Backlight fluctuation

dr g · #1 (**permalink**) 12-26-2008, 12:29 AM

I had an issue earlier where the backlight would constantly dim without any delay, e.g. you tap the screen, the backlight brightens, then immediately goes back to "dim" mode as if the backlight-off timeout had reached. This has the appearance of the backlight fluctuating up and down constantly as you use the device.

This problem seemed to affect other things, including a frustrating freeze/lockup of Opera where Opera would freeze while loading a page -- then after that you could not snooze the device with the power button until you soft reset.

I was able to apparently clear up this issue by re-selecting my Settings > Power > Advanced backlight timeout settings. Anyone else experience this issue?

I had thought it might be related to some LevelSight service or TouchResponse, but it was not.

**MadlyAlive** · #2 (**permalink**) 12-26-2008, 01:49 AM

I haven't experienced that, but I have experienced the backlight start to "fluctuate"...think of watching something on TV while the camera is focused on a CRT monitor or old school tubed TV. It wasn't as slow moving as that, but rather very quickly and not in lines across the screen.

Not sure if I described that too well, but I can't really think straight right now!

A soft reset always fixes it, but I had to ask a co-worker if I was actually seeing it and it wasn't eyes or contacts playing tricks on me.

**WhiteBlazer01** · #3 (**permalink**) 12-26-2008, 01:59 AM

There is a light sensor to the left of the earpiece that automatically dims and brightens. Test it out. Cover the speaker with your finger, it will dim. Shine a light into it, and it gets bright. I think it's great!

I installed a program called Lumos (http://www.freewarepocketpc.net/ppc-download-lumos.html). This is an advanced manager for the light sensor. I've attached the cab file if you want to download it.

Merry Christmas!

**[sammich]** · #4 (**permalink**) 12-26-2008, 02:17 AM

+1 for Lumos.

The sensor only goes between 3 and 9 I believe, and Lumos allows you to set the thresholds and limits for your backlight.

dr g · #5 (**permalink**) 12-26-2008, 04:23 AM

This issue is independent of the light sensor (which I use the aforementioned LevelSight to control). Check it out as an alternative to Lumos, G-light, etc.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=446434