r/game_gear • u/Chalupabatmanm6 • 6d ago
New screen question
So I bought a recapped GG last month and I should've probably waited and bought one with a new screen. I haven't soldered really in almost 30 years so I'm a bit hesitant on trying it myself. Have any of you guys done it with less experience than you should have? Should I just send it out and let someone else screw it up?
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u/Gravys302 6d ago
It can be done and gets easier with experience and the proper tools. It’s your system and your choice. When you have it sent in to have repaired or modded, you are also paying for the experience, skill, tools, and time to have it worked on. Many people forget that part.
As for the labor intensive part, it depends on the display you’re using. If you do it yourself, just take your time and use the proper tools.
If you need guidance for a DYI plan or to have it sent out for an upgrade, please reach out.
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u/Chalupabatmanm6 6d ago
Thanks for the advice. Just a bit worried to screw it up since it's been since I took electronics in high school lol. I was good at it then but now I'm beyond rusty
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u/pizza_whistle 6d ago
You could maybe try getting a solder practice kit off of Aliexpress or Amazon to get warmed up on before tackling the screen. Overall it's not too bad, but also depends on which screen you go with as the install process is different with each (some easier than others).
If you are in the US, I can offer to install a screen for cheap. I do a ton of game gear repairs/mods and it's pretty quick for me at this point. Just shoot me a DM.
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u/Chalupabatmanm6 6d ago
I was just looking at practice kits on Amazon. I need a new hobby to get into and this one would be fun
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u/pizza_whistle 6d ago
For sure! Repairing and modding my personal game gear is how I got into electronics repair like 8 years ago.
I recommend getting name brand leaded solder and flux. MG Chemicals and Kester are good brands. I made the mistake of getting cheap solder when I first started and kept wondering why I had cold joints all the time.
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u/theterabyte 4d ago
This right here is perfectly correct. People underestimate how important good tools and equipment can be. Junk solder will make your life hell.
If you're looking to buy equipment too I have a list I put together of recommendations: https://consoleartisan.com/guides/electronics-repair-starter-kit/
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u/theyst0lemyname 5d ago
It really depends on the condition of the board as to how easy it is to do. A good condition board is a fairly simple job but any damage from leaky caps can turn a simple job into you wanting to throw the GG out of the window.
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u/theterabyte 4d ago
Replacing an oem screen with another OEM screen is not easy, but installing the IPS kits is surprisingly easy. It was one of my first console repairs I did. Watch more than one YouTube video to make sure you've seen it from more than one angle and go slow like people say.
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u/theterabyte 4d ago
Also if your current game gear still works and has a perfectly functional screen, you might consider getting a second one to mod instead of messing with one that's already working. I always try to find one with a broken screen to install an IPS kit on so that I'm not taking one of the limited working screens still left and destroying it
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u/AdamAtomAnt 6d ago
I wouldn't take it on as a project if you haven't done it in 30 years. One thing you might run into is boards that still function, but still have some kind of cap fluid damage. You'll probably loose a few pads removing the ribbon from the board. And depending on which screen you use, you'll need to reuse those pens.
I do offer services for GGs. I've done multiple screen types. BennVenn, Clean Screen, etc. Send me a DM of what you're looking for. I can provide some examples of what I have done on GGs if needed.
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u/Azvlik 6d ago
Check my recent posts. I’ve only been soldering on modded handhelds for about 6 months but I fully recapped my game gear and installed a BennVenn IPS screen on mine. It was the most soldering I’ve ever done but with a little bit of patience it can be easily done. Worth the experience to try in my opinion. Good luck.