Replacing a broken touchscreen digitizer on a Rockwell Collins glass cockpit requires a precise and methodical approach, starting with diagnosing the failure, followed by a careful disassembly of the unit, and finally, the installation of a new digitizer. This is a delicate procedure that should only be performed by a certified avionics technician due to the sensitive nature of the display and its internal components.
Diagnosing the Problem
A broken touchscreen digitizer on a Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion or Pro Line 21 system can manifest in several ways: a physical crack in the glass, “dead zones” on the screen that don’t respond to touch, or phantom touches that register without any input. It’s crucial to first confirm that the digitizer itself is the problem and not a software or power issue. A technician will perform a system calibration check and inspect the unit for any physical damage. If the calibration fails or the glass is physically damaged, the digitizer is the most likely culprit.
The Replacement Process
Replacing the digitizer is not a simple task. It involves working with sensitive electronics and requires a clean environment to prevent dust and moisture from entering the display unit.
- Unit Removal: The first step is to carefully remove the display unit from the instrument panel. This involves disconnecting the power, data, and antenna cables from the rear of the unit. These connectors are often secured with screws or locking mechanisms, and their removal requires specialized tools to prevent damage.
- Disassembly and Digitizer Separation: Once the unit is on a workbench, the technician will carefully disassemble the bezel and housing to access the display assembly. They will then use specialized tools and a clean-room environment to separate the broken digitizer from the underlying LCD screen. The digitizer is often a thin, transparent layer glued to the screen, and its removal must be done with extreme care to avoid damaging the LCD.
- New Digitizer Installation: A new, factory-approved digitizer is then installed. It is critical that the new digitizer is properly aligned and sealed to the LCD screen. The connections to the unit’s controller are meticulously re-established, and the unit is reassembled.
- Reinstallation and Functional Test: After the new digitizer is in place, the unit is reinstalled in the aircraft, and all cables are reconnected. The technician will then perform a functional test, including a touchscreen calibration and a ground run-up, to ensure the unit is communicating correctly and responding to touch inputs as expected.
The Aero Center’s Professional Service
At The Aero Center, we are specialists in the maintenance and repair of twin-piston aircraft, including those equipped with Rockwell Collins glass cockpits. Our technicians are factory-trained and have the specialized tools and expertise required to perform these intricate repairs. We have the authority and experience to handle these sensitive avionics systems, giving our customers in California, Arizona, and Nevada the social proof they need to trust us with their aircraft.
We understand that a grounded aircraft is a major inconvenience, which is why we are the only 24/7 maintenance center in the region. Our commitment to consistency and quality ensures that every repair is performed to the highest standards, getting you back in the air safely and efficiently.
Footnotes:
- https://www.rockwellcollins.com/
- https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/phak/media/19_phak_ch17.pdf
- https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2012/october/1/avionics-g1000-updates
- https://www.avidyne.com/
The Aero Center is located at William J. Fox Airfield KWJF | Lancaster, CA. Contact us at 209.885.6950 for questions or appointments.