DIY Blue Backlit Steel-Series Keyboard MOD for MSI GT683R (May also work for MSI GX660 GT660 and similar models)

UPDATE: 01-01-2014

FIRST OF ALL: YOU WILL DO THIS MOD ON YOUR OWN RISK, WITH ALL RESPONSIBILITY TAKEN ONLY AND ALL BY YOURSELF, AND IF YOU THINK THAT YOU ARE NOT GOOD AT THINGS LIKE SOLDERING, SCREW-DRIVER SKILLS, VOLTMETER SKILLS, IF YOU HAVE "SHAKY-HANDS" - I ENCOURAGE YOU NOT TO DO IT AND AVOID SUCH DIY BECAUSE DUE TO BEING UNSKILLED YOU CAN CAUSE SERIOUS DAMAGE TO YOUR LAPTOP MOTHEBOARD AND PROBABLY OTHER COMPONENTS! AND MOST OF ALL - THIS MOD IS GOING TO VOID YOUR LAPTOPS WARRANTY IF IN EVENT YOU WILL EVER NEED TO SEND THE WHOLE MACHINE IN FOR REPAIR ETC.

ALL BEING SAID, LETS GO TO THE POINT




I had one spare MSI GT683R Laptop here sitting around, waiting for me to find some of my spare time and will of giving some of my efforts to it so I can make this mod come to life... and the day has come!

Yes - Steel-Series Blue LED backlit keyboard MOD for your MSI GT683R (GT680 / GT683 / GT680R etc. it also May and I believe it Should work on all MS16F1 and MS16F2 barebones since its the very same motherboard without backlit LED Keyboard feature)

So initially I was going for full range of colours to work on this DIY but due to some unforeseen circumstances I have misplaced my project keyboard LED pcb-strip number of times (house mess, family and business mix doesnt help whatsoever) and then apparently have recovered it somehow damaged so not all colours would light up when triggering correct pins on the connector, and the final thing was the only colour I could get to work on all 3 zones was Blue LED colour, so I have went for that option as my last resort.

I have connected BLUE LED V- (Negative V-) tracks to one wire (there were 3 pins of each colour as Negative track of the specific voltage, cant recall what that was exactly), and one main track to another wire (positive V+ line that feeds all the LED's)and extended them to underneath of the under-lid compartment for the last minute of the DIY to be done

I Could have probably achieved better brightness of the whole keyboard backlight if I would have found stronger ~12v+ Line but when I have located 11.86v+ line I was happy enough with it since it has powered up LED's just at as much brightness as I would consider reasonable and not irritating to the eyes for prolonged time use.

I was going to use diodes and voltage regulators to get down from as high as 19v DC input line down to 12v but that was not necessary at all after I have found the chip that feeds the system FAN with variable voltage and that chip input line had nice and solid 11.86v I thought "that's it" , and so it was.

On another hand, if I would still have had full LED PCB strip operational, I would have gone with some low voltage relays, and voltage regulators to build a small circuit for full RGB LED spectrum keyboard backlight that would be fully controllable by the user. That can be easily achieved too but like I have said, need alot of your time and some good knowledge in electronics and precision tools and so forth.
HINT: total of 3 relays, each relay corresponds to 1 of total 3 voltage regulators that each one of them provides with one of the keyboard backlight colours etc full blue, red or green etc.
Relay activates and deactivates upon voltage input detected to one of the 3 factory amber LED strips from your laptop, etc front corners could be responsible for BLUE LED's, screen side strips could be responsible for RED LED's, and screen back horizontal LED strip could be responsible for GREEN LED's, so once one of them is activated - you get the relay to kick in and pass the voltage from voltage regulator toward the keyboard, and if two of the colours are activated - well, you get the colour mix mix and play till you get the desired colour, or just use one of the colours, or as well may have all LED zones off, meaning keyboard backlight is also OFF

Ok so back to business.

To proceed safely and prevent an ESD and to get proper access to the area you will need to remove:

Discconnect Power Supply Cable
Remove main battery
Front Shield of the speakers - the whole panel that contains power switch with touch-sensitive wifi/bt etc etc buttons - be careful - do not bend the front buttons-speaker cover panel so you can potentially break it, or tear the ribbon connector, do everything slowly with extra caution.
Disconnect your WiFi aerial's, remove the WiFi card
Unplug All connectors leading to the screen assembly
Remove 4 screws holding LCD assy hinges to the chassis
Gently lift away the LCD assy and place somewhere safe
Pay attention there is 2 more screws at the corners under where the LCD Assy chrome accent corners were(not visible until you remove the LCD assy)
Remove your old keyboard (held by 2 screws needs to be removed, marked on the bottom panel of your laptop) and clips on top of the keyboard
Disconnect touchpad ribbon cable - verticaly placed connector on the left of the keyboard connector - close to FAN
Back lid (CPU/RAM/HDD's cover)
Disconnect your CMOS-BIOS battery connector
Disconnect and remove your system FAN
Remove all your RAM Sticks (two under the bottom lit and two underneath the keyboard)
GPU heatsink and GPU
CPU heatsink and CPU
HDD's/SSD's/ODD
Remove Secondary HDD/SSD interposer connector PCB (otherwise stands in the way of removing one extra screw underneath it)
Remove all visible screws at the bottom


Then you will need to remove the top laptop chassis which consists of all the stickers, touchpad etc.

Keyboard lights up only when laptop is powered-on via the power button regardless of power supply option (battery/DC). The only thing I would like to note (but that is just pure minor thing really) I come across is that the keyboard backlight doesnt go off immediately after I power down the computer, it takes another ~5 seconds for keyboard backlight to go off (well I guess its the time required for system board power circuit capacitors, of that specific 11.86v line, to discharge after power-down sequence, so keyboard will be a good indicator of the discharge sequence)

You can see how I have soldered ~0.5mm copper wire to the CHIP leg (unless you are doing this DIY on exactly GT683R model, you dont need to have voltmeter to check if this line as I have indicated is exactly your 11.86v+ Line, otherwise its highly recommended)





I recommend use only shielded wire so its safe from any shorting on the PCB and secure it with some sealing tape routing it down the way I have shown.

You can see for yourself whichever GROUND spot seems easier to get another V- wire soldered to and do so.

I did solder my V- ground wire to the primary HDD/SSD interposer socket grounding terminal outside the socket - less wire routing and closes to exit hole where the prime V+ 11.86v wire has gone to. Also - prior soldering ground (negative wire for this matter) I recommend you go and make sure the conductivity between the main ground of the PCB and the chosen point that it is 100% conductive



Probably the most difficult part for everyone would be to pin point the tracks required on the keyboard LED strip and solder very thin gauge copper wires on to them without causing short/soldering together, but like I have said - its relatively easy and if you can solder or love to do so - you more than likely will be able to do it if you really wanna make it happen

For more info on keyboard Ribbon connector Pinout can be pulled from this little schematic where CON18 is located (credit goes to majster msi) :



These are some of the finished project photos (where two laptops pictured, on the left is my MSI laptop after MOD DIY, and on the right is my M18X), again - apologies for bad quality pics, my camera is just so bad, poor lightning conditions, crappy quality camera overall, but I guess you get the idea of what it looks like.



















To add up - to eliminate little tilt at the centre-sides of the keyboard I have added some 1mm double sided M3 tape strips at the edges of where keyboard will sit, so keyboard now sits very neat and snug in the laptop (the backlit keyboard is tad 1mm thicker than non-backlit ones, hence why this extra bit would be recommended, but not necessary)





Hope this will help alot folks with MSI powerhouse laptops to perfect them even more, because from most these laptops lack is LED backlit keyboard's

Enjoy!

Happy New Year @ 2014!!!

BR

 

Others have tried in the past but with little to no success, but if you pull this off and make it work I'm gonna get drunk in your honor.

It is exactly what this laptop is missing, a backlit keyboard.

 

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We are at the mercy of users here.

 

the very worst case scenario if I jump wrong volts on the wrong pins all I do is just fry the RGB LEDs

 

I better start looking for a keyboard couse I have a good feeling about your little experiment

 

haha well said

it will at least give one desired backlight colour but I wanna do the best so was the reason of opening this thread.

Even tho if LEDs get fried, if PCB gets messed up, good thing is the backlit keyboard models have light cathode underneath and shine-trough buttons so big part is already done for you, you can always install own custom LED diodes in the areas of he old ones and wire them easily enough to have a straight job and it will work, but for the best of the best results I will aim for all colour configuration and control

 

So many views and nobody willing to participate???

 

Bump of the day to get some attention! :hi2:

 

no interest?

 

No advice or input really here, but I would love to see if you can pull it off. My knowledge of electrical theory and PCBs only extends so far, so it's hard for me to build upon this topic.

 

Thanks, its just matter me finding time now, I truly hope tomorrow is the day I find whole lot of time I need to finish this off!

 

I'm interested in doing this mod for my GT780DXR UK version so it will be very interesting to follow your progress

 

for your laptop all you need is just the keyboard and you already must have backit connector for keyboard near the cpu fan area under the back panel, check that

 

Today is the day you find the time Ultra? That's what you said yesterday.

I've been following this thread like crazy.

 

yes, I am working my stuff now so can get on to keyboard mod asap, will keep yous in toucha

UPDATE:

something has come up cant get any free time for this to be done today... maybe Sunday night... or some time Monday ... stay tuned!

 

Ok thanks for the info I didn't realise my laptop came with the connector I will check that once I get home in a few weeks time (working abroad), does that mean I will be able to plug straight in and have full functionality of the lights?

 

"staying tuned"

 

Ultra this would be nice if you can pull this off. I started a thread a while back about doing this to my 680R. I'm in the same boat as you with the keyboard already in place. Just need a way to power and control it. Otherwise I was just going to buy a 780 board and swap em out. Most say they are different sizes, but I believe otherwise. From my research the only thing that MSi does to make the board work in the 17" chassis is add a ODD extension and wala.. Keep us informed and let me know if you want to test something cuz I'm dying to get my backlight running

 

I do think as well 780 board is different, look only at the CPU fan area it looks extended in my opinion, and replacing motherboard just for use of backlit connector is worthless, one colour is simple, but all and controllable is somewhat most you can get, so this is in the top priority list. Im once again out of time and it wont happen today, its most likely tomorrow morning if I manage to get to office early

stay chimed in man

 

seriously out of time with work, will get it done eventually just bare with me

 

Yeah, I thought the same thing to. But that is just plastic. IIRC Msi laptops pull air over the CPU heat sink and push it out the GPU heatsink. So having extra length there doesn't affect cooling much. Anyway I say that to say this.. take a look at the images on the links and you'll see what I mean about the boards being the same size.

MSI MS1761 GT780DXR independent laptop Motherboard [msi MS1761 GT780DXR] - $285.99 : laptop part & accessories

MSI MS16F2 GT683DXR INTEL independent laptop Motherboard [msi MS16F2 GT683DXR] - $285.99 : laptop part & accessories

 

Which illuminated keyboard is compatible with gt683? One that I can off eBay. If someone can link I'd be grateful.

Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk 2

 

New for MSI GT780 GT70 GT60 GT783 GX780 Laptop US Black Keyboard Backlight | eBay

New US Black Keyboard for MSI GT783 GT780 GT70 GT60 GX780 Laptop Backlight | eBay

Brand New Backlight Keyboard for MSI GT70 GT783 GT780 GT60 GX780 Black US | eBay

Genuine New MSI GT60 GT70 GT780 GT783 GX780 US Keyboard Backlight Black Teclado | eBay

 

Thx. The small ribbon on the right side is the power connector? (the back of the keyboard picture)

How's the mod going? How about I call you in sick for you for tomorrow

 

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Patiently waiting. I know most of us are anxious but please take your time as computers are never a priority.

Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk 2

 

All those with a GT780DX without the backlit keyboard here is the reply from MSI for changing it for a backlit version -

Dear customer, You can install a backlit keyboard. To make it work, you need to flash the EC firmware which is for Backlight Keyboard Systems only, then install Backlight Keyboard LED manager. EC Firmware: MSI Global – Download Center To know about how to update EC Firmware under DOS mode, please refer to below SOP. SOP: http://www.msi.com/html/pdf/How_to_make_a_bootable_flash_disk_and_to_flash_EC.pdf Backlight Keyboard LED manager: MSI Global – Download Center

 

May be it will help.

 

downloaded, this will help alot! Thanks! +REP!!!

 

Ultra, you told make a iluminate keyboard on GX660 whith one color is easy, i'm right? You already tried this? Can you tell how do it.

Best Regards and sorry my bad english.

 

one colour is easy because i need just to bridge LED to LED loop connect them in appropriate amount of LEDs circuit chain so it is powered from USB 5Volts / MMC Reader 5Volt pin. etc, I want to do right job first time and try the hardest way first, o be patient, now is Xmas and time where's loads beer food vodka and more food so m not going anywhere closer to any electronics haha

happy Xmas!

 

Hey Ultra
Still waiting for this awesome mod

 

Whatsup, deadline for the backlit mod is by 1st February will have 10 evenings absolutely free so I count one or two of them for this matter, but I hope to find some time sooner. Really busy at the moment

 

Hi!
I follow this thread long ago and i want to see this mod active!! Much encourage to ULTRA for this amazing mod!!

 

hello fela! Its gonna be done, no way leaving this unfinished

it doesnt feel at all that long ago since this thread has been opened... time's fly by when youre busy...

there is a hint: max wait time before 2nd February

 

I'm from spain, and the expressions isn't have the same meaning! LOL

I can already buy the keyboard!!! Thanks to people like you, we can go kicking brands we forget. Thanks for putting your time to community service.

Many many thanks!

 

Just an update for those patiently waiting, Im running trough some very busy period of my life right now, and I can not guarantee myself if I will find enough time today or tomorrow or coming week for this backlight installation journey... but I hope soon


thanks for your interest and patience

 

Cześć(Hello) Ultra
I'm very excited about your modification, already known when will be ready?
Greetings from Polish

ps: sory for my englisch

 

Hey man, Im having just short moments of freedom due to busy at work and with family at home after and the weekends, but its on my priority list for sure, be patient I will get there, one way or another... I wish I could literally BUY SOME TIME

 

When your mod works, you would also be gifting some MSI 16f2 owners backlit joy too! Looking forward to any advancements.

 

here guys, have some bad news and good news, the bad news is I have lost my LED strip from my MSI backlit keyboard, and I have a bad feeling where it has gone... so ... this is the bad news...

the good news is that there are many other ways to do this mod and Im DOING IT NOW!

Im utilizing broken laptop LCD screen LED'ds strip I have pulled out, and luckily LED's are approx 3.3V each and ultra low amperage which makes this mod even easier in another way

stay tuned! The light is coming!

 

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Shame to hear that. I'm still interested in this despite my very rudimentary skills. Your last post said that connecting all 12 points in parallel did the trick? Any chance of a picture of the setup for us to build upon? I'm digging through the 16f2 manual's but I distinctly remember an empty fan plug that could be utilized. Will take it apart later during the weekend.

 

Ive checked entire board couldn't see a single empty fan-like unused plug, no 2-3-4 pin plugs were seen across the board man, I had entire unit dissembled to the last screw bit. I have found this morning my old LED strip, but it has been badly bent in few places and there must be some cracks in the flexi pcb now not all lights light up, just blue for all LEDs, others wont. or just some will give red or green, however this will still need stable independent 12V+ line... I also thought of positive 12V+ wire from main fan line, but this would take some power off the fan duty cycle, and if possibly not, keyboard would only light up when laptop CPU/GPU gets hot useless mod in other hand

 

12v will be quite a rare voltage in the system as not much needs it. The sata slot maybe?

 

laptops SATA slot ... interesting.... Im very doubtfull if it uses 12V line since its 2.5" SATA factor drive and it must not use more than 5.5V+ ... uness its still there present yet unused that can be very beneficial! I must check later! Since 2.5" drives dont use that line we can cut the hardline just before the SATA connector and it should give us nice steady 12V+ thanks for the tip, I hope 12V line is present in the laptop SATA...

 

I have to admit it may not be, but worth checking out.

 

only 5V on slimline sata
http://www.serialata.org/documents/SATASlimlineConnector V10.pdf

don't think that mxm3 use 12V

for sure fan use it then need to locate before that voltage get to some regulator

 

I have been playing around little bit last nite with voltmeter and found the socket of ~10-12 pins on the back of the laptop close to MXM GPU area and several pins(more than 3 pins actually) were giving steady +3.45V.

Examining my broken MSI keyboard backlit strip I found only BLUE LEDs can be backlit all at the same time, however better than nothing and each 4 LEDs feed from one (+) Line which requires 3.5V-4V to be backlit. So using a diodes I can divert these 3 lines to one and by doing so bridge voltage to make approx 10.5V, or alternativelly I can bridge as many as needed to crank up the volts to what is required for keyboard to be backlit at its best colour... I must do some extra measurement next week!