Psone Screen help

[SDCEX]

Okay, I just finished my portable n64 but the problem is, I can play for about 10 mins and then the screen becomes black with a faded picture in the background, but the n64 is still running. Anyone care to provide any info?

[Designer noob]

So, there is no back light on the screen? I believe that the screen isn't getting enough voltage or amps. What kind of batteries are you using?

[SDCEX]

I am using a 7.2v 3300 mah Ni-MC battery, the screen seems to fade away.

[Designer noob]

yeah, the battery is the issue.

You are using a 7.2v 3300mah battery

7.2v is not enough to run the screen it needs around 7.5v. So, after a while your voltage drops below 7v and the backlighting on the screen doesn't work. 3300mah is not enough to run your portable long maybe a hour. You need to get batteries that are at most 8.4v when full charged and around 6000mah.

[SDCEX]

I see, but I though that 7.2v was good enough for the n64 and screen, after reading a few post? I was wondering if pin12 connected to the 5v leg will solve this? because it seems as though the screen simply shuts off after awhile. if not i'll just get a new battery.

[Designer noob]

The backlighting which is a CCFL takes a lot of voltage to run. Your 7.2v battery does work, but after a while it goes to 7.1, 7.0, 6.9 which won't run the screen.

You could always do the LED mod, which will let your screen run off that battery I believe.

[SDCEX]

I was wondering, what if i was to just add another battery pack, just for the screen, will this work? or is the led mod the way to go? if not bigger battery just for the whole portable?

[Designer noob]

If you have the money for a another battery to power just the screen go ahead, but it will still need to be above 7.5v. Also, you could do both get another battery and LED mod it. You would save MAh and have a lot of play time.

[SDCEX]

okay, i will post what happens next after i decide on what to do,thanks for the help, been really helpful, really appreciate it!!

[schmellyfart]

The psone screen (led modded or not) runs fine off of 7.2 volts, noob. Where did you pick up that myth? My PSone portable runs fine off of 7.2v NI CADS 2000mah, unmodded screen.

SDCEX, when the screen turns black, can you still see the picture easily? Or do you have to shine a light on it to see the picture?

[Designer noob]

yeah, the back light which is a CCFL is turning off. That is why the screen is going dark. This means that it isn't getting enough voltage for it to stay on.

[SDCEX]

The picture seems to be really dark, looks like there is no light in the picture. I just tried my battery again, It worked fine for a couple of minutes, then all of a sudden it starts to fade and the screen becomes black but you can see the faded images in the screen still.

[schmellyfart]

Do you have a multimeter? Check the voltage of the battery. Also make sure the transformer at the top of the screen is securely soldered and the screens back light is connected securely as well.

If it comes down to it, try bridging one of the fuses at the bottom of the board.

[SDCEX]

Just checked the voltage of the battery, it was 7.48, everything else on the screen as you mentioned, transformer and such seemed fined.

[Designer noob]

Your battery isn't 7.2v its 8.4v when fully charged. That should be enough to run the screen for a long time.

Thing to fix it:
1. Make sure the plug going into the circuit board from the screen is securely inserted. the ony right next to the transformer.

2. Edit: I don't know how putting solder of a fuse will help? Do, you know what fuses do? That either stop it or let it through. If his screen was working for 10 minutes and then stops its not the fuse. The fuse can't break its connection and then repair it on the N64. They are the ones that break when to much voltage goes through. If you put solder of the fuse and ruin it and you make a mistake bye bye screen, not worth it. The fuse is there for a purpose so, I would keep it and then just do the LED mod.

Idea: If we can't fix this issue don't wory. You can have just as good back lighting using the LED mod as the CCFL light. The corners will be a little bright, but I think you can put reflective backing so, the light is all spread out.