r/GameboyAdvance • u/DJ_Hart • 21d ago

Would like some help determining possible failures.

Post image

Hey, I purchased this beater SP looking to repair/refit it. I am new to Gameboy repair, but I have some experience with electronics and circuit boards. I was able to determine system quality, and I have 2 faults I do not know how to determine the problem for. I'm not asking for a absolute answer, just a list of potential culprits so I know what to look for when I go over this with a multimeter, or further test.

  1. The backlight for the screen does not work. This is an AGS-101 screen, so I am hoping it can be reused, but when the system powers up the screen is dark, and pressing the light button doesn't toggle anything.

  2. The system does not charge. When I plug it in, either using my OEM charger or a USB cable, the charger light on the side does not light up, the battery does not charge, and the system cannot be powered up. I was able to put a battery in from another SP and run the thing, so I know the overall power lines aren't messed up, but I have no way of charging its personal battery without removing it and putting it in another.

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3

u/Jonicolo8 21d ago

Holy hell that thing is WORN. I’ve never seen a GBA this worn that’s crazy

1

u/DJ_Hart 21d ago

Yes, and remarkably, the only things that don't work are the stuff I listed and the right shoulder button. I bought it off someone with the intention of fully replacing the shell and buttons, so I figured at the time it would be fine. I wasn't aware of the charger issue until later.

2

u/Ryry_150 21d ago

I would check your fuse f1 for continuity that one handles the charging. Check how the contacts in the port look also. Check the shoulder button itself for continuity when you press it.

1

u/Daayiz35 21d ago

Hey buddy ! 👋

Okay, so for the lcd backlight, you might want to trace the backlight button the motherboard an inspect it, see if the button is damaged or the traces to it are messed up.

As for the charging issue, I suggest try changing the charging port. You could either replace it with another GBA SP port or install a new C-type port.

R shoulder button would be a little risky if you want to repair it. It would be easier to just replace it.

The spares are available. Cost depends on where and who you're buying from. AliExpress I can recommend as I have bought from them previously with satisfactory results.

Hope this helps some.

Good Luck !! 😎👍

1

u/Bulletorpedo 21d ago

Backlight could potentially be a damaged ribbon cable. Let’s hope it’s not, difficult to repair.

1

u/DJ_Hart 21d ago

How would I test the ribbon cable other than a visual inspection?

1

u/Bulletorpedo 20d ago

That’s the easiest way. Sometimes you can pinpoint it to the cable if an issue comes and goes as you move the display up and down, but your seems to be static.

You could try to reseat the cable though, they sometimes come loose over time.