DIY LCD Backlight

This simple method lets you make LCD backlight of any color and size to bring new look to an old device.

Step 1: Let's Make Something.

For this job you'll need piece of transparent plastic, LEDs, resistors and some wire plus good set of different tools and couple of straight hands ;-)

Step 2: Take It Apart.

LCD consists of PCB, metal frame and liquid crystal glass assembly.

Step 3: Pull the Skin Off.

Back side of LCD glass is covered with very thin reflective film, which should be removed.

Step 4: Oops! Don't Rush! Think First.

My mistake was that I've removed polarizing filter together with reflective film.
If it happened just use sharp tool to separate them and save filter to put it back later.
See wiki for details.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liquid_crystal_display

Step 5: Get It Cut.

Next cut rectangle piece of plastic.
Sand face and back sides of plastic plate with fine sandpaper to diffuse light then cut notches on sides of plate where you plan to install LEDs.
Shape of LED should be formed with file to fit into the notch

Step 6: Let's Practice Some LEGO ;-)

Something like that.
You can use hot glue to secure it on place.

Step 7: Let's Give It a Trial...

Not bad for me ;-)

Step 8: Bring All Bunnies Into the Cage.

Now everything is ready to be assembled:
-PCB;
-white sheet of paper to reflect light back;
-polarizing filter (if you removed it by mistake);
-plastic plate with embedded LEDs;
-glass assembly;
-frame.

NOTE:
Be very careful with golden pads on PCB and elastomer connector (zebra strip). Use pure alcohol to clean it if you touched contact pads with your fingers.
Another important thing is proper alignment.
If after powering it up you got missing lines (characters) on LCD then connector has shifted from original position. Carefully take it apart and re-align it.

Step 9: Final Step.

I hope you already calculated value of resistors you need.
So, solder it up.
There are two points to get power to LED from.
You can connect it directly to logic power supply (pin 0 - GND, pin 1 - 5V) of LCD.
Or you can make separate connection(on my LCD there were unused pads for optional backlight) and in that case you'll be able to use PWM signal to control brightness of LED.

Step 10: One More Example

I've used similar technique to modify antique analogue meter for my next project.

Comments

[MichaelL22]

I tried this with my 16x1 lcd display. the back light works and everything but when the light is on i cant see the text. when the light is off i m able to read the text. Any idea why its doing that?

[felixmoure]

might me too late, probably yoou are using the same current source for leds an display. try using higher value resistors to limit the current even more or use a higher current source to light the leds.

[speedtriple1050]

Like Felix said, higher value resistors to reduce brightness to a manageable level for your LCD... Also, if you have the option to adjust the contrast of the LCD then have a play about with that also.

[Jason B]

Are you still on here? Want to make sure before I ask some questions???

[Motorcityguy]

I would really like to do something like this for when I retrofit an antique radio with the dial. Where can I get the supplies for doing this?

[AP Digital light]

You need LEDs and transparent acrylic. Try your local electronic hobby store.

[remzparadise]

real good ill put this on mu diy proyects 4 tomorrow!!!!

[ChicagoDave]

Another tip —
If you wrap the edges of the plastic/plexiglass with shiny material (aluminum foil/tape) it will reflect the light back into the plastic and create a stronger, and more even, backlight.
This was discovered after dissecting an LCD from my clock radio and seeing how they did it.

[hyaki]

thanks man!! ;)

[hyaki]

Hello,
Very cool tutorial!
I have some question:
Where did you get that plastic plate?
Can I buy Online with custom thickness?

Thanks

[AP Digital light]

It's a piece of regular 1/8" acrylic that I've found in my scrap box;-).
You can use any kind of transparent plastic.
There are lots of online plastic suppliers who offer custom cut material of any size. Standard thickness 1/16", 1/8", 3/16", 1/4", 3/8",1/2", 3/4", 1".

[Yerboogieman]

i tried this with a transistor radio and cracked the board opening it

[zack247]

how hard is it to find one of those? ive always wanted one.

[Chromatica]

Your Smart.

[vandiesel]

You're a D-bag

[Chromatica]

JK

[Yerboogieman]

Aren't you perfect. Smartass.

[Chromatica]

>clap clap<
Good comeback

[Chromatica]

Cool.
First LED project?

[junits15]

where can I learn how to use an lcd display?