Not another CCFL/Inverter thread

I think I've read all the pertinent threads and I'm still puzzled.

I bought a 5 year old cf-29 all worked great except I felt the screen was a little dim. I work primarily in direct sunlight (oceanography) and wanted to optimize it (dumb in hindsight). B/C I work in bright light, I prefer matte screens. I've replaced lcd screens before and it didnt seem to be a big deal. But I couldn't find a replacement matte screen. I figured I'd try to replace the ccfl on the old one lcd.

I removed the battery and lcd. I did break the old bulb when trying to disassemble. At the time it didn't seem to matter b/c I purchased a new bulb anyhow. BTW, the vendor sold me a 2mm diameter bulb instead of the OEM 1.8. He said there's no difference. I soldered it on fired it up and the bulb does not light. The battery was not in. I dont think I blew the fuse. I tested the voltage on the input plug to the inverter and I see the 14.8V. But not really sure which combination of pins I need to test for a complete test though. Dumb question.. there's no polarity on a CCFL, right?

Opened the lid to make sure the magnetic switch is not on....no light

I dont see how I could have blown the inverter there was no power. Could the old inverter some how match the old bulb in its demand i.e. it doesn't supply enough output power to light a new bulb. Unfortunately i broke the old one to test this theory. Bad replacement bulb?

It seems I'm never happy with 80% functionality. I always want more and end up making life more complicated. A cardboard box over the screen is probably all I needed anyway. Any suggestions would help before anymore co-workers ask me how's that "USED" toughbook working out.

Thanks,
e

 

Had u checked the pwm-signal? Maybe u can find some useful informations here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/panasonic/471036-changing-ccfl-led-display-post6143347.html

 

Mea Culpa. I did check the pwm and it was 3.4 v. After further investigation I realized the screen was tilted right at the magnetic switch point. A little bump would turn it off. I must have tested the bulb in the off position then tested the pin in the on. Works now. I'm tempted to try the LED after reading the thread. Someone stop me now before I do some real damage.

 

No go on! And write here about ur adventure(s)

 

This TB has got to get to work. Was out Monday in the field and getting rained down by seagull crap all day on a radio tower. Had to make excuses why the tb was still on the bench. I'll start scouting for scrap to start tooling with in my slow time though.

 

If you are in a hurry you could just buy a complete lid and change it out
It sounds like there is a few problems at once now

Troubleshooting the cf-29 has been easy for me as I have spare parts to interchange
That works for me with my skill and patience level

I live in BC and we have had a bit of real rain this week
Whats the weather like in Florida , other that the mentioned seagulls




Alex

 

I work out on towers in the Gulf of Mexico and shipboard. It can be perfectly sunny one minute and down pouring the next. Ship decks get splashed and sprayed. I have it all working now just need to put it back together. I started another thread to figure out the tape I removed. I'm concerned about matching the OEM specs b/c it can get well over 100 deg F. I don't want the black tape to decompose inside.

 

Yes the black tape, or copper colored tape that is similar to scotch tape does not deteriorate
Even masking tape would work better that standard electrical tape



Alex

 

you just reminded me. I have some of the real duct tape at home. the kind that is heat rated for actually sealing heating vents. I've used that in the sun to hold cable above and below the ocean surface for months and it never failed

 

The duct tape sold at marine supply stores currently is called gorilla tape
Its quite good, I use in on boats


Alex

 

I used this to fix a puncture in my aluminum fishing boat; I figured when the adhesive broke down and it started to leak I'd make myself weld it up. 3 years later I moved and gave it to my best friend; as of last summer he's still using it with that patch. I've been in San Antonio for 10 years now...

STAINLESS STEEL TAPE - CarParts Quality Discount Parts and Accessories

mnem
Staind

 

That brings back memories
I used a tape like that on my old fiat to repair a rust hole on the fender
It stuck real good and no bodyfill was needed , just some white spray paint



Alex