Lynx
The Lynx is a 16-bit handheld game console that was released by Atari Corporation in September 1989 in North America, and in Europe and Japan in 1990. It was the world's first handheld electronic game with a colour LCD. It was also notable for its advanced graphics and ambidextrous layout. The Lynx competed with the Game Boy (released two months earlier), as well as the Game Gear and TurboExpress, both released the following year. It was discontinued in 1995.
Specifications & Revisions
Buying Guide
Common Issues & Repairs
Console5 technical and service information
5v Regulator
This is a common fault with ageing Atari Lynx.
The Lynx has a built-in switching regulator circuit that converts the 9V from batteries or AC into 5V for the system to use. There are few key components that make this circuit work, including a MOSFET (Q12 on Lynx II, Q11 on Lynx I), and a Zener diode (D13 on Lynx II, ZD1 on Lynx I). When the MOSFET fails, typically your Lynx won’t power up. That’s why the headphone ground trick works to bypass it temporarily. When the Zener diode fails, the power supply circuit loses its voltage “reference” and lets 9V go right on through the system, causing other components to fail.
Parts list
(WIP)
Zener Diode - 1N5991B
MOSFET - 2SK2231
Instructions
http://atariage.com/forums/topic/254446-lynx-power-circuit-upgraderepair-better-than-5v-mod/
Kits
Voltage regulator rebuild kit from Console5.com. (ordered 4/9/18, will update when fitted)
- Parts include:
- New Zener diode
- MOSFET IC - the usual culprit for no-power-on conditions
- Two 3906 transistors - another culprit for no-power-on conditions
- Power jack - these have internal switches that can fail, causing a Lynx to work on battery or DC power only
The difference between the two kits is the type of Zener diode. The Lynx 1 has a leaded diode, the Lynx 2 has a surface mount diode.
- Lynx 1 component locations:
- ZD1: Zener diode
- Q4, Q13: 3906 transistors
- Q11: MOSFET
- R74: 30 Ohm replacement resistor, not needed for all Lynx units. This increases regulator circuit voltage slightly for picky Lynx units that need a few more tenths of a volt to work.
- Lynx 2 component locations:
- D13: Zener diode (installed with stripe towards R74 / TP19)
- Q7, Q8: 3906 transistors
- Q12: MOSFET
- R74: 30 Ohm replacement resistor, not needed for all Lynx units. This increases regulator circuit voltage slightly for picky Lynx units that need a few more tenths of a volt to work.
Replace capacitors
Parts list
| Quantity | Capacitance | Max Voltage |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 47uf | 6.3v |
| 4 | 10uf | 6.3v |
| 4 | 1uf | 50v |
| 2 | 220uf | 6.3v |
| 2 | 10uf | 35v |
| 2 | 2.2uf | 63v |
| 1 | 470uf | 10v |
| 1 | 100uf | 35v |
Mods & Upgrades
McWill's Lynx LCD Mod
Tests and comparisons of McWill's Lynx LCD Mod can be found at the RetroRGB website.
Ordered by emailing McWill directly order-lynx-lcd@online.de click here
Game Storage & Preservation
SainT's LynxSD
Pre-ordered by messaging SainT at AtariAge Forums