Modders and electronics gurus get in here! The GBA to GBA SP+ mod!

So here's my dilemma. I love me some Gameboy Advance. I own both a GBA SP, with the new backlit screen, and a GBA Micro. As much as I love both systems, the form factor and d-pad of the original is my favorite. Of course the only problem is the lack of a backlit screen.

Now I know about the Afterburner mod and a few others, but what are my options? I would like a screen almost or just as good as the new SP's. So a thought came to mind, could I cannibalize a screen from a new SP and slap it into an original GBA? If not just the screen, could I then take the guts of a GBA SP and implant them into an original GBA?

Thoughts?

UPDATE (6-30-09):

Well I bought an original GBA to see what my options were. I don't think I'll be able to take the guts from a GBA SP+ into a GBA as the button and d-pad placement is different. I would have to do some serious circuit board modding to separate pieces in order for me to get everything in the right spot. While that sound like fun, it seems very difficult if even possible.

But, my first idea of switching screens may work. Here are two pictures.

ORIGINAL GBA


GBA SP+


Now I'm no electronics expert, but from what I can see, there are 32 connections on the original GBA and 34 connections on the GBA SP+. Both connectors look very similar. I can only imagine that the two extra connections on the GBA SP+ are for the extra power etc. needed to run the screen. I would think there would be a way to solder two extra wires from the circuit board to facilitate whatever power/connections are needed to power the GBA SP+ screen.

Pretty much, what do some of you modding/electronic gurus think of the possibility of transplanting a GBA SP+ screen into an original GBA?

You could try installing one of those TV de Advance thingies and using your TV. Not quite what you're looking for, I know... that's about all I can think of.

DanAdamKOF said:

You could try installing one of those TV de Advance thingies and using your TV. Not quite what you're looking for, I know... that's about all I can think of.

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What I'm wanting is an original GBA modded to be lit like a new GBA SP or Micro.

I don't think you can do a simple transplant, because the GBA probably woudn't have the right voltage going to the SP screen and/or the LCD interface may be different. If it's possible, it will likely be more involved than swapping screens.

But I'm no expert. So don't give up the dream just yet.

You can't backlight the TFT screen in the GBA, you can only front light it. Use the front light from an SP with a model #AGS-001.

They did the front light mod on Tech Tv back in the day...didn't seem that hard.

BigTinz said:

They did the front light mod on Tech Tv back in the day...didn't seem that hard.

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What about taking the entire guts from an SP and putting it into an original GBA?

Any other ideas?

Only thing you can really do is what you originally thought. Put the backlit SP in the GBA case.

Post pics of your progress.

Xian Xi said:

Only thing you can really do is what you originally thought. Put the backlit SP in the GBA case.

Post pics of your progress.

Click to expand...

I will. I'll purchase an original GBA over lunch. I will be taking pictures to let folks know about my progress as it goes. Gotta love being the guinea pig.

Well I'm at an impass. The guts of a GBA SP will fit in a normal GBA, but the issue is lining up the buttons and such so I can get things working right. Any tips?

BTW: The ribbon that cinnects the screen to the mother board had 34 connections on the GBA SP and 32 on the normal GBA. Now I now there are many differences in these two motherboards, but is there anyway I could rig up the GBA SP screen into the GBA?

UPDATE (6-30-09):

I've updated the top post as well.

Well I bought an original GBA to see what my options were. I don't think I'll be able to take the guts from a GBA SP+ into a GBA as the button and d-pad placement is different. I would have to do some serious circuit board modding to separate pieces in order for me to get everything in the right spot. While that sounds like fun and all, it seems very difficult if even possible.

But, my first idea of switching screens may work. Here are two pictures.

ORIGINAL GBA


GBA SP+


Now I'm no electronics expert, but from what I can see, there are 32 connections on the original GBA and 34 connections on the GBA SP+. Both connectors look very similar. I can only imagine that the two extra connections on the GBA SP+ are for the extra power etc. needed to run the screen. I would think there would be a way to solder two extra wires from the circuit board to facilitate whatever power/connections are needed to power the GBA SP+ screen.

Pretty much, what do some of you modding/electronic gurus think of the possibility of transplanting a GBA SP+ screen into an original GBA?

You'll have to make sure the pinout matches, and if the only place to solder the extra power (or whatever) connections to is on that flex cable, that's not going to be fun.

DanAdamKOF said:

You'll have to make sure the pinout matches, and if the only place to solder the extra power (or whatever) connections to is on that flex cable, that's not going to be fun.

Click to expand...

Well at least it looks possible even though it may be difficult.

Any other opinions?

So am I SOL on this?

Seriously, no one has a clue? Even a start in the right direction?

get out the multimeter!
Can you have it operating while torn apart?

If so set it to dc voltage, and hook one side to ground.
Then go pin by pin and see where you have power and how much power is there.
Do it on both the gameboys.

If you think the extra wires are for power, then thats the first place I would start

Wow this one looks interesting..

NeoGeeO said:

get out the multimeter!
Can you have it operating while torn apart?

If so set it to dc voltage, and hook one side to ground.
Then go pin by pin and see where you have power and how much power is there.
Do it on both the gameboys.

If you think the extra wires are for power, then thats the first place I would start

Click to expand...

Me has no multimeter. I'm about as electronic mod savy as a badger.

The afterburner is alright, not too shabby. From I've seen, it's just as bright as the first model sp, since I've used that thing for loads of stuff. Honestly, just get used to what you've got available. I'm sure someone could do it, but, in the end, is it really worth the hassle?

Call out Ben Heck on this one.

Darklighterx said:

Call out Ben Heck on this one.

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Ya, I dont think he wants to spend $1000 on a GBA.

Here's my dilemma....



GIANT FUCKING PICTURES.

I actually have some experience doing backlights and such with gameboys. You're going to have trouble backlighting a GBA screen as it is, but it is possible that you could install an SP screen. Possible, I say, because I have not done it. What I would suggest is finding a pinout of the cable, if you can, or getting out your voltmeter and try and see what pins are connected to the LED. Chopping away some pins and just plugging it in could be risky, but the worst that would happen is the SP screen would die, and you'd still have the regular screen left. If you would like to frontlight a GBA, that's not too hard. Look here for instructions:

http://forums.benheck.com/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=27338

also read this
http://forums.benheck.com/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=27338

so you can avoid some of his mistakes.

If you need help, feel free to ask me in PM or ask over there, I'm a member there too.

Xian Xi said:

Ya, I dont think he wants to spend $1000 on a GBA.

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Ah yes, Ben values his time rather highly... did any of you get to meet him at MGC?