Installing an 101 LCD into an AGS-001 + brightness controller mod

Parts for this mod are available at BennVenn.Com and RetroModding.Com
You can do either mod, or both together. The same applies in GBA systems, the only difference is the location of the Start, Up and Down pads which you can find with a quick google or a multimeter.
Likewise for the GBC, though the Backlight Driver module isn't needed.
I don't suggest using a boost converter without voltage and current limiting - as found on eBay. It's far too easy to destroy the backlight LED's with over-current, or the power switch from excessive peak currents. The 12v pololu module won't be as bright as this purpose built current limited boost module.

[@NinjaChris77]

Oh DAMN!! I had no idea its that complicated, i thought you can just plug the 101 screen in and thats it, lol.

[@dlatua]

me too. fuck this guy lol

[@haloharry97]

@@dlatua I thought you but the screen will be dark.

[@conformconsumeobey2985]

NinjaChris77 You could just do what I did and order an AGS101 and replace the gameboy shell and put a glass screen in there. Boom, brand new gameboy sp ags 101, you could sell it for $150-300 on ebay, no joke. I spent 75 on mine ordered the indigo gameboy shell because indigo is the best color

[@MrGregory777]

You make this look so easy. I'm practicing soldering because I don't know how and I think I'm getting the hang of it. It's still going to take a couple of days or weeks before the parts show up so more time to practice. I don't want to mess up my old GBA SP 001. They are hard to find in my country for a decent price. POS ags 001 go for $40.

[@ArnljotArntsen]

Great video, good tutorial for how to do it. Only my OCD itches when only one color of wire is used ;-)

[@bengrimmett1239]

You should see my first GBC 101 prototype on my facebook page. Hundreds of wires all the same color. I definitely regretted doing that the second a wire broke free...

[@PDAce94]

youre so good at what you do, man. im impressed :)

[@bengrimmett1239]

Thanks!

[@stclairstclair]

I Boiled mine, Then i remembered thats for the NES 72 pin connector.

[@ghostisblack]

Can you PLEASE make a video on installing a voltage reg on an agb101 mod. I cant find one anywhere

[@jekunP]

I'm interested to know if there's also a way to make an AGS-001 LCD work effectively with AGS-101 Board. (The reverse version of this YT video.) I tried it, but the AGS-001 screen displays inverted colors and white pixels appear as black. Adjusting the trimming pot made subtle changes, but not enough to correct the inverted colors. It may seem to not make sense doing this, but it actually does make sense, since plenty of AGS-001 LCD are very affordable in online shops in our place(Asia). It also serves as a reliable replacement part for owners of AGS-001 GBASP, and potentially an alternative for AGS-101 GBASP owners who would still be satisfied with a simpler front-lit LCD screen as a replacement for their consoles.

[@Vistrus]

When are you going to restock? Itching to do something during quarantine

[@grimclawdraven1065]

@BennVennElectronics Can i send u my GBA SP so you mod the better screen in for me? Of course ill pay for the materials and the worktime.

[@ziyaadahmedvajeth580]

Wish I could do this to my ags 001...you make it look so easy...

[@OVERLOARD949494]

Can you make a video with both mods for the original gba?

[@DhinCardoso]

UP! [↑]

[@jukes4499]

If it adds up to be cheaper than buying a new AGS-101 console, couldn't you also get a used one and then put the motherboard and the screen into a new shell?

[@DhinCardoso]

@BennVenn how the sleep works on a GBA 101 Mod? Leave the hole unwired?

[@DhinCardoso]

Dude! Where are you? Do an easy to follow scheme for the original GBA 101 modded... and explain better whats happening =( I bought all your mods but can't figure what to do with them...

[@deadalpeca8099]

What gauge of wire are you using here? (in awg)

[@ПростоТак-ъ8г]

Отличное видео! Спасибо BennVennElectronics.

[@Otigyrum]

Wondering when these boards will be restocked, both are sold out on your website!

[@DeadGyro]

What happens if I don't solder brightness control?

[@romanschlichter1058]

can you give us links to where we can buy both mods

[@Conchobhar]

I want to do this mod, but 256 brightness levels is a bit much. I'd like it to work like an original SP, where pressing the brightness button toggles between dim and bright like on an AGS-101. Can that be done with modification to your tutorial?

[@bennvennelectronics]

Yes you can add a resistor and not use the brightness controller board and keep it like an original with Low/High or On/Off

[@Conchobhar]

@@bennvennelectronics Just switch out the board with a resistor? Thanks for replying!

[@Lumalee]

Can you do this without the brightness controller? Can you just install the AGS 101 screen on the AGS 001 system? Do you need any converters

[@lastwave4321]

Hello, I don't get if we need to do the step described at the beginning of the video 0:10 + install of the backlight controller or just the install of the backlight controller in order to make an AGS 101 screen work in an AGS 001 ? I only installed the backlight controller and my console doesn't turn on anymore

[@edericoreichard1990]

Is it possible to brighten the screen without buying the controllers and without using a resister? The resister doesn’t allow the case to close up properly. And! The controller is too expensive to mod

[@ratchetclank9474]

Hi I know this video has been posted 4 years back... However I just have a burning question.... I saw you soldered the positive and negative directly from the battery terminal to the voltage regular at 6:05. Wouldn't it cause unnecessary battery drain even when the console is switched off? Correct me if I am wrong since I am not as experience as you. I think it would be better to get the positive and negative from the power switch itself to avoid unnecessary battery drain when switched off. Just a humble opinion.

[@bennvennelectronics]

When the Boost IC is not running, it consumes 0.1uA of current, or .0001mA. This is so low that your standard 900mah battery will take something like 1000 days to run down. So yes, while it is more drain than running through the switch, it is significantly better for the switches longevity not switching the additional current when its running and the power draw while off is pretty much negligible.

[@tecving8326]

What is the name of the tape you used for the circuits?

[@meezuswalks9578]

*Can you do this to a standard ags 101 with just the brightness controller*

[@GoldenMidget707]

What are the little connecting wires called

[@omrydadon67]

I just finished modding an AGS-101 into an original GBA and a battery mod for the console from a different video using two SP batteries. I understood the concept of those mods. This one im having more trouble with. I have an AGS-001 and the frontlight died on me not long ago. All i want to do is install a 101 screen into the 001, so i really only need to understand the 101 driver board install. Is there a way you could upload a diagram to the description? This seems to be the only video on youtube that involves the mod and parts i need, but because of the brightness controller mod im confused as to what goes where.

[@SuperSnipingBros]

Omry Dadon Hi there! All you need to do is watch until 6:42

[@DomenicoCalautti]

I have a game boy advance sp AGS 101 with faulty screen, i ordered a new screen from internet, i can only plug it on mobo? Thanks in advance!

[@monoloro]

Wondering if the backlight controller would work with sp frontlit GBC? I got the board but just cannot find a tutorial on how to install. Thanks for the video and also the awesome parts!

[@videoavenue7987]

Can I pay you to restore my childhood gameboy? The backlight is broken, the gameboy is worn and old but I want to restore it because it’s important to me that it’s the same one. Can you help me out?

[@pajretX]

I made a mod without the brightness control and the battery life is just dramatic to say the least. My question is: How does the brightness control work in terms of power consumption? Will it use the same amount of power from battery and the excess of unneeded power (as selected by brightness level) will be dissipated as heat by this controller or will it take less power from the battery start with? Second option will definitely increase battery life. The first one - not so much ;)

[@GoodbyeSentience]

Hey BennVenn, I have two questions if you don't mind. First I'm just curious, why is the 'sleep' hole of the driver board soldered to the first pin of the cartridge reader? Also, I think I'd want to only install the LED driver board and hopefully use the brightness button as it works on an original SP, with a 'low' and a 'high' setting. I saw the facebook post you made about this (i.imgur.com/4CI1AW0.jpg) so I know I have to solder a resistor somewhere, but how would I go about doing that with the method you show in your video here? Should I connect the resistor and wire to the "BT-" and then connect that wire to the negative pad of the backlight ribbon cable? By the way, thank you so much for making this video and making this information available!

[@bengrimmett1239]

The gameboy shuts off power to the cart when sleeping. So I use this as a sense wire for my regulator. It seems some GBAs don't so I'd suggest following retromoddings guide using a tap from a capacitor. You're correct with your plan on going from Gnd to backlight negative

[@GoodbyeSentience]

Hey Ben, thanks for the quick reply! That's good to know about the ground to backlight negative, thanks. As for the sleep function wiring, the retromodding guide has a good image showing where to find C35 on the AGB motherboard, but I'm having trouble finding C35 on the AGS (Gameboy SP) motherboard. I found some decent pictures of the AGS-001 motherboard here: gbhwdb.gekkio.fi/consoles/ags/XJF10485171.html I see C33 and C34 on the lower left hand corner of the front of the board. And I can find C36, C37, and C38 all kinda spread out on the right hand side of the back of the board. I might just be blind but I can't seem to find that darn C35. If you or anyone could help with this I would really appreciate it.

[@92000]

How much more battery it drains?

[@djjomel710]

Not trying to be snarky or anything, but what makes this method easier than the first one shown?

[@bennvennelectronics]

No Software, No Drivers, No menu's to navigate, Faster

[@StanMoi]

And just remplace it with new chines screen will it be better ?

[@geekzer713]

I like this video ;) good job man!

[@Yoyofruit]

I'm going to do that mod but I've already cut a trace as the first method with the wires required it. Will it affect in any way the mod with the voltage regulator? Thank you!

[@vynaltheworld4092]

What are tracers because I dont know please help

[@duscha55]

Im so confused! xD I guess this mod is whitout the ribbon-cable with the brightnes switch (if you mod a GBA and not SP) Does this mod make the Screen brighter on GBA if you compare it to the switch Ribbon-cable mod? witch one is best? switch cable or driver board mod??? (on a original GBA, not SP)

[@deerlyqueery]

So, following this tutorial to get my GBA SP 001 a 101 screen (without the brightness controller) works but doesn't get a bright light at all. It's the same level brightness as the 001 screen would get. Anyone know what's up? I'm new to modding tech and such.

[@allanroopan1288]

whats the name of the components you used

[@ElAndresRodriguez]

Great video. Where did you get all the parts from?

[@andrealombardo1119]

He makes them

[@whatsupbossanova]

Hopefully one day I can become a hardware guru and make mods like these

[@lunabeans9152]

Does the backlight turn off or is it just dim

[@jpxdude]

Hey there, great video! Thank you! I’m very interested in this mod, however when I see replacement ags-101 screens online, they seem to come with both a 32 pin and 40 pin ribbon with a single red wire to solder. Is that red wire required for this mod to an ags-001 board? Thanks for your help!

[@bengrimmett1239]

jpxdude no, not required

[@aureycol-hos4290]

Can u give me a link to this stuff? I'm looking on the websites but cannot find anything

[@Spintechfilms]

Retromodding.com has all the modding components mentioned in this video if still interested

[@abindieflasche100]

Woah great work, could you recommend a soldering iron for those tiny works?

[@92000]

There are IPS screens for about $40 on Ali. better than 101 and come with controller that let you solder only 1 wire (if you want brightness control)

[@dontgoplastic]

Hi! Thanks for this very detailed and beginner friendly video. This was my first real soldering project and and I didn't have any problems installing the LCD or either chip. I am however having problems fitting the case back together without a bulge. I have the chips swapped for a better fit (like you mention at 9:48). I don't have any excess bunching or "stacking" of chips/wires from what I can tell. I've spent hours now trying to reposition everything so that nothing gets pinched by the plastic shell "posts" when closing, but I can't quite seem to get it! Anyt tips or thoughts? If not I'll just keep at it. FYI, I have what I think is the next most recent version of the red chip that you released after the one shown in the video. Thanks again!

[@OOOAAAIII]

I have done a voltage regulator install on an SP and have found that even when the regulator board was absolutely flat on the pcb, it still wouldn't 100% fit, the soldered wires on top were just a little too much to fit under the battery part. Could be because I used an aftermarket shell, don't know if those might be a little bit thicker maybe. It wasn't too bad at all though, wasn't hard to close and can't really notice it.

[@redredimir5450]

How install lcd 101 into ags-001 without brightness controller?

[@liracul]

If you check my reply to pieta at the bottom of the comment chain, i detail what parts of the video to skip. Good luck!

[@SMARTKILLER1331]

How do I add the Digital Brightness Controller to the AGS 101 mod on the Gameboy Color?!

[@DeanREnglish_Gunpla]

PneuBae, you don’t. The GBC doesn’t have an on board brightness button.

[@cypherslayer3722]

Where do I find the LED controller

[@bennvennelectronics]

Discontinued 4yrs ago, you can find clones of them on aliexpress or other retro stores

[@cypherslayer3722]

@@bennvennelectronics thank you I’m clearly late to the party lol. I’ll keep looking if u happen to have a dependable link that helps too

[@katbone1369]

Nice job, I would have enough patient

[@Usenext87]

Hello Can you send me a picture without the brightness function?

[@bengrimmett1239]

Of a black screen?

[@jonc2914]

any news on GBC blacklit lcd prototype?

[@bengrimmett1239]

Yes, 101s are getting expensive so there are a few protos on my desk using cheaper screens. I'll post a pic when in happy with the results

[@ChrisMX9]

If you don't install the digital Brightness controller will the Backlight button function the same as an Ags 101 or will it just power on and off the backlight ?

[@bennvennelectronics]

PixCub it'll just be on or off

[@ChrisMX9]

BennVennElectronics Ok :)

[@ChrisMX9]

BennVennElectronics so is there a way to make the screen work like an original Ags 101 without the brightness controller ?

[@bennvennelectronics]

PixCub with dual brightness? Yes, there are pics on my Facebook. Or I could make a video If it's easier?

[@ChrisMX9]

BennVennElectronics yes with the dual brightness setting and If you could make a video that would be awesome :) I'll check your Facebook too. Thank you for your really fast responses

[@hernanlopezpardo4076]

Model of brightnes controller and led controller please.

[@hernanlopezpardo4076]

lm317?

[@stvgrz9394]

Its really complicated.. but i was lucky when ive got the ags 101 model cheaply from the FB;s marketplace.. but really you did a nice job there.

[@zhivkomarinov5449]

Why the manufacturer doesn't make recall about light problem on this model of Nintendo?

[@MrGregory777]

Huh? You want them to make a recall on a 20 year old piece of technology?

[@monococcyx2066]

So do you have to change screen or can you use the ags-001 screen with this mod?

[@DeanREnglish_Gunpla]

Mono Coccyx - ags101 is the mod

[@archysanvictores6218]

BennVennElectronics, Hi can you please tell me where can I get the LCD and Brightness controller? thanks

[@bennvennelectronics]

Archy Sanvictores retromodding or bennvenn.com

[@vitzie629]

BennVennElectronics Is the voltage regulator necessary for the digital backlight brightness controller on an AGS- 101 SP?

[@bennvennelectronics]

Vitzie629’s Channel not on a 101, no

[@vitzie629]

BennVennElectronics The voltage regulator is NOT required while doing the digital brightness controller mod on an AGS-101?

[@SomeSunshineOutside]

i love this

[@jacobsexton8574]

Would love to get my hands on those two boards from your website or if someone can show me somewhere else to get them, shut up and take my money!

[@pieta9097]

Please make a video on how to install a voltage regulator

[@vitzie629]

pieta On what console are you doing the voltage regulator mod on?

[@pieta9097]

Vitzie629’s Channel GBA (with a 101 screen) I know there are guides on Retro Modding but i am too dumb for this

[@vitzie629]

pieta Okay!

[@pieta9097]

Casper Films no

[@pieta9097]

Casper Films actually no

[@juanitop4863]

Where do you get the red wires

[@bennvennelectronics]

Juan Hernandez 30# wire-wrap wire

[@juanitop4863]

BennVennElectronics thanks

[@HiNu7]

can you do a video on the voltage regulator? please?

[@liracul]

Check my reply to pietas comment chain its at the very bottom.

[@LouisManofMusic]

What kind of tape ?

[@bennvennelectronics]

MONSTER's CORNER kapton

[@LouisManofMusic]

BennVennElectronics thanks

[@WH250398]

FLEXTAPE

[@pentiummmx2294]

ags systems are sooooo rare. they are like $120 all the way to $300 or higher.

[@pabloaldana2034]

lol I got my GBA SP AGS-101 for 50 bucks...

[@Rolly_951]

Yeah...I can take it apart but that's about it. This shit looking like rocket science plus the fact that i can possibly fuck up 2 SPs...yeah this is a no go for me.

[@runforitman]

What gauge wire is that?

[@bengrimmett1239]

runforitman 30#

[@JoelHernandez-uw2qt]

If I mailed you my GBA SP 001 model , could you mod it for me lol

[@TrollTvMC]

Someone wanna do this for me 😅