GBA Lit Screen- How?

[Aswald]

I've used a GBA a while back, and I'm wondering how the screen is lit.

Is it actually "backlit," in the usual sense, or is Nintendo using a piece of plastic over the screen capable of reflecting a light source from the sides downward? I've noticed that if you do this with an ordinary piece of plexiglass, light comes from the sides. So, if they cut it a certain way, maybe it can shine down (refraction? reflection?).

Anyone here know? If it is the glass, maybe I can modify my GBC to be lit in the same way.

Currently, I'm trying to install a charge indicator light. Since the AC adapter is 3.0V, and the batteries are 2.4 V, combined it would be 2.7V.
So, if I can find a zener diode that would be 1.6V if the actual voltage must be 1V higher, or 2.0V if 0.6V, then a simple 1 or 2mA LED would do the rest.

[Lozza]

I've used a GBA a while back, and I'm wondering how the screen is lit.

Is it actually "backlit," in the usual sense, or is Nintendo using a piece of plastic over the screen capable of reflecting a light source from the sides downward? I've noticed that if you do this with an ordinary piece of plexiglass, light comes from the sides. So, if they cut it a certain way, maybe it can shine down (refraction? reflection?).

Anyone here know? If it is the glass, maybe I can modify my GBC to be lit in the same way.

Currently, I'm trying to install a charge indicator light. Since the AC adapter is 3.0V, and the batteries are 2.4 V, combined it would be 2.7V.
So, if I can find a zener diode that would be 1.6V if the actual voltage must be 1V higher, or 2.0V if 0.6V, then a simple 1 or 2mA LED would do the rest.

Sorry! I only just understood what you're trying to do... You might want to try the Afterburner light kit:

http://www.goldenshop.com.hk/AI-trad/gba/backlit.htm

It was made for the GBA before the SP, but it probably works with GBC or even NGPC. I've yet to try it on either my GBA or my NGPC though.

[Aswald]

That would depend.

There is a nifty accessory for the GBC called a Wormlight. It appears to be a white LED. Such require at least 3.6V to work, yet it does with a 2.4V source.

Therefore, there is something in the GBC capable of converting the voltage, and a multitester confirms that the plug is a 4.0V source. So you could hook up such a light directly, even adding a tiny switch to the side.

The problem is space. the inside of a GBC does NOT leave much room, although a white LED can be filed down to a smaller size.

I have to find out about the "ring." Maybe you can buy it separately, and shape it to size?