Who can fix my Virtual Boy?

[Mobius]

Hello... I'm looking for someone that can do the permanent solder fix on my Virtual Boy (this one: http://www.projectvb.com/displayfix.html#Solder). If you can do it, or if you know of someone who can, please let me know. I did the oven trick in the past, but it didn't last, so I'd like a real fix.

I can take out the display pieces and send only those, to save a few steps.


Edit: Or this method, take your pick. I just want it soldered! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQC4c9Lylg4

[APE992]

I've done similar with a model 2 Sega Saturn modchip to get it fitted into a model 1 Saturn. Using sodium hydroxide to eat away the plastic isn't a half bad idea either.

[Mobius]

I've done similar with a model 2 Sega Saturn modchip to get it fitted into a model 1 Saturn. Using sodium hydroxide to eat away the plastic isn't a half bad idea either.

So, you've never done this particular fix before? It's supposedly a pretty difficult job. I think I'd feel more comfortable with someone who had, but if you're willing to give a discount for being a guinea pig, maybe we can work something out.

[APE992]

Not this exact thing no:
http://www.segastyle.com/model1Alt.html

Not my guide but if you scroll down you'll see a very similar process needs to be done to the ribbon to solder it directly to the modchip. I did the same thing though I scraped the ribbon away with a x-acto knife to expose the copper. Sodium Hydroxide is a much cleaner method and should be a snap.

Plus I was looking for an excuse to buy a pound in order to convert it into elemental sodium for some fun with water. The process is basically the same thing and if I break something I will replace it 100% to your liking. I have Sega Saturn ribbons to practice on before I would even try this and if there is a Virtual Boy on eBay suffering from the same problem I'd want to buy it to try it out first.

There also might be a third method for this. Since it's FFC one might be able to solder a socket of sorts to the board and simply insert the ribbon into the socket. These cables are used in many, many consoles and electronic devices so it wouldn't surprise me if an equivalent couldn't be sourced. I'd have to know the exact dimensions of the ribbon to even think about sourcing a connector and even then Nintendo may have made their ribbon more/less custom forcing a customization to make it all work.

[Mobius]

The part of the cable that attaches to the LED assembly is about an inch wide with about 30 pins. Each solder point would be about a millimeter wide, at most. A socket is an interesting idea, but as I think about it, probably unnecessary. The problem is that Nintendo's manufacturing method wore out over time. The ideal connection would be permanent.

Almost every Virtual Boy ends up with display problems, so they're pretty common to find broken on eBay. Several are listed now.

So, how would we do this? Would you buy one from eBay to practice on first, then if all goes well, I send you mine?

[APE992]

So, how would we do this? Would you buy one from eBay to practice on first, then if all goes well, I send you mine?

Sounds good to me. I'll watch eBay and see if I can nab one at a good price. Always wanted a Virtual Boy.

[MachineGex]

If you can do this, let me know. I need one done as well. I also need my Turbo Express(low sound) fixed.

[xelement5x]

chop5 on the PCEngineFX forums fixed my Virtual Boy maybe six months ago and did a fair amount of testing before he sent it back to me. Plus, he has a custom Gamebit he made to open the system without drilling out and screw holes and then replaced my screws with stock phillips so it could be opened easier in the future.

I had a good experience and the price wasn't too bad so I'd recommend him.

[Mobius]

chop5 on the PCEngineFX forums fixed my Virtual Boy maybe six months ago and did a fair amount of testing before he sent it back to me. Plus, he has a custom Gamebit he made to open the system without drilling out and screw holes and then replaced my screws with stock phillips so it could be opened easier in the future.

I had a good experience and the price wasn't too bad so I'd recommend him.

Thanks for the suggestion -- I got ahold of chop5, and it sounds like he'll be able to do it immediately (and for a very reasonable price!).

APE992, thanks, but it looks like I've found someone to do this. You should still learn the fix, though -- the world needs a few more people that can do it!

[APE992]

Thanks for the suggestion -- I got ahold of chop5, and it sounds like he'll be able to do it immediately (and for a very reasonable price!).

APE992, thanks, but it looks like I've found someone to do this. You should still learn the fix, though -- the world needs a few more people that can do it!

Glad to hear it, hopefully they will do a nice job. I'm in the process of acquiring a Virtual Boy so I will probably end up trying this out shortly.