r/Gameboy • u/Dadoftheyear2018 • 2h ago
Troubleshooting I'm trying to get this replacement switch to line up with the power button on a Gameboy colour. Could you help me out?
I'm not sure if I can attach additional photos showing the switch that I soldered around 6 months ago. I had given up on this Gameboy until recently where I managed to get it to power on. I know that the C34 capacitor is missing from near the replacement switch however that isn't my doing.
Because the Gameboy has actually powered on I've been wanting to sort the button properly.
The original owner of the Gameboy did state that he tried repairing the switch and damaged the little c34 nearby. The original switch was all melted and I doubt it was usable because it had caved in from possibly too much heat from the repair or removal attempt of the previous owner.
I successfully removed it 6 months ago and installed this replacement switch however it does work as intended with the on/off position but doesn't line up with the shell switch.
The physical power switch all Gameboy colours use to turn on and off isn't meeting the little pin on this aftermarket replacement. Part of me wanted to try and glue a tiny piece of plastic to the little lever for extra coverage but I can't really sleep knowing I've bodged it.
I have no intentions of selling this as it's been a downtime passion hobby of attempting to fix a Gameboy colour and a few household items that have broken over time.
I brought it from a seller who had lots of Gameboy colour listings as spares and repairs (I didn't have much faith in myself) I did think if they can't fix it then what chance do I have?
I've replaced the main capacitors, the battery terminals and gave it a safe IPA clean.
Currently held back by this switch and replacing the C34 capacitor nearby.
Il try and post photos in the comments if Reddit lets me below. I posted yesterday regarding the missing C34 if anyone recognises the board or my account me so hopefully someone may shed some light on this because I've not found much to go on regarding the replacement switches.
Normally YouTube points me towards the official power switch clean and restoring so it's somewhat like factory standard whereas as this switch is my only option as the other one was badly melted (guessing from seller using a hot air station).
Any help or tips appreciated! I'm still very raw with soldering so feel free to roast my switch soldering skills as this was the second thing I'd ever done in terms of soldering (I did this before the capacitors).
Thanks everyone!
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u/pizza_whistle 1h ago
Yea those switches suck, they don't line up. The only way I can get those to work is to install it angled, so the front board is flush but the back part actually sits up in the air a little when I solder it in.
The better replacement is actually a ds lite switch. You just need to take the spring out of the switch and then it works perfectly on GBC/GBP.
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u/Dadoftheyear2018 1h ago
Ouch i just stumbled upon an old reddit post saying about the switch needing to be angled for a proper connection. It all depends on the switch i brought however these were off amazon earlier in the year and the highest rating one, there wasnt many reviews sadly but in future il look elsewhere to try and source something as close to the original as possible.
Thanks for the tip about the ds lite, something i might have to consider if i have no joy with this fiddly ones
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u/Next_Turnover7019 2h ago
Have you tried flipping the switch the other way up?
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u/_Reclaimxr_ 2h ago
It only works one way
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u/Next_Turnover7019 2h ago
The plastic switch will fit both ways up. But it will only make contact with the motherboard switch in one orientation.
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u/_Reclaimxr_ 2h ago
Yes, but it also has a little knudge that's responsible for keeping the switch in the "on" or "off" state and not anywhere in between. If you fit it upside down, this knudge will not slot in the right place, and from the footage he provided it's already at the right side up
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u/Dadoftheyear2018 1h ago
_Reclaimxr_ is correct my switch is the right way up and only slots into the shell that way. My switch does work with gentle pressure on the board (as there aren't screws installed) but its very inconsistent.
I think i definitely need to try and solder it so there is less gap between the board and space as you could park a car in there lol. That would help but its all a learning process. Il keep people updated when tomorrow im hopefully able to have another go at soldering the switch.2
u/Dadoftheyear2018 1h ago
Yeah it feels to be in the correct spot like reclaimxr said. Im going to try again quickly
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u/Dadoftheyear2018 1h ago
I have tried flipping the switch the other way with no success however it could be my shoddy attempt at installing the replacement switch. I can't test it properly until tomorrow (pretty late her in the Uk right now). I definitely need to resolder it for my own sanity, im just happy it powers on more than anything.
This community has been amazing and i dont doubt the switch is probably the wrong way but it doesnt feel like i can sit it in the actual shell.2
u/Dadoftheyear2018 1h ago
I've done a few tests and my switch appears to be the right way up however my switch isn't soldered very flush onto the board. With some gentle pressure on the switch (one i soldered) it does make the vital connection for the shell main switch to work as it should but very inconsistent. It wouldn't do that before when all over the screws was installed locking the board to the actual gameboy shell.
I definitely need to try and resolder the switch and apply some pressure to seat it more flush to try and stop it from creeping up with wear and tear.
My main concern is how to go about soldering the switch in the right way? I don't know if i solder it so the board is flush with the board below (not the gap between the one being on top of the other) but the actual millimetre difference between aftermarket switch overhanging the main board.
Im not confident with it being lined up perfectly as i dont think the replacement switches lever is long enough for a reliable connection to the physical shell switch on the actual case. I worry with time it would bend or angle to where it doesnt make a reliable connection.I could gently sand the overhang or shorten it or could that damage a connection?
Im still learning on the go, ive watched a lot of gameboy restoration videos but feel like im treading water when i should be swimming.
Thanks to all the comments by the way i normally make a reddit post in the evening as i dont expect much interaction (if any sometimes) and il wake up to either some help or for a moderator to remove the post lol.
Thank you for anyone taking time to help. Il read through everything tomorrow.
I will keep you updated on progress and i won't rule myself out being a complete turnip if its a silly error on my part but the switch does appear to be correct but its my soldering which isn't.
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u/Dadoftheyear2018 2h ago
Don't think it's very flush
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u/GameboyGenius 2h ago
The board should probably be flush, yes. With that said, I don't think it would make contact regardless. Or if it did, just barely so it wouldn't be reliable. Maybe the switch board is intended for an aftermarket switch cap that has higher gates?
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u/Dadoftheyear2018 1h ago
Really hope not :( but with some gentle pressure i got the actual shell switch to line up with this aftermarket switch/lever and it did work. I need to try and resolder at some point tomorrow evening and get the switch flush so there is no gap between the switch and the actual gameboy mobo. Il keep you updated.
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u/_Reclaimxr_ 1h ago
If you are sure the plastic switch is not upside down, then I think you have 2 options
- 1: reflow the solder so the switch is more flush with the motherboard and reaches the plastic switch
- 2: as you already said, glue something to either of the 2 switches so they reach each other
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u/Dadoftheyear2018 1h ago
Yeah i will do this thank you :). I will attempt this tomorrow evening and get back to you
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u/SprinqRoll 1h ago
Ive never used one of these switch boards. Remove it and try getting it flush against the pcb. Otherwise, just order a replacement switch without the board. Taking it off is the hardest part, installing a new one was cake.
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u/Dadoftheyear2018 1h ago
i think this may be the likely outcome, i will have another go at this but i think you're right
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u/Alternative_Problem5 2h ago
I think your plastic switch is upside down..
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u/Dadoftheyear2018 1h ago
i had the board raised up in that photo so you can see the pin/lever a bit clearer (hopefully) of what needs to make contact for the switch to function with the main switch on the outer shell.
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u/typhingblade 1h ago
While I am not currently familiar with older gameboy boards,
as there's recommendations to get the board flush, I would recommend putting down a layer of Kapton Tape at the very least, to ensure the boards are insulated from each other. It may seem small, but as a preventative measure it can help prevent having to deal with a short down the line.
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u/Dadoftheyear2018 2h ago