Dimming the status LEDs on an Archos Gmini XS200

Introduction

The status LEDs on the Archos Gmini XS200 are eXtremely bright. They are only useful if you want to use your Gmini as a flashlight to find some things in the dark such as a pencil that has fallen behind the couch.

On more than one occasion I have found myself waking up in the night to an ominous blue flashing light in my bedroom. What is it? Aliens landing to probe me? Police outside? Oh, wait, it's just the annoying LED on the Gmini indicating that it has finished charging.

Here I'll show you how to dim those LEDs a touch so they're not so bright. This is a very straightforward procedure, no hacking involved. The idea is to insert a semi-translucent material (such as paper) over top of the LEDs, thus obstructing some of the light emitted.

Required tools

As usual, I have a required tools section. Here are the things you need to dim the lights on your XS200.

• Archos Gmini XS200
• Miniature screwdriver set
• Small strip of paper

Step 1: Remove the faceplate

Using the tiny miniature screwdriver, unscrew the four screws from the faceplate. Gently lift the faceplate, taking care not to damage the connection between the LCD and the unit. The buttons may fall out as well as the clear plastic LED mould. Don't worry, these are easy to get back in.

You can see the three LEDs in the top left corner of the unit on the circuit board.

Step 2: Fashion the small strip of paper

Fashion the small strip of paper so that it generally fits the clear plastic LED mould. In the above picture, I've folded the strip of paper in half to block more LED light. I found that one layer wasn't quite good enough for those eXtremely bright LEDs.

Step 3: Install the small strip of paper

Replace the clear plastic LED mould and buttons (if they fell out).

Next, gently place the small strip of paper on top of the clear plastic LED mould so that it will block the transfer of light, as pictured above.

Step 4: Replace faceplate

Now replace the faceplate and put the screws back in. Turn the unit on, and you should see a considerable difference in brightness.

Now it should be possible to use the XS200 in low light without having to cover the LED with your thumb.

Before and after

Before

After

Copyright (C) 2005 Donn Morrison

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