Adding a backlit keyboard to NP700Z5B-W01UB

so i have the NON-Backlit keyboard and was wondering if its possible to add a backlit keyboard to it.
Since there are backlit versions of the NP700Z5B, I was thinking i can just swap em out.
Has anyone done this?
Is this even possible?
Are the ribbon cables the same?

Thanks


UPDATE:
Here are the pics i posted. Any help is very much appreciated
http://imgur.com/a/SaV61

 

You will probably need the entire keyboard / palmrest unit. Visit samsungparts.com to see the cost of that unit for one of the models with backlit keyboard. Also buy the service manual while you are there. The separated key keyboard arrangement is not the simple swap that it used to be.

John

 

sorry if i wasnt clear.
Ive done a bit of research. I know ill need the whole top part(frame, touchpad,keys)...I found one already for about $70 USD.
Seen the videos on how to take it apart. Also this wouldnt be my first time repairing a laptop.
I know i have to completly take off most of the guts inside just to get to keyboard.
Im just worried that my motherboard wont have the connector or something for the new backlit keyboard.
I dont think samsung would produce a seperate motherboard just for the non backlit version....well thats my thinking, I wanted to see if it was done before and if its possible.

 

I would agree with you about this. I'm 99% sure the connector would be the same for both type of keyboard but there's the 1% chance I'm wrong. Can you figure out from the samsungparts.com parts for different Z5B models that they use the same mainboard?

John

 

Well I went ahead and ordered it.
This was the part for my specific laptop
BA75-03459A - UNIT-HOUSING_TOP-BBY
this is the one i bought
BA75-03636A - UNIT-HOUSING_TOP

in supported laptops. they are different. But I bought it already, waiting for it to get it now.
Ill update here and hope i didnt just buy a paperweight lol

 

so it looks like i cant "EASYILY" add the keyboard.
I know that most backlit keyboards have a secondary ribbon cable that supplys power and control commands.
My motherboard looks to have the solder for the connector but NO connector.
Anyone know what its called or part number so i can try to solder one on

Ill post pics in a few

 

here are the pics.
If anyone has any info, id appreciate it
Samsung - Imgur

 

I'm surprised that Samsung saved a few cents on the board at the expense of having to increase the spare parts inventory.

John

 

so anyone know how to get this to work?
i saw the mods page, but that would me the backlit is permanent on when the laptop is on, if thats the only option i have ill take it.
But i would like to try and get the right connect to solder on
the ribbon cable has 6 gold plates.
the numbers on the cable are as follows
rr0_15FPCB_v4
r01(10628)
the sticker on the keyboard itself is
SEC S/N: CNBA5903127ABYNF Rev 1.0

what are the connectors called. tried searching on ebay
ribbon conenctos. samsung connectors. laptop keyboard connectors...nothing...

 

so im getting close
found this site
FFC - FPC Connectors and Jumpers - Molex
still looking which one it exactly is

if anyone has any knowledge. Id appreciate it.
Thanks

 

so since I cant find the part and Im terrible at desoldering/soldering small stuff. Im going to try to solder wires directly to the board. Then see the best way to connect it to keyboard.
If ANYONE has any suggestions please let me know

 

so i got the connector soldered on, but now it wont light up.
Do I need a driver for it?

 

I would reinstall Easy Settings (Win 7) / Settings (Win 8). That package must include a detection process so it knows to include the backlight keyboard. The newest version of Easy Settings can be obtained by finding the Windows 8 Settings program in SW Update (look under the Z5E, for example), exporting it and then looking inside the Win 7 folder of the package you just saved.

John

 

my Easy Settings is at 1.1.1.4 and still dont see options for backlit.
I tried you method and still didnt work.
Do you know of a point that gives off +5v that I can tap into? I think it might be easier.

Thanks

 

I would suggest you try a newer Easy Settings. You need SW Update, and you have to use a trick to locate it, as described here. The latest version (as of last weekend) is version 2.0.0.55, which you can find under Win8 drivers for model NP880Z5E-X03CA. Easy Settings for Win7 is hidden inside that package.

 

Tried the method, easy settings installs fine but wont boot up at all.
I can tell its the new version since the icon is different.
I think Im going to try and connect it to a 5v source. I think the usb will give it to me. But will I loose the port completely if i tap into it? Like can I still plug stuff into it.

update, did a restart and it finally opened up easy settings. But besides the look of the icon it all looks the same.

 

If you went from Easy Settings 1.1.1.4 to 2.0.0.55 and everything is the same -- then it didn't take. Admittedly, the icon and basic window layout are the same, but the implementation is radically different (drivers and services vs a bunch scheduled tasks) and there are several features that were not in 1.x.

Open Properties for C:\Program Files (x86)\Samsung\Easy Settings\ControlCenter.exe and check the Details tab to see which version you have running.

As for the hardware surgery, I am afraid I cannot help you there

 

New tricks - Imgur
So i tired doing it manually. Soldered it to ground and 5v+ from USB 2.0...still no light.....Im going to open up the whole keyboard and try seeing if i just take out the ribbon cable and solder directly to keyboard.
Otherwise im all out of ideas.

 

so ive almost given up as nothing is working.
then I though, Could this keyboard require MORE then 5v?
is there anyway to find out what power the backlit needs?

 

I don't think the service manual gives that sort of information.

I remain puzzled that Samsung didn't make this easily interchangeable for ease of manufacture and reduced inventory of spare parts.

John

 

So luckily my roomate has a similar Samsung Laptop( NP700Z5C-S02UB)
I took pics and used a multimeter to test the volatge and get pictures of the connector, HERE
First off the keyboard doesnt lit up when no HDD/OS is installed. When windows 8 starts it lights up.
Second, the voltage is 5.1, my usb voltage is 5.4, could that be the problem with my mod?

 

I doubt if the difference between 5.1V and 5.4V is significant.

I presume you have an ambient light sensor somewhere. Did you cover it with black tape which should ensure that the backlight stays turned on (I've just remembered this because I've just got a new NP900X4C where the keyboard backlight seems to have a mind of its own and I then remembered that I had taped over the sensor on my old X4C).

John

 

Light sensor? Didnt know I had one, where would it be located?
also, since the keyboard is getting direct 5v+ shouldnt it stay on no matter what.

 

On my Series 9 the light sensor is next to the power light. The location should be given in the User Guide.

We don't know enough about how the brightness is controlled. Is there a chip in the keyboard which gets commands from the computer or is the control on the main board?

You could check this if you pull your room mates computer apart again and see what happens to the backlight supply voltage when you vary the brightness control.

John

 

Just resolderd and taped the lights/sensor. Still nothing.
I did notice in my original keyboard about 3 lines were cut (didnt extend all the way to keyboard). The backlit one has all the lines to the keyboard.
You might be on to something about the drivers/software. So Im going to try unistalling/installign the software till I get the backlit option.

I did try my roomates again, it stayed the same voltage even when off and all brightness levels. On a sidenote, i accidentally touch both positive and negative on the joints when testing and the laptop shutoff. So I know Mine arent being shorted or anything.

Could someone with the backlit option enabled please upload their version for me to download. Id be extremely grateful. I tried before using that trick to download a different version but still didnt get it. Ill try again if no one has it.

 

Well Ive completely given up and going to sell the keyboard on ebay.
It looks like the keyboard has a controller on it that communicates with mobo or other sensors. Ive tried about 5 different easy setting drivers with no availability.
At this point I might sell the laptop and buy a refurb with backlit working.
Thanks for all the help.