backlight question...

[billygoat333]

http://www.gizmodo.com/assets/resources/2006/10/12588.jpg

I have this setup and really like it. the only problem is when i am playin games with no lights on, i can't read the stupid lcd cause there isnt a backlight. is it hard to put backlights with lcd screens? i have no idea, have no experience. This backlight would probably need a button to shut it off too, cause it is ran off of 2 AA batteries and would kill them before too long im sure.

any suggestions?

[Luke122]

First thing to consider is the warranty. If you open it up, kiss that warranty good bye.

If you want to backlight the LCD, there are a few things to consider. You will need a light source, a diffuser, and room to put this stuff in. Also, make sure you keep careful notes of how it comes apart so you can put it back together and make it look stock.

For a light source, you can use a couple LED's (2 or 3 is probably enough for something this size), and the appropriate resistors to make sure they dont burn out/die. LED calculators are out there, I've posted a few links before to them.

If you are going to just tap into the power in the keyboard, then you should add a switch to make sure you dont kill the batteries. There was a post recently about adding a switch to fans, the same principles apply here.

A diffuser is just a piece of material which will "diffuse" (clever huh?) the light so that the LED's arent just a couple bright spots on the screen. A piece of thin plexiglass that is frosted with sandpaper will work for this, then just add the LED's on the edges, and the whole thing should light up evenly.

Next, remove the LCD screen (being careful not to cut/tear/damage/fubar the connections to it (usually ribbon cables, very delicate). Put the diffuser behind it, and set the LCD on top of it. Power it up and see if you get the desired backlight effect.

Some LCD's have the circuit board mounted to the back, so the diffuser needs to go between the LCD and the circuit board. If this is hardwired (solid connections, not ribbon cable) then this probably isnt meant to be (unless you are brave enough to desolder and resolder them... which is tough).

Search for the DIY Projector link that was made a few months ago, and you'll get an idea of what I'm talking about.

[billygoat333]

thanks for taking the time to respond. I will def. have to check into warranties, etc. I think its expired, so it shouldnt matter. but yeah, as far as taking it apart... this is my main keyboard so i want it to work after im done :P maybe i will practice on a calculator or something, to see if i can feasibly do this.

[Steve Da Egg]

Man I have this keyboard/mouse too. I didn't want to void the warranty so I'm going to mod my old dell keyboard...Damn wires. And, I know how you feel. I felt so gipped that it didn't come with a backlight on the LED. What't the damn point? I can't read it half the time.