This is a quick and relatively simple modification done to a GameBoy light system called LightBoy. The original design operates on two AA batteries and uses two incandescent light bulbs that provide very little light, not to mention drain the batteries. However the accessory itself has a very nice sturdy case and replacing the bulbs with LEDs is an easy way of solving the problem. Two cheap and ultra bright 14,000 mcd White LEDs available from Dealextreme.com ought to do the trick.
The first step is to disassemble the top lens case and remove the two light bulb inserts. Very carefully and slowly drill a hole in the bottom part of the bulb case little bigger than the LED diameter. Try to make it as close to the top and away from the Copper contacts as possible, that will help to protect the LEDs with the case is closed.
Make sure to observe the polarity of the LEDs, test before starting to bend and cut the legs. Also try to make the bend angle slightly inward to center the light towards the screen.
Note the extra solder joints where the copper case contacts insert into the case. The socket connections get oxidized and hinder the current, also causing flickering and dimmed operation. It is a lot easier to sand them and carefully solder both together. After all the LED’s lifespan will not require replacement any time soon.
The result is pretty damn good, very bright and certainly a huge improvement for 20 cents worth of parts. Only use ultra bright LEDs, regular ones will not work. The modification looks very stock and the only improvement would be to point the LEDs slightly more inward or possibly even defuse them with some sand paper to have more of a soft ambient glow. Enjoy.
hey, Do you use the leds without resistors? if yes, doesn’t that mean that the livespan, won’t be “that” long?
thanks, ronski
The device operates on 2 AA batteries which combined are 3 Volts. That is actually a very good voltage for LEDs to use and no resistor is required. If it was 6 Volts than yes, you are correct, we would need to calculate for a resistor value. Good Question.
thanks a lot,
Tomorrow I’ll hack mine,
I own a “play light” looks a bit different, but functions similarly.
I put a pic online of it:
http://skitch.com/ronski/7hpa/dsc01378.jpg
later!
Ronski
Cool, thanks for the pic. Good luck, you have a completelly different light system, but it could work.
I will show you the result, this week.
You’re right. mine looks pretty different from yours.
It also uses 2 AA bateries, so I think there won’t be a problem.
Really great webpage by the way.
Ha! I did the same mod a couple of months back, and it rocks!
http://8bitcollective.com/forums/viewtopic.php?pid=54455#p54455
Cool nice work, same wavelength man! I like the extra AAA boost, looks like yours had to be a bit more involved.
The resistors that should be in the circuit aren’t there to reduce voltage… they’re called “current limiting resistors” so they don’t blow out the LEDs before their rated lifespan by keeping them from having too much current going through them. This is required even on a 3v system if you want the best results.
KT, I completely agree with you. The current limiting resistor is required in most cases.
However I’m guessing that in this case will be fine because of such low voltage and the corresponding low current.
http://led.linear1.org/why-do-i-need-a-resistor-with-an-led/1/
http://linear1.org/i/led-curve.gif
Let me conduct an experiment with 2 LEDs on a 2 AA battery pack and get back to everyone about how long they operate.