Sega Nomad - replaced the LCD

[Duo_R]

So I picked this nomad recently for a pretty good price. I originally wasn't going to mess with it, but I decided to do some mods over the weekend. I originally was going to replace my screen on my TE, but since I need a couple parts still I decided to do the Nomad first. It is an easier replacement since composite video is built in.  

I gotta say, the difference on this Nomad is unbelievable, not as dramatic as the TE (because the TE gets a huge screen size increase), but if you don't recall the Nomad original LCD is pretty terrible by today's standards.

While I was at it, I added in Pal and JP region switching (using stock buttons) and also a reset button (to play games like X-men). Next I plan on doing the Sony Lithium battery mod and possibly the S-video mod on this bad boy.

Can't wait to tackle the TE Express screen mod at some point, but this was a good first practice. Pictures do not do this one justice, it looks incredible. Now I can play Pier Solar on the go!  

One other thing I was kicking around - the screen I installed has the ability to have a 2nd video input. I was thinking of adding that feature in sort of like the TV Tuner on the Turbo Express. That way I can play some Sega CD Lunar on the Nomad.   Kinda goofy but would be fun to add that in.




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[Samurai Ghost]

Wow, that looks amazing!! The original screen is so washed out and blurry by today's standards, so I've always been reluctant to pick one up, but that is looking damn good! Might have to get one and mod it in the same way...

[PunkicCyborg]

Looks awesome man! I want to do this to mine too but I also have a problem with the sound. Yeah the original screen is so bad it's almost unusable

[csgx1]

That looks fantastic and a big difference from the original screen.  I've been wanting to do a screen mod on my Nomad.  Your pics are going to motivate me to do it sooner rather than later.   

If you don't mind me asking, where did you source the screen from?

[Duo_R]

No problem i got my screen off of Ebay last year for about $30 shipped, there are some that are even cheaper than that now on dealextreme. The key is the clearance of space, this one just barely worked. I can try to find the model # later and share it. I had to relocate one cap to make it work.

Nomads are so cheap these days it is a no brainer to do the mod.

Update: The one I got is very similar to this one (although can't guarantee it is exactly the same):




http://www.ebay.com/itm/3-5-TFT-LCD-Car-Rear-view-Reversing-Backup-Camera-Monitor-/320925525000?pt=Car_Audio_Video&hash=item4ab8a6e408&vxp=mtr

[Samurai Ghost]

How hard was the mod to do? I've soldered stuff before and done some wiring but nothing too complex. Thinking about giving this a shot though..l

[Duo_R]

Its tricky but not the hardest mod I have ever done. There are some guides online that helps. The toughest part for me was getting the screen on straight and fitting it all together.

[Deletion]

A YT channel named RetroGameTech has several HQ videos about modding the Nomad including replacing the LCD: http://www.youtube.com/user/RetroGameTech/videos?query=nomad

[turbokon]

Nice, I did the same mod on my nomad a years ago or so.  Much easier then modding the TE as the nomad is already wired for composite out.

[Frank_fjs]

That looks fantastic, great job!

Nomads are so cheap these days it is a no brainer to do the mod.

They are? Every time I try to pick one up they always sell for ridiculous prices, which has sadly kept me from owning one.

[Duo_R]

Find one that works but has a scratched or cracked screen shouldnt be too bad.

[Samurai Ghost]

Yeah since you are replacing the screen anyway you might as well. I see them go for $40 or $50 all the time. Might get one and try this mod out!

[Duo_R]

Here is the tutorial i used, my LCD was different but it wasnt hard to figure out the pinouts. Model # on mine is LS-350B 3.5 inch backup monitor.


http://www.racketboy.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=17415

[Samurai Ghost]

That doesnt seem bad at all! Just soldering a few wires and mounting the thing correctly. Next time I see a cheap nomad I'll snap it up! Thanks for posting the link!

[Sparky]

That doesnt seem bad at all! Just soldering a few wires and mounting the thing correctly. Next time I see a cheap nomad I'll snap it up! Thanks for posting the link!

Ya $35 would be the cheaper side I have seen and I had my screen modded as well from a local canuckler, really makes it that much more playable... Streets of rage 2