Game & Watch Panorama with damaged flex cable

johnyept · May 19, 2021

I have a Game & Watch Panorama (Donkey Kong Jr. CJ-93) since I was a kid, got it probably around 1988. The white flex cable with black stripes that is visible when the screen is closed is heavily scratched, right in the gap between the hinges, where the screen and the bottom part with the mirror join together. As a result, most of the images on the screen don't work. I might as well be honest, I did not take well care of my toys when I was a kid, and I'm pretty sure I was the one that scratched it, most probably on purpose, because, well... I was a kid.

Can the flex cables from these handhelds be replaced by a new one, probably custom made or modified to fit in it?

johnyept · May 26, 2021

No reply, I guess either nobody had this problem, or never found a solution.
The original cables look like this: avaluer . org / explore / 9833054-game__watch_nintendo_ribbon_cable_multi_screen
Would flexible PCBs work as a replacement? hackaday . com / 2016 / 05 / 05 / designing-flat-flexible-pcbs /

asper · Jun 1, 2021

Well, if you are able to replicate the exact pin distance you can choose whatever flat cable you desire; also check how the original flat cable is connected (soldered?glued such as in virtual boy?). Panoramas are expensive so your solution can be the good choice.

johnyept · Jun 1, 2021

The flat cable is secured in place between the screen and a rubber pad, when the case screws are tightened it creates a slight pressure to help make contact. I know these type of cables are prone to failure due to their flexibility, I thought replicas in the same material or better material would be common by now, but I guess not.

I'll try to find some online or local store that can replicate them with newer material, but for now I'll try to use thin strips of conductive tape, it seems some owners have been successful in "repairing" their cables using this method, it won't look good at all but if it works it will have to do for now.

cocaleru · Oct 20, 2024

johnyept said:
The flat cable is secured in place between the screen and a rubber pad, when the case screws are tightened it creates a slight pressure to help make contact. I know these type of cables are prone to failure due to their flexibility, I thought replicas in the same material or better material would be common by now, but I guess not.

I'll try to find some online or local store that can replicate them with newer material, but for now I'll try to use thin strips of conductive tape, it seems some owners have been successful in "repairing" their cables using this method, it won't look good at all but if it works it will have to do for now.

I made this ones by my self. They work perfect. They don't look like the original ones but if you don't mind, they are good. Look in Tindie. I also have them on e_bay.