Lighting a LCD screen.

[NosArtur]

Does anyone know if there is a way to add a backlight to a LCD screen that doesn't have one? I have an LCD that is not backlit and would like to make it light up if there is anyway.

I had thought that maybe I could just put a LED next to the screen but am now begining to think that it wouldn't work.

[scream]

There are lots of options. The most common way is to use electro-luminescent film, sencond is to use a cold cathode tube or two. The cold cathode route usually requires a piece of plexiglass (colored and/or milky) to act as a difuser. Luminescent film is usually ready to go as it is.
And don't slam your LED idea, LEDs would work fine if you could diffuse them - one trick I've seen is to use a piece of plexiglass that is mirrored on the back side (using aluminum foil/tape), and etched and/or milky on the display side. This is then ringed with a light source (sometimes only two oposite sides are lit up).
Anyhow, how big is the LCD? I might have something here in my shop that would work - although I have to warn you that I'm a malicious hoarder and might demand your first-born in exchange.

[NosArtur]

I was thinking to use the peice of Plexi that normally sits infront of the LCD as a diffuser. The plexi is framed by some "chromed" plastic and then snaps into the front of the case. I was going to drill a small hole in the chromed plastic and place an LED in there.

I just didn't know if that would light up the face of the LCD enough that I could read it. I had also thought about inserting a couple of LED's just behind the film through the plastic sides of the LCD unit.

I guess I could power up the LCD and an LED put the plexi in front and shine the LED into it to see the effect. I could also put a small hole in the side and see if that worked.

The LCD is about an one inch by two inches. It is just the little cheapie LCD temp monitoring unit that came with my case. The display is like the one here.

[NosArtur]

Well got it figured out. I cut some slots in the case of the LCD all around it and at the same depth as the front glass. Held a couple of LED's in the slots and it lit up pretty good. NowI am off to Radio Shack after work to pick up the LED's for this, to light up the front acrylic panel, and for my mouse mod.

It is going to be a busy weekend getting all of that done plus finishing the paint on the case and chassis. Got two or three more coats on the chassis then it is on to the side panels after I cut the windows. Man I still got to paint the power supply and all of my drives. I am never going to get this thing together.