Need Data - Keyboard Backlight Hard-fix

Alright, I'm tired of not having my keyboard backlit, and i'm quite sure that a number of us feel the same. Seeing as I can't afford to waste time with an RMA of my G73, I feel that engineering a hard-fix is in order.

In order to do so, I need a bit of data from someone who hasn't yet been victimized by WinFlash.

Voltage readings from the power leads to the keyboard should be sufficent. I can't glean that information myself, seeing as the keyboard controller is not providing the voltage on my machine.

Once I have that information, it should be simple enough to find a secondary source of power for the keyboard, preferably directly from another lead on the motherboard.

 

You might get some ideas from this thread ....

http://forum.notebookreview.com/asus/465841-ul30-backlit-keyboard-mod.html

 

Thanks Quadzilla. Looks like +5v is the magic number. I'll see if I can find an unused lead that supplies the same amount of power, and i'll post back with results/pictures once I get this baby working.

 

Albedo u might just make history... Best of luck.

 

Tap off of a USB port. A keyboard doesn't use much power, it's just an LED or two which is at most 100mA. USB is specced to support up to 500mA, and most PCs (not macs) supply up to 1A.

 

That would be a sure-fire way to do it, I admit - but I was looking for a source of power that didn't involve any disassembly of the notebook. There's plenty of sources accessible right underneath the keyboard, shouldn't even have to pull out my screwdriver.

Unfortunately, the project's going to have to wait until after i get off work today.

 

Hello ! Any successfull results ?

 

He probably burned the whole thing up =p ! Just kiddin!

Hopefuly u can get it to light up, and post tutorials for the rest of us !!

 

Hello I got one idea when I have cranked my g73 open. I believe there is posibility to connect keyboard light on conector on motherboard which power blue bar under screen, and then it could be switched on/off with same button on left side. Only thing it would not be regulated brightness.

 

Great desktop rig! Me jealous! Did you sell your Alienware and decided to have an incredible desktop instead?

I posted a link to that same thread a month ago or so now and no one bit. Maybe someone will bite this time. I did not have the knowledge to find a spare .5v and solder on the keyboard.

 

I still have the M17x it just go's in and outta my sig while they are trying to get things sorted on it lol... I have been through WAY to many notebooks lately ..

I saw your issue with the slower then expected RMA support from Asus and i remember when i had my W90 it was overnight then things changed to i believe 2 day shipping then to ground...