CF-30 No Display

Ok folks, here is another one.

I have a CF-30 that the display does not work on. It boots and I get the audible verification it's booted. The HD is being accessed properly and working. Speakers are working as well. Emissive keyboard is lit.

When it boots, I get the Panasonic boot screen for about 1 second and it's orange in color where it is normally grey. The blue background is black as well. I can't change the brightness at all.

Ideas?


It's a CF-30 Mk2 Centrino. CF-30FASAXAM I got it in the condition it's in. The picture I got of it was a display that was faint and the brightness could not be changed. Unfortunately, now it just seems dead.

 

CCFL tube or inverter went bad,the orange color is the tip off.

 

Is it fixable? I know anything is fixable but is it a smart monetary decision to fix it? I looked and didn't see any guides out there on diagnosis or replacement.

 

Yes it is repairable. The method depends on your skill level.
I have taken out the CCFL out of the LCD and replaced it with brighter LEDs..Amazing results, but requires electronics skill. 4 to 6 hour job..
Option 2 is open the top half and carefully replace the LCD panel and inverter. About 24 screws and 6 VERY fragile wire connectors. Lots of strong tape also. 1 and a 1/2 hour job
Option 3 is the simplest..Buy a entire top half(lid) and replace it. 8 screws and 1 wire connector..15 minute job.

Post an ad in our buy/sell/trade section for a top half or a parts unit with a good LCD....
If I recall correctly CF 30 mk2 uses the same motherboard connector as a CF 30 mk1...CF30 mk3 uses a different motherboard connector.

 

yeppers ,

changing out the ccfl for leds is a good way to go ... if i had to replace the ccfl in my '30 or any other .
for the labor involved , it just makes sense .
one has to be careful as the lcd frame is bonded with double sticky tape ... i used a soldering iron and a library card to free the frame .
a broken lcd will happen if extreme care is not taken .
reassembly can be a hassle as sometimes the catches and frame get bent .
(think refolding a brand new road map or aircraft sectional)

changing out the whole LCD assembly is an easier method and avoids the PITA opening/assembling of the display to replace the ccfl .
the wire removal/assembly is the same as for the above .
unless you know the character/trustworthiness of a *supplier* you could wind up with a display with a whole lot of hours on it that is ready to head south exactly 3 days and 49 minutes after you install it .
cosmetics are another sore area ... somebodies idea of "grade A" may be *lower standard* than my idea of it .
(the guys here are straight shooters) .

replacing the whole top assembly is much easier overall ... it involves a part of the wiring disconnection/connection associated with the above .
it is subject to the vagaries of "optical/cosmetic condition" already mentioned .
(again , the chaps here are honorable)

 

Great answers and info. I'm thinking of letting this one go down the road so I may opt for the LCD or top half replacement. I can't sell something in good faith that isn't working properly. If I were going to keep it, I would probably go for option 1 and do a little upgrading. I'm not scared of electronics at all. I do various projects and have some nice tools.

Again, thanks for all of the great, honest, non flaming, help. This site is always good. I'll post as I get it sorted.

 

We have several write ups on the led swap..

Just ask and we will find links..

 

Since you are not going to keep it then I would sell it as parts. The price of the 30's have dropped a lot to a point that the cost and the time you will spend fixing it up (to me) would not be worth it. The price you pay for a top half will be close to what the complete 30 would cost you. I myself have been down this road before...just not worth it.

 

I would just keep it for parts,you will be lucky to get $50 for it on eBay.

 

yeppers ... darn lucky .
you might post back in the "wanted to buy/for sale" section .

 

As of right now, I have nothing in it. I can't see how it's not worth a screen. Even if I have to keep it and just allocate a basic use for it.

 

Ok let me put it this way. If it is in real good shape and you are going to keep it then I would fix it BUT if you want to fix it just to sell it then no...cost to much and will never get your money back. That's why we say sell it as parts.

 

Ok let me put it this way. If it is in real good shape and you are going to keep it then I would fix it BUT if you want to fix it just to sell it then no...cost to much and will never get your money back. That's why we say sell it as parts.

 

I have a good working, non-touch, MK2 display with marginal cosmetics I'd sell real cheap.
CAP

 

Cap.

He has an ad in the buy sell section..