Hardware Buying GBA Backlit Screen. Couple Of Questions.

[OldSchoolTech]

Hi. I'm looking at buying a backlit AGS-101 LCD from aliexpress. I'm thinking of buying a second hand original non-SP GBA and putting the screen into it. Will I basically just need the screen and correct ribbon cable (32/40pin) or will I also have to cut the shell to fit the screen into it? Also I'm going to assume that an AGS-101 LCD won't work in my AGS-001 GBA SP is that correct?

Thanks, just never done one before and don't want to screw it up if I'm gonna try it.

 

[OldSchoolTech]

Sorry I just seen after I posted this that there's a thread on fitting the screen into an AGS-001.

One other question is I've seen people talk about a brown or white tab on the original GBA. Is that tab on the mainboard itself or on the screen I'm buying?

Just so I know whether I'm buying the correct ribbon cable converter thanks.

 

[zfreeman]

For the non-SP, the AGB-001, it is required to remove some of the plastic, and also the foam, to be able to close the shell. 'The tab' is referring to the new screen's ribbon cable. Depending on what tab/screen and if your GBA is 40- or 32-pin, it's as simple as plugging them in. Other scenarios will require soldering, such as a white tab screen with a 40-pin GBA.

GBA back light instructions v4 - Rose Colored Gaming https://rosecoloredgaming.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/gba-back-light-instructions-v41.pdf

 

[OldSchoolTech]

For the non-SP, the AGB-001, it is required to remove some of the plastic, and also the foam, to be able to close the shell. 'The tab' is referring to the new screen's ribbon cable. Depending on what tab/screen and if your GBA is 40- or 32-pin, it's as simple as plugging them in. Other scenarios will require soldering, such as a white tab screen with a 40-pin GBA.

GBA back light instructions v4 - Rose Colored Gaming https://rosecoloredgaming.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/gba-back-light-instructions-v41.pdf

Thanks very much. I'm thinking of buying the AGB-001 as it was my favourite one then doing this mod. I'll have no problem doing it, but with the amount it's going to cost me to buy the GBA and screen it's the same price to buy the GBA on aliexpress with the mod already done. Are they real or is it better to just buy the GBA and do it myself anyway?

 

[slaphappygamer]

I’d do it myself. It’ll be more fun and you’ll have that sense of accomplishment. Also, there are fake gba’s with the backlit screen out there. I would only use aliexpress to buy parts, not consoles. You should use eBay if you want to buy a prebuilt one.

 

[OldSchoolTech]

I’d do it myself. It’ll be more fun and you’ll have that sense of accomplishment. Also, there are fake gba’s with the backlit screen out there. I would only use aliexpress to buy parts, not consoles. You should use eBay if you want to buy a prebuilt one.

Thanks. Just need a good deal now on one

 

[cearp]

Thanks. Just need a good deal now on one

I think the cheapest you will find is - http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=142500060301
I couldn't really find it anywhere cheaper, and mine came with a glass screen I think too
Plus I prefer ebay to aliexpress.

 

[slaphappygamer]

For the housing, I bought from aliexpress. It came with a glass screen too. I let my daughter pick it out. She chose red. Looks nice. That’s a great price for the screen. I have a 32pin motherboard laying around, I may do this mod again. Gift it to my daughter. I just need a screen. It was a fun project and I play my Gba often.

 

[cearp]

here's what mine turned out like, last week (the screen might seem a little blue, it's just the camera/lighting, the screen is perfect i think!)

 

[OldSchoolTech]

Thanks for the help all. I managed to get a deal for a purple GBA with Star Wars and a set of link leads for €25 (equivalent to $30.56) including post. The guy I'm buying it from says it's in really good condition, like new. He was selling it with a little bag for it but I'm buying it without it as I wouldn't use it and it would cost a lot to post. Must have always been kept in the bag safely when it wasn't used. It's missing the battery cover but there's a rechargeable pack with it which he says doesn't hold the charge that great anymore. I already have a AA battery charger and a few rechargeable batteries so may check ebay for a purple back cover for it.

All I have to do now is wait until it gets here, take it apart and see how many pins the board has. Then order the screen with the right cable and more waiting then.

I might go with that link you sent @cearp as it's really cheap especially including the ribbon cable too.

 

[slaphappygamer]

You don’t have to take it apart to see what motherboard it has. Just open the battery compartment and see the numbers. Check out the attached pdf above by zfreeman for further details.

 

[OldSchoolTech]

You don’t have to take it apart to see what motherboard it has. Just open the battery compartment and see the numbers. Check out the attached pdf above by zfreeman for further details.

Nice thanks. I should have it by Monday or Tuesday and I'll check.

 

[OldSchoolTech]

I got the gba today. It's got a 0 as the first number under the battery compartment so it's a 40 pin model. The screen has a few scratches so I might just order one of these with the new glass front https://m.ebay.ie/itm/32-40-Pin-GBA...hash=item4b2fb9e534:m:mJokbNhPNYcm83CsRtPwWVg

Some of them have the gameboy advance logo in the pictures but that's the cheapest one from Hong Kong. They seem to have faster post than the ones that just say China. I can probably just order the front again on its own though if it doesn't have the logo and bothers me.

 

[slaphappygamer]

Awesome. I think the glass screen I bought was pictured without the logo as well. I got a new shell and it came with a glass screen. Gamers zone or thegodofgaming was the seller. Also, I got this adapter. It’s expensive, but works great!

 

[OldSchoolTech]

Awesome. I think the glass screen I bought was pictured without the logo as well. I got a new shell and it came with a glass screen. Gamers zone or thegodofgaming was the seller. Also, I got this adapter. It’s expensive, but works great!

That's cool though to be able to adjust the brightness. I ordered the 40 pin version of the one I sent the link for. It'll take 2 to 4 weeks but it'll be worth it. The GBA I bought is the purple one and the case is actually in ok condition just the screen is scratched but I'm getting new glass. I'l use it purple for now and if I want I can always buy a new shell for it.

 

[OldSchoolTech]

Just got the screen today. I know I won't be able to solder to that point with my equipment without breaking something but the gameboy is working without soldering the cable onto something. What does the cable do exactly since it works without it?

 

[zfreeman]

I believe the wire is for brightness. You can also connect a more elaborate flex cable with a brightness switch instead. But I just left it as-is. I prefer better battery life.

 

[OldSchoolTech]

No problem. I' having a problem also getting it to fit together as the plastic tab that hits the back of the screen hasn't really much room and the board has to kind of squeeze against it and also the flex which is z shaped behind the battery compartment is a bit squashy too. Is that normal?

 

[zfreeman]

Yes, unfortunately. When you scraped the plastic brackets, make sure they're at least flush, if not more, with the shell. And be sure to remove the foam/rubber backing if the screen is from a 101 donor.

 

[OldSchoolTech]

Maybe I just need to file away some more is all. The screen seems to just have a metal back with nothing on it if that's what you mean?