12" PB Modding Question

[Kamikaze]

Do any of you think that a 15" backlit keyboard can be fitted into the 12" PB?
I know I'll have to find a place for the sensor. They appears to be the same dimensions. Just a thought, the GF loves her 12", she just wants the BL like me MBP 15".

Thanks again.

 

[Sdashiki]

I dont think a non backlit keyboard model can use a backlit keyboard.

granted it may fit, but i just doubt there is a connector for the backlighting.

but, if the keyboard connector is exactly the same with both, then its carried along as a signal and maybe it will work.

 

[PlaceofDis]

the keyboards are the same size, so that won't be an issue
the problem is the sensor and wiring. i don't know how the sensor is connected, nor how the backlight is connected. provided that the sensor connects to the keyboard, and the keyboards both have the same type of connection. it could work. but again. no place for the sensor, which i believe is why it was always left out of the 12" hard to fit something like that in there too.

if it was me. i'd see if the sensor could go by the midrange speaker in the back center.

good luck and let us know how it goes.

 

[bartelby]

The Ambient Light Sensors have their own connectors on the motherboard.

So it'd be damned near impossible to mod a 12"er in this way.

 

[EvryDayImShufln]

What if a connection were made between the light connectors (wherever those may be) to some sort of switch and then to a small battery or something with the proper voltage. I'm sure it can be done with enough info about the parts.

 

[bartelby]

What if a connection were made between the light connectors (wherever those may be) to some sort of switch and then to a small battery or something with the proper voltage. I'm sure it can be done with enough info about the parts.

You'd need a transistor to link it to the ALSs. But if you just wanted an "On/Off" backlit keyboard then a switch and a battery would work.

 

[whateverandever]

The backlight connector runs into the circuit board under the trackpad in 15" MBPs.

And as someone else has said, there is a connector to the main board as well. I don't think it would be worth the effort to try to recreate it on the 12", but if you must, a good place to start is buying a 15" top case and keyboard. You'll need both.

 

[California]

Get glow in the dark paint or glow in the dark stickers for the keys.

HEY! That's a good idea I just had for MY 12" PB.

That stuff that needs to be exposed to the light and then glows...

 

[Kamikaze]

Thank you for all the input. It sounds challenging, but do able with an basic on off switch. I'll keep you posted.