microvision

[GameHoarder]

I see there is talk of the microvision handheld. I have some of these handhelds and games that I bought in the past and some of them were working properly when I bought them. I have a few questions.

why do some display screens still work and some do not. Is it a roll of the dice on getting a system with a screen that was less prone to screen rot, or how they are stored?

Is there a wise way to store them to preserve the display screen on the working units?

[Rik]

It basically boils down to low-quality manufacturing I think... They were just made cheaply. What I believe happens is moisture seeps into the LCD itself destroying the chemical inside that makes the screen work (that's why you usually see it around the edges first creeping inward). Microvision isn't the only game with this problem, a lot of the late 1970's/very early 80's LCD games have this problem. Some LCDs might be a little more durable than others due to some aspects of the manufacturing... The ones made while the glue used to seal the glass was freshest might be the strongest... Or maybe ones made when they day was less humid (thus less moisture between the glass). I don't think clean manufacturing environments were what they are today... (That's all just guessing though...)

You want to keep them stored in a cool (as in, air-conditioned), low humidity environment. I still have my original system from 1979, and it works fine. Everyone I've bought that was working when I bought it, still works. Ones that were already going bad have gotten a little worse since I've owned them. Heat, humidity and long exposure to direct sunlight on the LCD is what will damage them. It's possible that ones that are still alive today will last if they are well taken care of...

Mine are always stored in a climate-controlled storage, or in my house (in the air conditioned part of the house). What will likely destroy them quickest is storing them in an attic, basement, or any building with no climate control (storage facility, shed in the back yard, stuff like that). I suspect over the years many parents moved their kids toys up into an attic when they went to college, and sitting up there for years has made many of them non-functional...

[GameHoarder]

Thanks for the reply and info. I do keep the microvision items and other "special" game items in a climate controlled area as I find the controlled climate comfortable in my older age. It does cost a bit more these days to stay warm through the Minnesota winter and cool in the summer, but it's worth it to be as comfortable as one can be. I also keep track of the humidity levels and control those so my "boomsticks & gats" don't rust.