Q5 IPS Retro Pixel
This is our install guide for the Funnyplaying Q5 Retro Pixel IPS mod.
Video Guide
YouTubeGetting Started
Required Tools & Parts
Soldering Iron
Tweezers
PH1 screwdriver
Y1 Tri-point screwdriver
Game Boy DMG speaker (Harvesting your old one is fine!)
Take Inventory
Ensure you have all parts included with this kit. See below.
Screen alignment bracket is sold separately.
Funnyplaying Q5 Retro Pixel Kit Includes:
LCD control adapter board
Ribbon cable for main board/LCD board
IPS Panel
IPS control flex PCB
Screen adhesive
All parts laid out
Prerequisite Steps
Follow our Disassembly Guide.
Leave the main board in the rear housing. Removal is unnecessary.
Test before installation! When you receive a backlight/LCD kit, you should perform a dry run before installing to assure that nothing has been damaged in transit. A dry run or test fit means the kit is not installed in the shell. This includes the use of adhesives, brackets, and any performed soldering. All ribbon cables should have no bends or creases in them. If you are unsure how to perform a dry run, please contact our support team and we will be happy to help. Backlight kits that have been installed are not eligible for replacement or return.
LCD may break if put under too much pressure or dropped. Please exercise extreme caution when installing.
Recommended setup for dry test
Install Guide
Solder Speaker to IPS board
Solder your speaker to the new IPS control board as shown. The polarity of these wires does not matter.
Speaker ready to go!
Set Up IPS Panel Assembly
Connect the IPS panel to the IPS control board as shown. This is easier done on a completely flat workspace.
Lining up the connector
Connector fully installed
The rear of the flex control pcb has a small strip of adhesive. Peel the adhesive backing and stick the control board to the rear of the IPS panel as shown.
Got that peeling feeling
IPS control fpc lined up
Place the IPS display assembly into the alignment bracket. The longer portion of the flex PCB should stick out through the wide opening in the rear side of the alignment bracket as shown.
IPS panel assembly ready!
IPS Control Board Adapter Assembly
Insert the larger ribbon cable into the larger FPC connector as shown. This is a pressure fit connector. Use a firm but gentle force to push this cable into place.
Connect the IPS assembly to the IPS control board as shown. Latch the bale on both sides to ensure a proper connection.
Shell Modifications
A Funnyplaying shell was used in this guide which will have the viewing window pre-cut for the Q5 LCD, no further trimming necessary. For all other shells, including IPS-ready shells (not Q5 modified), you will need to remove 1mm of plastic around the window of the shell - it looks like a beveled edge:
For original shells, you will need to enlarge the viewing window as seen above and flush cut two of the screw holes on the front half of the shell.
If fitment issues are noted/console is closing too tight, optional step to trim this area:
Install IPS board
Add all buttons and membranes to the front shell. Optionally, apply the screen adhesive. **We recommend against using the screen adhesive for this particular mod as the new bracket does a wonderful job of holding the screen in position.
Line up the holes on the alignment bracket with the screw posts on the front shell. This should be a nearly perfect fit. Take your time to ensure everything sits flush against the front of the shell. Fold the IPS board into place and ensure the speaker is fitted properly to its cutout in the shell.
Check the contrast/adjustment wheel to ensure it sits properly in the shell. Trim any plastic that may be touching the wheel.
If your contrast wheel is still sticking and binding, then you should trim down these through hole pins. Trim them and then reflow them to ensure there is no extra height above the board. You may also want to perform the shell modifications in the contrast wheel area mentioned above.
Install the 8 PH1 screws to hold the IPS control board in place.
Final Assembly
Connect the IPS control board assembly to the main board via the larger end of the ribbon cable.
Replace the 6 Y1 screws on the rear housing.
Installation complete!
Install some fresh AA batteries or a CleanJuice battery mod, and you're all set!
Product Controls
Toggling the control wheel up/down adjusts the brightness. Press the control wheel in once to switch to color palette switch mode. Toggling the control wheel up/down will change the color displayed. Long press (five seconds) to change Pixel modes.
Troubleshooting
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to support@handheldlegend.com
An American Classic