[Milton Bradley Microvision LCD replacement displays]

11 hours ago, cvga said:

I would definitely buy a couple of these!

The samples are on the way. ???

[Milton Bradley Microvision LCD replacement displays]

6 hours ago, Rik1138 said:

No idea on the notifications, but he set his OWN timeline of dates to meet, and he failed to meet the second one (shipping the game to the vendor).  Then he didn't respond at all for months, although he had logged into the forum almost every day.  He could have just taken a few seconds to post 'Still here, hang on' or something.

 

He posted this mid-April:

 

 

That was sending the console to China.

He posted a week later talking about how the screens can get damaged, but no comment about NOT shipping the game out on the night he said he was going to...

And then he suddenly reappears now, 7 months later, and apparently STILL hasn't shipped them the console, thus missing his own deadline by 7 months.

 

Ah well...  I'll need about 10 of them, so whenever they are ready... 

?  Still working on the shipment schedule to the US.  Also, working on some last minute videos back and forth to make sure the rear "contrast adjustment" or LCD voltage adjustment will compensate for normal battery depletion.  This needs to be in an acceptable window using an actual battery and not just a regulated bench power supply.

[Milton Bradley Microvision LCD replacement displays]

29 minutes ago, dantist said:

Good thing you have your own thread now! ? Are you going to ship to Germany? $30 doesn't sound like a lot, but with shipping and customs it could easily double for foreign customers. Hope I will be able to afford two or three of these.

That should not be a problem at all. Three of those should go first class international.

[Milton Bradley Microvision LCD replacement displays]

10 minutes ago, mehlen said:

Really looking forward to this!  I have one, lone little dude that needs the screen, and the way this project has moved along fills me with optimism that one day he'll live again!

Yes it will!!

[Milton Bradley Microvision LCD replacement displays]

23 minutes ago, yoras said:

$20-$30 sounds about right as my best guess.  But RB, you are the man!  You have resurrected this project and due to 5-11's silence, you have become invested.  Run with this bro, since he want's to go his own way, he'll be playing catch up to you while you ride your momentum wave.  I believe pride has gotten in the way of partnering but you hustle and I like that.  Don't get discouraged from your great project, I appreciate 5-11 kickstarting this, but it's been too long and we need to see results and you are delivering results.  My saliva on the side of my mouth has dried from waiting...  Now it's just a race to having stock. 

Nice!  Yes, I agree. Those are the best guess $ numbers.  Thanks for your support on this.  I have 4 units in dire need of new displays.  2 are still working but fading fast.

[Milton Bradley Microvision LCD replacement displays]

2 minutes ago, ianoid said:

I would buy several screens depending on the price. 

Yea, the price is still up in the air until these are in production.   What is a good price that works for you?

[Milton Bradley Microvision LCD replacement displays]

On 11/9/2020 at 11:15 AM, TPR said:

Great to hear! Very interested. 

Awesome!  Next week should produce some good news for everyone. ??

[Milton Bradley Microvision LCD replacement displays]

19 minutes ago, Relicgamer said:

Your correct. Its been dormant too long. I get it it's difficult and you have to keep people informed.  I had a similar situation with something and people were asking me all the time and I just responded with the facts. And when it didn't pan out I told them. He has a point about you having your own spot and that's actually better.  I was thinking this project was dead. Then you came and got things moving. In the end I hope this lites the fire on this project and gets this little handheld the attention it needs. 

Thanks for your efforts 

Thanks for your support!

[Milton Bradley Microvision LCD replacement displays]

1 minute ago, thevnaguy said:

Awesome!  I need two to revive a couple little dudes.

Nice!  Hopefully we can get these in our hands before Xmas!

[Milton Bradley Microvision LCD replacement displays]

Just now, Relicgamer said:

I wanted to post a comment so I can be in the loop. I'm happy with your continued work on this. 

Thanks!  I feel like I got booted! ?  I was at the point of no return to stop now.  I've been working really hard with the vendor on this.

 

I wasn't trying to take the guys project.  He just never responded to messages or forums posts.  No idea.  Does he not get notifications?

[Microvision replacement screen project - pre-order & purchase here]

30 minutes ago, 5-11under said:

You need your own thread, because this thread is all about the status and comments regarding my project, and one day my orders, positive and negative feedback, and whatever else comes up. It's more confusing if both projects are in the same thread.

I see you've already made a separate thread, so that's good.

 

Ok then, the new thread is over here.    The eBay item for these screens are also over here. http://www.ebay.com/itm/224090610358

 

[Microvision replacement screen project - pre-order & purchase here]

19 hours ago, 5-11under said:

Sounds great to work together, but from my perspective, the hard work is completed, and the Engineering costs are all paid. I have no reason to stop. Probably about the same for RB, I guess. Basically I just need to send this, they'll look at the voltages and the contrast control, be mesmerized by the 1979 technology, tell me when they've got the liquid or whatever figured out, and I make an order. I guess not all the hard work is completed. The last part, orders and mailing, will take some time. Likely when the time comes, I'll take a couple of days off of work to get all that moving.

 

Oops... nice shadow on the pic... anyway, just push the button (to the right of the display in this picture) to change the display on the Mindbuster game.

It's fine.  We can work together on this.  It's just important to get everyone's units back up and running.   I really think once these units finally have screens more of these will be available for collecting.  Buyers might not be so uncertain to buy them as a dead brick.   This has certainly worked for the Voice of the Mummy, Seance and Dark Tower games.   I've been repairing/restoring these for a couple of decades now.  They just keep get traded, sold and passed around.

 

I really don't see the need to create another post and that will just confuse everything.  If you really want me to post elsewhere, let me know.

 

Richard

[Milton Bradley Microvision LCD replacement displays]

11-09-20 The NEW Microvision LCD display screen samples have completed final testing at the factory.  Several demonstration videos have gone back and forth and everything looks good.  The samples are being shipped back this week so I can evaluate them.  The new LCD units were demonstrated working fine with the correct contrast(LCD voltage) control.  There is a good window of the rear contrast knob rotation to compensate for battery depletion.  I'll add new videos of the devices once they are checked out.

 

11-11-20 The samples arrived and checked out fine.  I'll set up pre-orders on ebay and at the www.voiceofthemummy.com/staging website.  Several games are supported here with Microvision in the list.

 

The NEW LCD Pre-Order is listed on eBay and on the Voice of the Mummy website using PayPal.  You don't have to have a paypal account to use this checkout.

https://voiceofthemummy.com/staging/microvision-lcd-display/

https://www.ebay.com/itm/224090610358

 

International Orders.  Please use the ebay item links.  eBay takes care of the customs paperwork and has shipping protection for both the buyers and sellers.

 

11-14-20 NEW LCD install page.  It will have both the standard "drop in" replacement LCD plus the backlight kit instructions.  I'll add more pics and tips on installing these NEW LCDs once the xmas rush is over.

 

12-04-20 The backlight kits have been finalized.  This will require one new zebra connector.  The larger zebra connector is reused.  This kit contains a NEW transmissive LCD(made for backlighting), a backlight unit and a new zebra connector.  The backlight unit will have the current limiting resistor attached.  There are 2 solder connection points pictured in further posts.

 

12-10-20 The NEW LCDs are due to arrive mid January 2021.

 

12-22-20 The production LCD units are being packed up for shipment.  Scheduled delivery is still mid January.  Once they are delivered,  a small group will be checked out thoroughly.  Then the orders will be filled.  Before each unit is packed for shipment, each unit will undergo a quick check in the test jig.  Stay tuned.

 

12-27-20 The backlight kits have sold out.

 

01-05-21 A new batch of backlit LCD kits have been ordered.  These are due to arrive mid to late February 2021.These new kits can be pre-ordered on the website with paypal. You don't need a paypal account.

https://voiceofthemummy.com/staging/microvision-lcd-display/

 

03-02-21 DUE TO THE CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION, BACKLIT KIT PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENTS ARE DELAYED.  Both the 2nd and 3rd batches will be begin shipping out 04-05.

 

03-25 The New Microvision Backlit LCDs Kits have arrived. Shipments will begin 03-29

 

Any units that were sent in for the backlit kit install will be started that week. They will be installed and shipped out based on order date.

Also on ebay for international orders.

Standard LCD replacement https://www.ebay.com/itm/224090610358 

Backlit LCD kits https://www.ebay.com/itm/224305234088

[Microvision replacement screen project - pre-order & purchase here]

4 minutes ago, 5-11under said:

Hi all,

 

Just letting you know that I am still here... it's been a helluva year on a number of fronts... my CV and IntV PCB customers know how slow I've been for most of this year... things are settling a bit around here... getting some projects completed here and at home, and getting back on track in this thing called life.

 

Anyway, I still need to send the supplier my MV so they can set up for the proper voltages/contrast. After that, they'll be ready to produce a batch... I'm ready to send this now... but I see there's been some other things happening. I haven't read every word on the last few page, so I'm not sure the exact status... or how I should proceed next... .

 

Hello this is Rich Burbage. I've been working diligently on the new MV LCD screens myself. I have samples that were created using the MV devices. So far, the samples are testing out correctly and they are about to send them to the states for further testing. At this point I wouldn't proceed any further with your project as I am now $$$ committed with the supplier.

[Microvision replacement screen project - pre-order & purchase here]

13 hours ago, jgkspsx said:

Are preorders still open? I’ve always wanted a Microvision but the screen problems scared me away.

The project is still underway.  Stay tuned.   I'll update again when the samples complete testing.

[Microvision replacement screen project - pre-order & purchase here]

4 hours ago, ziggystar said:

What's the latest?

Nothing so far.  They had the vacation time that delayed it 2 weeks.   They are still working on the samples now.

[Microvision replacement screen project - pre-order & purchase here]

10 hours ago, nickle241 said:

i hadnt realized it was the actual cartridge that got the chip change that made for the model swap, how do you tell which ones you have?

also, dont these things have a noticeable failure rate, maybe the static discharge issue isnt the only thing plaguing them nowadays and they could be running a bit hot in some cases, just look at what hot running has done to the commodore 64

That's a good thought. I'm not sure how you notice what chip you have externally. If you use hot air gun over the label it covers the screw.

 

Does the commodore 64 have a cooling fan in the case?

[Microvision replacement screen project - pre-order & purchase here]

1 minute ago, nickle241 said:

huh, if it really is only a current issue and not one of voltage then it will probably work fine, as previously mentioned modern batteries are much better than they were thirty years ago so a single battery now might be able to do what took two back then, heck, it might even be damaging to use two now with the larger battery capacity depending on how the system links them and actually draws from them, over amping isnt an issue that happens in a properly designed circuit but who knows how these were engineered back then, the first try at a technology tends to have a few bad design choices

Good thoughts.   I've used the lower powered TI cartridge games in a dual batt unit and both batts installed with no issues.

[Microvision replacement screen project - pre-order & purchase here]

3 hours ago, MaazFench said:

?x

Why would it run poorly? Clearly this is not my area, but I would think it would be equivalent to how the one-battery model is wired. How would it be different?

 

But I agree that this would generally take the same skills as a proper fix, but, in this case, I think there is enough of the metal left that I could attach the two together with alligator clips. Not an elegant solution, but it would hopefully be enough to see if this particular Microvision works at all (or if more was broken in shipping than just the one connector).

Both units are wired that same as far as I noticed.  I've opened 2 units of each.   The extra battery gave it the current boost it needed for the cartridge games with the 8021 processor.  

[Microvision replacement screen project - pre-order & purchase here]

7 hours ago, MaazFench said:

Slightly off-topic, but following up on the TMS1100/8021 comments, does this mean that, for early Microvisions that have two battery connections, you can run it with only one battery (and connecting the other two terminals together)?

 

I am asking because, in one of my Microvisions (a two-battery connection model), one of the battery prongs snapped off, and I was trying to figure out the easiest way to fix it (given my rather limited repair skill set).

Which battery prong came off.  In the earlier models these were clipped onto the boards.  The single batt units had the clips soldered onto the board.   Do you still have the loose batt clip?  Open it and you'll see how easy it clips back into place.  A super slight squeezing of the area where it clips to the board will keep it secure.   

[Microvision replacement screen project - pre-order & purchase here]

7 hours ago, MaazFench said:

Slightly off-topic, but following up on the TMS1100/8021 comments, does this mean that, for early Microvisions that have two battery connections, you can run it with only one battery (and connecting the other two terminals together)?

 

I am asking because, in one of my Microvisions (a two-battery connection model), one of the battery prongs snapped off, and I was trying to figure out the easiest way to fix it (given my rather limited repair skill set).

That was something I was curious of myself.   You can remove the sticker with a heat gun.   I'm sure a low serial number BB cartridge would have the 8021 chip installed.  I'm curious on what order the game were released??  Then I was going to try it in a single batt unit and check drain.   There is also the issue of today's batteries have a higher MaH rating than long ago.  Maybe you wouldn't notice.  Something to try though.

[Microvision replacement screen project - pre-order & purchase here]

2 hours ago, BigO said:

The cartridges are not just a game rom. Each one has a processor. There were two different processors used so a multicart to play all original games would have to deal with that.

 

I built the beginnings of a game using an 8 bit PIC microcontroller so it doesn't take a ton of horsepower. So it may be possible to put is something that can emulate the original processors. Or the games could be ported to a single processor.

This guy made created a couple of emulators and custom tetris and flappy bird games.   https://habr.com/ru/post/416865/   If you download the github file it includes tetris files for MVEM.  It has a new version of MVEM.exe needed to run the tetris game.   It seems to be back compatible with the existing bin files of the already released MV games. https://www.raphkoster.com/2017/05/07/microvision-emulator-release/

 

Here's another take from that post on the 1 9V battery and 2 9V batteries MV units.  UWP

 

"The bulk of the cartridges worked on TMS1100, because Signetics, which released the 8021 under Intel license, could not supply MB's required chip supply. Even some games that were already written for the 8021 had to be ported to the TMS1100. This, by the way, made it possible to abandon the dangerous bundle of two batteries, because the consumption of the microcontroller from TI was only 0.1W versus 1W from Intel. I have only one of 6 cartridges with 8021, this is the Connect Four game, it was taken as a basis."

 

So, which game cartridges had the 8021 installed.   If you installed that in a MV unit with only 1 battery connections, does the battery drain much faster.   I'm going to heat gun the label off that covers the screw and check.  So, far I've seen the BB cartridge with both.  Maybe plug in the power supply to check current differences.

[Microvision replacement screen project - pre-order & purchase here]

36 minutes ago, nickle241 said:

i mean something that you could load different homebrew games onto, or copies of the original, but thats a side concern, i dont see it being too complicated since the cartridges are the processor anyway so making a small computer that outputs to the microvision screen and powered off the internal voltage is all it would be, maybe a small extra display for rom selection, but thats not really needed, the real trick would be in how to set up the button and screen overlays

Like this guy did.  Did you see this yet?  https://habr.com/ru/post/416865/

[Microvision replacement screen project - pre-order & purchase here]

1 hour ago, nickle241 said:

does a flash cart exist for it yet or did the screen problem cripple interest in development on that?  emulators are fine but i always prefer original hardware, the controls are usually better for one thing

You mean like a cartridge with all of the games?  If so, I haven't seen one as of yet.  There is certainly plenty of talent out there to make it happen though.

[Microvision replacement screen project - pre-order & purchase here]

1 hour ago, tg517 said:

I remember clearing the blockbuster screen maybe three or four times back in the day. (not an easy task)

 

If I recall correctly, if you hit the last block as the ball is coming down, it bounces up as the new wall appears,

so the ball goes bananas until it breaks itself out from the top. Man, that's as good as 1979 got if you could pull it off.

 

Wow!  I have to try that.  Even with 9 balls served.   I already noticed the earlier BB game cartridges run a little slower.  The ball speed is not as fast.  Not sure why,  maybe the different processors used??