X230 FHD nb51 mod, software brightness control

[stasheck]

Hi, I recently completed my X330 mod, using parts from XYTech (nb51 adapter and Sharp screen). The brightness is controlled using power button.

I keep running into mentions of Windows software capable of controlling brightness, does such thing exist?

[RealBlackStuff]

This'll keep you busy:
https://softfamous.com/desktop-lighter/
https://support.lenovo.com/sk/en/downloads/ds009273
https://download.cnet.com/DimScreen/300 ... 61720.html
https://www.monitortests.com/forum/Thre ... tility-CRU

[stasheck]

Uh-huh. This is supposed to work with modded screen? And for some reason all of those work, but Linux still has not figured how to control the brightness?

[RealBlackStuff]

You asked for Windows programs.
AFAIK Linux brightness control should work OOTB, at least with nitrocaster's mod, but I don't know what nb51 has cobbled up.

[stasheck]

Yes, I asked for Windows.

I assumed (wrongly, perhaps) that since Fn combinations don't work, there's some magic involved and brightness can only be controlled with power button. I read a lot of threads where there's mention of some special software, such as: viewtopic.php?t=125243#p811491, but no link to actual software

[iamdmc]

why'd you go for the 51nb instead of the nitrocaster mod?

[stasheck]

Mostly to get everything from a single source: top half assembly and the mod board. Was also somewhat cheaper than 2 separate postings.

[ranw]

You should go with coreboot FHD mode varient.

[atagunov]

I suppose you could also ask XYTech (possibly via reddit messaging), he's quite happy to chat and is in contact with 51nb members. If you do find a solution, please post here

[stasheck]

Here's the utility: https://github.com/timothy-ha/X330-Backlight

[atagunov]

Here's the utility: https://github.com/timothy-ha/X330-Backlight

This seems like a Linux utility, isn't this right?

var devices = HID.devices();
device = new HID.HID(4292,33742);

So is it working via the USB interface? Does nb51 kit have USB interface?

[Yao2000]

you need to download lenovo Thinkpad Hotkey application, install it.

then you need to download the custom made app to adjust screen brightness for X330. Do a google search for this lightweight app.

it works fine and great.

[peddy22]

I use this simple python script

Code: Select all

#script that changes brightness on 51NB thinkpad X230 X330 FHD 13.3" LCD modification
#detects changes in Windows system brightness and sends a command to the LCD driver
#change vendor_id and product_ID to fit your hardware device under Device Manager->Human Interface Devices

import pywinusb.hid as hid
import wmi

def sample_handler(data):
    print("Raw data: {0}".format(data))


#sends HID command between 0-255 to USB LCD controller 
def updateBrightness(brightnesslevel):
    filter = hid.HidDeviceFilter(vendor_id = 0x10C4, product_id = 0x83CE)
    hid_device = filter.get_devices()
    device = hid_device[0]
    device.open()
    device.set_raw_data_handler(sample_handler)
    out_report = device.find_feature_reports()[0]
    cmd = (0,
    brightnesslevel,
    )
    buffer = [0x00] * 2
    i = 0
    for x in cmd:
        buffer[i] = x
        i += 1
    out_report.set_raw_data(buffer)
    out_report.send()
    device.close()

#detects changes in brightness 
def brightnessChangeDetect():
    c = wmi.WMI(namespace='wmi')
    watcher = c.WmiMonitorBrightnessEvent.watch_for(
      notification_type="Modification",
      delay_secs=1
      )
    event_happened = watcher()
    brightnesslevel = int((event_happened.Brightness)*2.5)
    updateBrightness(brightnesslevel)


#main program
while True:
    brightnessChangeDetect()

[DanielSip]

You can try pm boutch55555 on reddit, he mentioned that he has some kind of driver for it "There is a windows driver for that board on 51nb, PM me if you want a Google drive link.", thread link https://www.reddit.com/r/thinkpad/comme ... d_for_the/

Not that long ago I converted my x230 to FHD too, totally different machine. Went a little further and changed speakers to iPhone XR speakers and it sounds as good as it looks

EDIT: Ooops, didn't see the date when thread was created :X