Doing the backlight mod...

[Genki]

I could use a schematic of the Lynx's backlighting system so I know how to disable it while I try to replace the battery guzzling CCFT in favor of white LEDs. Just removing the bulbs won't do it as the inverter would still be running.

[Albert]

This sounds like a great modification. Is this something you've heard of someone else trying, or are you going at this alone? It'd be great if you could type up some directions for others if you get it to work and it extends the battery life.

 

Robert Jung has the Lynx schematics on his page, just scroll down to the bottom and you should see them. I didn't download them because I'm on a slow modem connection right now and they're pretty big. Hope these help you.

 

Take care,

 

..Al

[Ze_ro]

I've heard of this backlight mod before, but as far as I know, it's only a theoretical idea at this point. One flaw that I think will be a problem is with the brightness knob. I think this knob actually controls mirrors in the Lynx, since if you tilt the Lynx while the brightness is very high/low, you can still get a decent picture. Has anyone ever tried timing how long batteries last while the Lynx is at minimum brightness versus maximum brightness? Would an LED backlight still use these mirrors?

 

--Zero

[Genki]

I thought the control is contrast and that it affects only the LCD while the backlight bulb is at fixed brightness. Anyway I heard of a similiar mod for Game Gear on a Sega Dev board and I figured Lynx shouldn't be any different.

 

I'll check the schematic out and see what I can do. I have a few white LEDs available.

[Albert]

quote:

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Originally posted by wi1ykat:

I'll check the schematic out and see what I can do. I have a few white LEDs available.

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You might also want to check out www.portablemonopoly.com in case you haven't been there yet. It's a site dedicated to providing a decent lighting solution for the Gameboy Advance and they've posted some pretty promising pictures thus far. Perhaps you could write them and ask for some details on what they've done.

 

..Al

[Genki]

I'm aware of the GBA light mod but it's mainly for front lighting and Lynx' LCD works best on back lighting. I have already taken apart my Lynx and there isn't much room on the back of the LCD unless I remove the entire reflector plate.

 

PS do be careful when handling the main board or LCD while it's powered. Those shock from the inverter can startle you enough to drop the gut and possibly break the LCD. Not as nasty as handling a charged CRT though

[Gunstar]

quote:

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Originally posted by wi1ykat:

I thought the control is contrast and that it affects only the LCD while the backlight bulb is at fixed brightness. Anyway I heard of a similiar mod for Game Gear on a Sega Dev board and I figured Lynx shouldn't be any different.

 

I'll check the schematic out and see what I can do. I have a few white LEDs available.

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I'm leaning towards your assumption, as I've had my lynx apart before, trying to fix the power adapter plug, and have never noticed any "mirrors" in there or any moving parts at all besides the dials themselves. I too, think it is an lcd contrast thing and the actual light is at a fixed level, although it could be a combination of brightness and contrast...I'll have to study this further...