Modify TFT screen for Fullscreen mod

[Porcinus]

Disclaimer : If you consider to do this modification please note that YOU will be responsible of any damage to YOUR material, this tutorial is deliver as is, for the knowledge, as a possible way to go (Not the absolute way to go). If you're not confident about making this mod, don't do it.

Having a "rescue" screen is always a good idea, this mod doesn't cover the screen deliver with Freeplay products but one compatible that bought from Aliexpress.
I choose this one for another reason, most of my build are made with  clear shell, this one will leak less backlight to the shell.

Before starting, you will need:
- A screen, yes it is obvious
- Cutting plier (model used for electronic usage work well).
- Black reinforced tape.
- Razor blade or any other similar cutting tool.


The screen:
       

Remove the metal back cover:
       
Once done, cut this part in the red line (important for after)

This part need modify BUT be very careful with the ribbon cable, it is extremely fragile.
   

To do this, using the cutting plier, bite the plastic part on each side of the screen (do NOT cut it):
       

Then bend it softly, it should broke easily. Repeat this on the other side. After this, cut the middle SOFTLY.
           

Start bending the metal back cover on the red line on left and right side, to about 45°, not right angle for now.
       

Place the cover back on the screen and finish the bending to right angle:
   

Place one layer of black tape on the metal back cover then bend back ribbon cable on it and secure it with another strip of tape:
           

Cut the excess of tape and you should be done.
   

[Flavor]

Hey Porcinus! I would assume that the mod you are doing here is to allow the LCD to shift more toward the right (toward the A/B buttons). This helps center the LCD, which is important if you want to open up the viewable area of the plastic shell to see more of the LCD. Is that correct?

[Porcinus]

Yes, this mod allow to shift the screen by about 3-3.5mm (0.118-0.137inch)

[Aldebaraaaaaaan]

Thank a lot for this guide, i successfully adapted it to the original screen
Have you an idea for the glass ? I imagine that I can remove the black paint from the glass and repaint with the right dimensions; How did you do on your side?

[Porcinus]

You welcome

Scraping the paint using a razor blade (not the whole glass).
I modified the shell and used it as a guide for the razor blade. Doing it this way is a really tricky and super easy to mess :S

For a more reliable way to do it, you can try to follow this guide (starting page 22) : https://drive.google.com/file/d/1j6KHX8k...DRET4/view
The method to do it also apply to GBA.
If you have doubt on something, feel free to ask, this guide is from me

[Flavor]

Just FYI, there is also a fully clear glass lens available if you prefer to not scrape one. See https://www.retromodding.com/collections...7433745441

IIRC, Porcinus had a video where he showed how to scrape the glass, right?

[Porcinus]

I totally missed it :S
Thanks for the reminder Flavor
In case it can also help: https://youtu.be/OZYHepz-8SU?t=1323

[Aldebaraaaaaaan]

Thanks guys ! I will try to scraping the paint, and if i fail i will buy new glass ^^
The boxy glass seems to be just fine : https://www.boxypixel.com/collections/ga...lens-glass
But my case and the screen placement are not totally accurate to the boxy case, so I will try to remove the paint with a blade as in the video of Porcinus and it will be perfect

Edit :

I have made like you, it's not as clean but it will !
   

Thank you two for your advices. I have check your youtube channel Porcinus, your freeplay setup is really amazing (i like the cnc too ^^).
It would be nice if your addition to the original freeplay was incorporated into a new version, because i think it's very smart et clean !

[Porcinus]

It take a bit of practice to do it super clean but so far, you've done a great job for a first try

Not sure I spoke about this somewhere but you can use a pemanent marker to "black" the inner part of the front shell viewport to avoid seeing the shell when tilting the handheld, it can also help with light bleeding

To stick the glass to the shell, you can use a silicone based glue, one little drop at each corner. It can be helpful if you plan to make modifications in the future.