-inch TFT-LCD | FANUC 0/0i |
| A61L-0001-0092 | 9-inch Monochrome CRT | 8-inch TFT-LCD | FANUC 0/0i |
| A61L-0001-0093 | 9-inch Monochrome CRT | 8-inch TFT-LCD | FANUC 0/0i |
| A61L-0001-0094 | 14-inch Color CRT | 12.1-inch TFT-LCD | FANUC 0/0i/16i/18i/21i |
| A61L-0001-0095 | 9-inch Color CRT | 8-inch TFT-LCD | FANUC 0/0i/16i/18i/21i |
| A61L-0001-0096 | 14-inch Color CRT | 12.1-inch TFT-LCD | FANUC 0/0i/16i/18i/21i |
| A61L-0001-0097 | 14-inch Color CRT | 12.1-inch TFT-LCD | FANUC 0/0i/16i/18i/21i |
| A61L-0001-0116 | 9-inch Plasma (PDP) | 8-inch TFT-LCD | FANUC 0i-D |
1. Why Upgrade? — CRT vs LCD Comparison
| Feature | CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) | LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) |
|---|---|---|
| Size & Weight | Bulky, approximately 3-5 kg | Ultra-thin, lightweight (~0.8 kg), direct replacement |
| Power Consumption | 80-120W (high-voltage supply) | 10-15W (low-voltage DC) |
| Brightness & Viewing Angle | Affected by ambient light, narrow angle | 400+ cd/m², 178° wide viewing angle |
| Lifespan | ~10,000 hours, prone to burn-in | 50,000+ hours, burn-in resistant |
| Maintenance Cost | Vacuum tube aging, high-voltage repair needed | Modular design, extremely low failure rate |
| Environmental | Contains lead, mercury, and other hazardous materials | RoHS-compliant, environmentally friendly |
| User Experience | Color distortion, low contrast | Vivid colors, high contrast, faster information reading |
Conclusion: Upgrading to LCD significantly reduces energy consumption, improves operator comfort, extends equipment lifespan, and meets modern environmental requirements.
2. Technical Principles
2.1 Signal Conversion
Original FANUC CRT displays use a HONDA 20-pin analog signal interface. The LCD display's internal signal bridge chip (e.g., ADI ADV7511) converts the analog signal to LVDS/TTL digital signals in real time to drive the LCD panel.
2.2 Power Compatibility
On 9-inch A61L models the original CRT runs from a 24V DC low-voltage rail, and the LCD module uses that same rail directly through an integrated DC-DC converter. On 14-inch models both the CRT and the LCD module run from the machine's AC 100-240V mains feed, exactly as the original did. Either way no power wiring modifications are needed.
2.3 Dimensional Compatibility
The LCD features identical mounting holes and outer dimensions as the original CRT (approximately 150mm x 120mm), enabling a "drop-in replacement."
3. Installation Steps
Required Tools: Phillips screwdriver, torque wrench (≤5 Nm), anti-static wrist strap, cleaning cloth, 70% isopropyl alcohol
| Step | Key Operations | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Power Off & ESD | Turn off CNC machine main power, disconnect display power cable; wear anti-static wrist strap and ground it. | Verify all power indicator lights are off to prevent residual high voltage. |
| 2. Remove Original CRT | Loosen 4-6 mounting screws (varies by model). Carefully disconnect the HONDA 20-pin signal cable and the display power cable. | Pull connectors straight out to avoid damaging latch mechanisms. |
| 3. Clean Mounting Surface | Wipe the original bracket and enclosure contact surface with alcohol cloth to remove oil and dust. | Do not use corrosive solvents that may damage metal surfaces. |
| 4. Install LCD | Align the FANUC A61L-0001-0093 LCD with the original mounting holes. Press gently on all four corners until clips lock automatically. | Ensure LCD is fully seated on the bracket to avoid signal contact issues from tilting. |
| 5. Connect Cables | Insert the HONDA 20-pin connector (align direction marker "1"). Connect the display power cable (same routing as the original CRT). | Ensure connectors are fully seated to prevent vibration-induced disconnection. |
| 6. Secure Screws | Use torque wrench to tighten screws to 4-5 Nm. Over-tightening may crack the panel. | Keep threads clean, avoid metal shavings entering the display. |
| 7. Power-On Test | Enter FANUC System → Parameters → Display Settings, confirm resolution is 800x600 (or system default). If display is abnormal, recheck signal cable connections. | Observe for 5 minutes on first power-up to confirm uniform backlight and color. |
4. Product Recommendation: FANUC A61L-0001-0093 LCD
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Dimensional Compatibility | 100% match with original CRT mounting holes and outer dimensions, no machine structure modification required |
| Plug-and-Play | HONDA 20-pin signal interface, compatible with FANUC 0i/16i/18i systems, zero programming |
| Power Compatibility | Uses the original CRT power directly — DC 24V on 9-inch monochrome models, AC 100-240V on 9-inch color and 14-inch models. No rewiring |
| Industrial-Grade Reliability | Operating temp -20°C to +60°C, MTBF ≥ 80,000 hours |
| IP65 Protection | Front panel waterproof and dustproof for harsh workshop environments |
5. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will the LCD affect the CNC system's G-code display?
A: No. The LCD is a direct replacement for the CRT with identical signal processing. All G-code, M-code, and system parameter displays remain unchanged.
Q: How long does installation typically take?
A: For experienced technicians, 30-45 minutes. First-time installers should allow 1-2 hours.
Q: Can I revert to the original CRT if needed?
A: Yes. The LCD is a non-destructive replacement. Simply swap back the original CRT and reconnect the cables.
For product inquiries and installation support, contact Kongto Technology at [email protected]