Hardware Changing the voltage of the GBA link port

[redfalcon]

The original GBA has a link port on top where the voltage changes depending whether a GBA game (3.3v) or GB/C game (5v) is inserted. I use one of the old wormlights to illuminate the screen, but since the voltage with GBA games is lower, the light is also notably weaker than with GB/C games. Is there any (hardware-)hack to change that? So that it always gets powered with 5v?

 

[wiggatron]

Well, the GBA uses a little mechanical switch to let it know if a GB/GBC or GBA game is inserted. Besides the voltage variation, I'm not sure what that switch does for the console. You could try and defeats it and see what happens, but I'm not sure what other affects it may have :/

 

[FAST6191]

I can not say I would be happy trying to change the voltage in the given mode. I would probably try to find 5V somewhere internally and run a wire there (similar to how some people force 12V to their fans on the 360- http://www.llamma.com/xbox360/mods/360-12V-fan-Mod.htm )

Possible alternative (got some nice 3.3V ones nowadays)
http://shop.strato.de/epages/15485180.sf/de_DE/?ObjectPath=/Shops/15485180/Products/W-330

 

[redfalcon]

Well, the GBA uses a little mechanical switch to let it know if a GB/GBC or GBA game is inserted. Besides the voltage variation, I'm not sure what that switch does for the console. You could try and defeats it and see what happens, but I'm not sure what other affects it may have :/

Indeed, the light is brighter, but it won't boot GBA games that way. I filled the small gap on the cartridge with a piece of paper and tape, but it boots into GBC mode then. Would have been too easy

Possible alternative (got some nice 3.3V ones nowadays)
http://shop.strato.de/epages/15485180.sf/de_DE/?ObjectPath=/Shops/15485180/Products/W-330

That's what I considered too, but I can't find a way to open the wormlight without breaking the casing open :/

Oh well, seems I have to use my DSL for playing in dim light.

 

[wiggatron]

Well, without try to sound like I'm just selling my stuff, I might suggest a backlight kit. Will beat the pants off any worm or front light. It is a lot more expensive though and takes a good amount of work to install.