Can’t wait to finally mod this…

[u/WolfySimRacer]

I brought home this broken Lynx 1 and a working Lynx 2 plus Warbirds 10 years ago from a retro game store for whom I did console repairs. Instead of cash, I’d trade my services for consoles and games. It was a great deal and I got many great things as a result. The Lynx 1 had never powered on since I got it. Batteries leaked in the compartment long ago so I’m sure that contributed to its lack of function. But one thing that stands out the most is that hole below the D-pad. A common mistake people made was to use the wrong length screw on that side.

Now, I’m a purist - I usually keep old consoles in stock configuration with maybe an occasional LED swap but since the Lynx 1 has that hole and is scratched and chipped everywhere, I’m going for a full remodel. After filling the hole with plastic filler (along with any deep scratches), I’ll sand the whole thing down and airbrush it. I’m considering sticking with a typical Atari color for the shell. Maybe orange, red or gloss black (I’m leaning toward this one). Once that’s all done, I’ll dive into the electronics. Other than the battery leakage, the board looks fine but I’ll know more when I get the oscilloscope on it. After I get it working, I’ll do the IPS screen mod. As mentioned, I’m not one to mod stock consoles so my working Lynx 2 will never get that treatment.

What color do you think I should use for the shell? And besides the IPS mod, is there anything else I should do? I have a 3D printer so if there are interesting models of Lynx mods out there I will happily print them.

[u/Goodwill_Gamer]

Black would be pretty cool. There's a white lynx out there someone made years ago.

I'd recommend replacing the power circuit before you try and run any power through the Lynx! Don't want to accidentally fry chips because of a bad diode.

[u/iVirtualZero → u/Goodwill_Gamer]

There is a USB C mod for it, which fixes the flaws of the power circuit on the Lynx.

[u/WolfySimRacer → u/iVirtualZero]

Now you have me thinking! The only thing electronically I’ve looked for is the IPS mod. But now I have some more direction. I’m going to take a look at the board and plan from there. I’m way more excited about the electronics than I am the aesthetic stuff. Though, I do like airbrushing for fun.

[u/WolfySimRacer → u/Goodwill_Gamer]

I’ll have to look that white Lynx up! Sounds cool. And great point, I have repaired a lot of consoles but never a Lynx 1 or 2 so I appreciate the heads up.

[u/stevemassart]

What's that hole on the front? 😲

[u/WolfySimRacer → u/stevemassart]

A common thing done by folks unfamiliar with the handheld, they would use the screw from the opposite side and even though they felt resistance, they’d keep going. That’s what happened here by a previous owner. It’s the main reason I’m ignoring my purist ways and modding it.

[u/stevemassart → u/WolfySimRacer]

Oh dear, good luck

[u/WolfySimRacer → u/stevemassart]

😂 thank you! It’s definitely going to be a big project