I've still got mine from when I bought it new. Screen rot set it after appx. 9 months of use. Very common problem with these systems. Is there any way to fix this?
"The manufacturing process used to create the Microvision's LCD was primitive by modern standards. Poor sealing and impurities introduced during manufacture has resulted in the condition known as screen rot. The liquid crystal spontaneously leaks and permanently darkens, resulting in a game unit that still plays but is unable to properly draw the screen. While extreme heat (such as resulting from leaving the unit in the sun) can instantly destroy the screen, there is nothing that can be done to prevent screen rot in most Microvisions."
I don't know in particular, I have wondered the same as I have one of these that miraculously works, but wondered if its fixable. I'm sure a fix could be done, like how Game Boys are modded. The question is would it be worth the expense, since Microvisions are actually pretty cheap. Maybe ask folks who mod handhelds and work with screens?
Would be nice to watch a video to see how it's done? I don't have a clue about circuit boards or modding stuff but in this case I'd like to take chance myself.
Would be nice to watch a video to see how it's done? I don't have a clue about circuit boards or modding stuff but in this case I'd like to take chance myself.
if you have a backgorund with modding id say you have nothing to lose if its broken.
I wouldn't recommend learning-by-doing with something this old and unique. If you "don't have a clue about circuit boards" then modding is definitely a step or two above that. If you don't mind breaking the thing go ahead, they aren't worth a whole lot anyway, but maybe disassemble it as best you can and post pics back here to get some ideas before attempting any work. I am guessing soldering would be involved as well, a screen that old is probably not just connected with a little snap-in ribbon cable like many new ones.
Also the Wiki article mentioned electric shock damage to the unit. I don't know how much you know about handling electronics, but I have built a couple of my PCs from parts, and if you build up static electricity on your hands you can shock and damage the electronic parts. The way to avoid this is to touch something metal immediately before handling the electronics, as the metal takes away the built up static.
If you do go for this, keep us posted. It's a very cool project that I have always wondered about!
Comments
That's what I got from wiki
Originally posted by: shortstop444
Would be nice to watch a video to see how it's done? I don't have a clue about circuit boards or modding stuff but in this case I'd like to take chance myself.
if you have a backgorund with modding id say you have nothing to lose if its broken.
Also the Wiki article mentioned electric shock damage to the unit. I don't know how much you know about handling electronics, but I have built a couple of my PCs from parts, and if you build up static electricity on your hands you can shock and damage the electronic parts. The way to avoid this is to touch something metal immediately before handling the electronics, as the metal takes away the built up static.
If you do go for this, keep us posted. It's a very cool project that I have always wondered about!
Is anyone still trying to find a Polarizing reflector replacement screen for the Microvision?
http://atariage.com/forums/topic/275386-microvision-replacement-screen-project-pre-order-purchase-here/