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    dv5 backlit keyboard mod

    Discussion in 'HP' started by alphahour, Feb 4, 2009.

  1. alphahour

    alphahour Notebook Enthusiast

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    is it possible?

    thanks in advance.
    André.
     
    alphahour, Feb 4, 2009
    #1
  2. X2P

    X2P COOLING | NBR Super Mod

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    not happening...if you want a back lit keyboard your notebook must a) come with one or b) purchase a notebook that has one but order the one that has a regular keyboard and swap
     
    X2P, Feb 4, 2009
    #2
  3. alphahour

    alphahour Notebook Enthusiast

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    ok. thanks X2P.
     
    alphahour, Feb 4, 2009
    #3
  4. Tippey764

    Tippey764 Notebook Deity

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    You might be abel to get the keyboard from a dv3z they are the same size im pretty sure.
     
    Tippey764, Feb 4, 2009
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  5. Socal1330

    Socal1330 Newbie

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    Alphahour,

    Were you able to get the backlit keyboard. I have a XPS1330 too and at times find myself wishing for a backlit keyboard.

    Please let us know if you were able to find more about this.

    Thanks!
     
    Socal1330, Mar 23, 2009
    #5
  6. alphahour

    alphahour Notebook Enthusiast

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    unfortunately I were not. I haven't tried Tippey764 suggestion because I haven't any dv3z.
     
    alphahour, Mar 23, 2009
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  7. BamAlmighty

    BamAlmighty Notebook Consultant

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    dv3's keyword won't work, it is smaller in overall size.
     
    BamAlmighty, Mar 23, 2009
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  8. highlandsun

    highlandsun Notebook Evangelist

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    Just for reference, I bought a dv3z keyboard to try. It's only 1mm smaller than the dv5z keyboard, but unfortunately the pattern of mounting holes is different. So even though it's about the right size you still can't install it.

    Also as a point of interest, there are solder pads on the dv5z motherboard for a keyboard light connection, but there is no connector attached here. So you'll still need to find the right connector for the cable for the backlight and solder it onto the board. Not much fun, considering the tiny size of the contacts. (And I have no idea what the connector part# is.)

    Kind of a shame; that means either this motherboard is common with some other machines that had backlights, or HP thought about making a backlight option for this model and then dropped it. Either way, it raises the possibility that there were some prototypes built with the backlights. Who knows.
     
    highlandsun, Oct 9, 2009
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  9. hustheman

    hustheman Notebook Evangelist

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    so are u saying that if we found a way to secure the dv3 keyboard then it would work?
     
    hustheman, Oct 10, 2009
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  10. highlandsun

    highlandsun Notebook Evangelist

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    Ummmm.... I guess so. Keep in mind, that's a big If. There are metal tabs along the bottom edge of the keyboard that slot into the case to secure that edge. These are all in the wrong place so I guess you would have to snip them off and glue new tabs into the right place. Then the mounting holes that are actually screw anchors need to be repositioned. I dunno how you would relocate these, use superglue again? Solder? The alignment has to be near perfect otherwise the screws won't go in.

    The top edge of the dv5 keyboard has 4 more tabs for screws. the dv3 has nothing there. So, you also need to figure out how to fasten down the top edge. I guess you could just fudge the whole thing by cutting off the screw anchors and using strong double-sided tape or something, but that still makes installation and removal a pain. You still need to be able to put the keyboard and LED cables into place. (And you still need to actually solder on the LED cable's connector onto the motherboard.)

    The dv3 keyboards are just $25 or so on eBay - get hold of one and look it over, see how hard you think the job will be. If you succeed, post directions! Me, I'm giving up for now.
     
    highlandsun, Oct 11, 2009
    #10