[ltp] Replacing the backlight of the thinkpad LCD

[linux-thinkpad@linux-thinkpad.org]

---- Richard Neill <rn214@hermes.cam.ac.uk> wrote:=20
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> cupaxe wrote:
> > Hello fellow LTP members,
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> > My screen recently went blank on my thinkpad UXGA 15" after providing
> > me with 4 years of honest service. Since I have run out of the IBM
> > service warranty, I have the options, in increasing order of
> > preference:
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> > a) buying a new laptop.
> > b) buying a new monitor screen, available from
> > http://www.thinkpadmedic.com/, cost: $300.
> > c) replacing the backlight opening up the monitor screen, available
> > from http://www.ccflsurplus.com/lareba.html, cost: not sure.
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> > The reason I think it is the backlight that has gone bad is because it
> > works fine immediately after I start the laptop and 5-10 min after
> > that, goes blank. It doesn't go completely blank though- I still can
> > faintly see the underlying windows on the screen.
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> Indeed, the LCD is still working fine. No need for a costly new screen :-=
)
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> > I have never attempted option c before but have experience replacing
> > the fan, putting thermal grease on cpu, etc.
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> > I would be delighted if you could share your experiences and other
> > tips you might have for me.
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> Do go for (c). It should cost you in the region of $30 (maybe cheaper on=
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> eBay). You can't make anything worse. Note that it could be either the=20
> backlight or the inverter (or both).
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> In general, thinkpad maintenance is pretty easy - the documentation is=20
> excellent - see thinkwiki.org for more, especially for the IBM "Hardware=
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> Maintenance Manuals" as PDFs. Change the inverter first - it's easier,=20
> and more likely to be faulty (though neither is particularly hard).
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> 3 bits of advice:
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>    - use a grounding cord to avoid static buildup. (frequently touching
>      an earthed item will do, if you must).
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>    - there are lots of screws - keep them carefully separated and labelle=
d.
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>    - use exactly the right screwdriver (buy a set of jeweller's=20
> screwdrivers if you need to). Also, carefully prise off the=20
> self-adhesive screw covers (5mm diameter, matte black things) with a=20
> very small flat-bladed screwdriver, and you can re-use them.
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> Richard
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> P.S. Backlights run at about 1000 volts. Don't touch the outputs of the=
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> inverter, unless you are sure that nobody will mind hearing you yelp bad=
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> words when you do!  Also, the CCFLs contain small amounts of mercury -=20
> try not to break the tube.
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> --=20
To add to the above:

Most ESD =E2=80=9Cstatic=E2=80=9D problems are caused by dry air or =E2=80=
=9Cplastic=E2=80=9D clothing or combinations of the two.
Try to wear a cotton shirt and even boil some water in the room that you ar=
e working in if you must to bring up the humidity.

Many inverter problems are actually the cable that brings the power over to=
 the inverter.
A brand new out of the box white eraser can be used to remove the lead oxid=
e that forms on the cable.
Then too, sometimes the cable is broken, it flexes everytime that you open =
and close the lid.