aftermarket (modern) backlighting for early lcb portables.

[VERAULT]

I was just wondering if there has been any advances in adding backlighting to early lcd portables (i.e. IBM 5140 convertible, macintosh portable, Kaypro 2000, Tandy 1400, etc.) that came without backlighting.

I remember some years ago a person or two adding some backlighting using a sheet which was essentially that indiglo lighting on watches and nightlights. I was just wondering if there have been any specific kits or plans for any portable machines to add back-lighting without replacing the LCD.

 

[fjkraan]

Of course could have been done, but the performance of newer machines grew very fast. By the time the upgrade could come to market, the machine for which is was intended was outdated anyhow. Those times were very different from modern days.
Greetings,
Fred Jan

 

[NeXT]

I've seen EL backlight conversions including the same backlit Macintosh Portable like OP mentioned. Many of these projects were looked at a decade or so ago but I don't think they ever were popular enough for more people to do it. One of the big issues was you had to design and integrate the driver for the lighting which often due to very tight tolerances to work in are the bigger issue.

 

[VERAULT]

Of course could have been done, but the performance of newer machines grew very fast. By the time the upgrade could come to market, the machine for which is was intended was outdated anyhow. Those times were very different from modern days.
Greetings,
Fred Jan

Im sorry not sure what you are saying. What does the performance of newer machines have to do with anything?!

 

[VERAULT]

I've seen EL backlight conversions including the same backlit Macintosh Portable like OP mentioned. Many of these projects were looked at a decade or so ago but I don't think they ever were popular enough for more people to do it. One of the big issues was you had to design and integrate the driver for the lighting which often due to very tight tolerances to work in are the bigger issue.

Im surprised its not out there on the more common machines. Like the IBM 5140. There are plenty of those out there with no backlight.

 

[NeXT]

The issue Techknight ran into with the mac portable EL panel was sizing it. I can't remember if he ordered a panel that was custom fit at crazy expense or if he just took scissors to it and somehow reattached the cathode/anode after.

 

[VERAULT]

The scissor method is what im thinking is the only option. I just wantes to se if maybe i missed some nrw developments.

 

[fjkraan]

Im sorry not sure what you are saying. What does the performance of newer machines have to do with anything?!

To upgrade a vintage computer to a better readable vintage computer it is very reasonable. No issue there.
But at the time area of the IBM 5140 convertible, any upgrade would come at a time the much faster IBM AT or even 80386 systems would be on the market, making the convertible more or less unusable software-wise, even with backlit screen. So I was referring to possible upgrades from the 1986 time frame. Nowadays hardware evolves much slower.
Greetings,
Fred Jan

 

[VERAULT]

To upgrade a vintage computer to a better readable vintage computer it is very reasonable. No issue there.
But at the time area of the IBM 5140 convertible, any upgrade would come at a time the much faster IBM AT or even 80386 systems would be on the market, making the convertible more or less unusable software-wise, even with backlit screen. So I was referring to possible upgrades from the 1986 time frame. Nowadays hardware evolves much slower.
Greetings,
Fred Jan

I see what you are saying. However I think the 5140 was available in both backlight and non-backlight models. Mine is the nonbacklight model. If I recall the backligbt variety was noy very good. More akin to early digital watxh lights which barely worked.

 

[syntax error]

Im surprised its not out there on the more common machines. Like the IBM 5140. There are plenty of those out there with no backlight.

Mine included. It would have been nice to have a backlight on it. At least mine has the high contrast LCD.

My Brother Powernote has a EL backlight and it's sure nice when the lighting is low.

With all the advances in LED it should be pretty easy to backlight something. Back in the 90's there were EL backlight mods for the HP 200LX Palmtop. If I was to do it today I think I would first try LED over an EL backlight

 

[Byteshift]

I recently added a backlight to my TRS-80 Model 100 using parts scavenged and cut down from an old LCD panel. I use my 100 all the time as a convenient serial terminal, and the backlight was a huge quality-of-life upgrade, especially while finishing the design of my Model I serial card. I'll be doing a complete writeup on my site eventually, but I will say that I really don't recommend it, as it required relocating some of the display driver ICs slightly.