back light problem in CF-28

As expected, after reading this great forum, I got the toughbook bug. My "new" CF-28, 800MHz has back light problem. When I turn it on, in first few seconds it has a redish color. Than it goes away, however the bottom of the screen is darker, than the rest. I looked in CF-28 Service manual, but can't find any reference to this problem. In the exploded view I can't find any "bulbs". I'm not shure how the back light works. I'm assuming, that it will have some sort of a bulb. Is this a problem with the inverter? I have other CF-28, that I'm using for parts. It's the 600MHz model. I got it from the Ebay, and it turned out, that a "toughbook specialist" crazy glued most of the ribbon cables in it. Keyboard, touchpad etc, as the little holding tabs are brocken. I got over it. It was sold for parts with no return. It served the purpose for me, as I learned how to open it an used some parts for my 800MHz. Parts computer has perfect screen. My guestion is will the parts work on the 800MHz model? Will the replacement of the inverter solve the problem? Please let me know. I will be opening the lid anyway, as I'm working on the wireless antenna modification. Thank you all. Great forum. Voytek.

 

Hi Boomtown,

It wont be the inverter, it the bulbs that are at top and bottom of the screen (in the screen at the top and bottom). The Bulbs that light the screen are cold cathron tubes that run from left to right

the screens should work with no problem if they are the same size.

 

Yes its bulbs for sure
Thats the sign of falure, red or pink for a minute until it warms up
The only issue in screen replacement is a mod you need to do for the 12.1" screen to adapt to 13.3" screen resolution
If both are 13.3" you will be fine


Alex

 

Thanks. the spare screen I have is also 13.3" I would like just to change bulbs, not the whole screen. Will the bulbs from 600MHz fit in 800MHz? Is it a difficult operation? Cotton gloves, like in changing halogen bulbs? I did not open it up yet. How long do bulbs last in the back light? Regards, Voytek.

 

Boomtown,

The bulbs are as thin as the lead from a pensil and would snap very easy. I would change ther screen around insteed.

You will have to the screen itself apart to change the bulds. the screen is in one peice inside the case or the lid.

you will have to take out all the screws on the back of the cover or lid and the seperat the two halfs and then you will see the screen

 

Thanks PeeWee. Will take your word for it. Under the lid I took out bunch of pieces of sticky tape. Do we know what type it is for the replacement? Looks like it's fabrick tape, sort of goldish color, a bit shine to it. What will be the replacement and any idea where to buy it? Thanks, Voytek.

 

Voytek,

Yes... That is Kapton tape... Good to 500F!!!

Change the WHOLE screen! As said... The cathode tube is as thin as spaghetti! Breaks easily. You change the ONCE... Not twice and not with a used one!

You can order a replacement CCFL tube... You just need to make sure that you get the EXACT type, style, size, etc.

Actually... You can live with the redness.... Usually the longer it stays on... The better the brightness becomes. You can also adjust the gamma on the screen color in Control Panel. This doesn't help the redness at start-up... But is it is dim overall... You can adjust the brightness to some degree. Most people never fool with this option. I used to all the time on the CF-28. It is really not needed on the CF-29/30 as the screens are so bright.

 

boomtown, you are from Vancouver and where from vancouver? if you need a kapton tape I just recently purchased a bunch of it and also If you need help just give me a shout. It happen that I am too busy for a whole week period and tired and almost got no time to review all posted comments here but its a weekend so, time to do have some fun again.

 

Thanks Guys, you'r great. I will change the whole screen. Took the spare one out this afternoon. The bezel from cf-28, 600MHz is different, than one from 800MHz, but the screen looks the same. Connections look the same as well. No time tonight to finish the "operation". Ohlip, I'm in south-east Van. Marine Drive and Boundary are. Champlain Hights. Would love to buy some tape from you. No rush with my projects. Looking forward to meet you. Regards, Voytek.

 

Voytec ,if you get to meet Teo

You will see first hand that there is a lot more to modding Toughbooks than a backlite replacement or a keyboard change lol


Alex

 

Sure! Man, I am in Richmond area. Anyway, I will tell you also that the hinges of 600Mhz is also diff. You must interchange that too. to fit in to the MK2/MK3

ohlip

 

Hi, Alex. I'm looking forward to meet Teo. There is a nice pub in my neighbourhood. Charter season is over, so a trip to Salmon Capital of the World? Fuel prices are down. Regards, Voytek.

 

Hi, Teo. I'm aware, that higes and the bezel is different. I will be swaping only the "guts". I have my grandson's baptism tomorrow, so playing with the toughbooks is out. Looking forward to meet you for a few cold ones. I can PM now, so when you have time send the number. Regards, Voytek.

 

The two connectors on the LCD/Touchscreen are the same but different lengths. #1 is longer than #2 in the 600MHz and #2 is longer than #1 in the 800MHz & 1GHz models. You can swap them easy enough though...

 

Morning. Not a good news. I replaced the whole screen. Was most carefull to plug things where they go and the connections are good. No go. The screen is black, not going to bios, nada. The computer works fine. I can hear the Microsoft tune, as it goes to Windows. What did I goofed? I s there a reset swith or fuse with is blown? Im pulling my hair, getting ready to throw it out the window. Please help. Regards, Voytek.

 

Voytek
When you changed the screen did you make sure that the battery was removed
There is a fuse on the motherboard that fails sometimes

Here is a link to just one thread on this
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=308643

Alex

 

Sounds like a blown fuse.... Everyone who has that that issue... Please stand up!

<Stands up!>

 

I had two working computers, now I have none. Stupid little me. The battery was in. And I did see somwhere, that it must be out when changing the screen. Where is the fuse? Taking everything apart again? This business is better left to pros, like you Guys. I'm learning. I have 600MHz Mother board out (for learning purpose) I comes from machine I got at the Ebay and had ribbon cables crazy-glued. I'm using this for parts. Where is the fuse? Thanks, Voytek.

 

Download the manual here
http://www.modly.net/servicemanuals/CF-28M-Service-Manual-With-Schematic.pdf
Its F4 very close to the DC IN jack

Alex

 

There may be a pic up somewhere around here.... But look for a little fat white rectangle near where the monitor plugs into the motherboard... Over the the left (as I recall) when looking down on it.

 

Here is three more threads to look at

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?p=3981053
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=244284
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=349488

Alex

 

Found the fuse on my "training" board. It was just like Alex described close to the DC in port. Thanks for the link to the manual. I check it with the magnifing glass. Lf on it, 6.3A. Now the big problem it looks soldered into the board. What do I do? I am not setup for soldering in such small place. It looks like a job for the pro. Thanks, Voytek.

 

One of the thread links had an idea to use a pair of small wires from a gm style fuse to make it easy

If you think you don't have the tools,soldering iron , a good light. and a magnifing glass, and a non shakey hand

You might talk Teo into fixing it on the weekend
He will be back from work later ,and will most likely see this post

Alex

 

Thanks. I think Teo will be my answer. Any idea where I can get a new, original fuse? Will the Panasonic people in Richmond have parts? For now I'm not touching it anymore (something else will go wrong). This will be a good exscuse to meet with Teo. Thanks again, Voytek.

 

This can be done relatively quickly and easily with a .5Amp mini buss fuse from Radio Shack... Or an auto parts store. There is PLENTY of room inside for this. I normally solder a lead on each end, wrap it in shrink wrap, label it and then solder it in place. VERY easy to do... I doubt you'll find another fuse... Unless someone has a donor keyboard that will desolder the part you need. This is one of the easiest fixes to do as long as you know 100% which fuse to swap.

 

Hey! Rick, I have good news to you, revenue canada is after me now. Lol So, I have to slow down now on ebay probably I will turn to craigslist which I already sold a few a couple of week ago and now I have one customer want to see the cf-29. How about in USA, is the IRS still after to the power seller?


Anyway, voytek.. send it to me this weekend and I will fix it for you. What I done to a couple of cf-28 to fixed the blown fuse is by soldering a thin lead wire(junper wire). Thats it. I am not bother coz on the backlight inverter there is also one fuse with same rating in case that there is another power surge.


teo

 

Thanks Teo. Would you please PM to me your phone #? or email: [email protected] Thanks everybody, regards, Voytek.

 

You know... I keep swearing that I will jump on Craigslist but I never do. I'll list one there tomorrow!

Yeah... The IRS/Paypal thing starts next year... And Paypal is keeping VERY mum about it.

 

You’re a Good man Teo

Just remember my advice on the tax situation

Tell your wife that Alex says we need some write offs and we have to go out and buy a new car tomorrow that you must have so that you can get back and forth to the post office for your professional eBay business
And while you are at it buy a brand new cf-30 for work
If you work it right you will even get all your tax money back from your normal job

Alex

 

I don't know why they are only looking for total amount you sold while they are not considering the amount you invested on it.

Or maybe I am going to the city hall tommorow to apply a business license but for how much amount of capital, $3,000.00! Yeah!... thats the only amount of money that I keep rolling on ebay.


teo

 

They don't care if you have a business licence, don’t worry about that
They only have access to total sales ,and its up to you to show them the price paid for items to see if you make a profit
You are only one Canadian seller out of thousands that is dealing with this
There is safety in numbers, there will be info on the internet later as to how powersellers are dealing with this


Alex

 

Sell, sell,sell. Now pay taxes. Teo, I can give you a charity receipt. I think I bought CF-M34 from you. Your phone number is in my contacts. Last name too. No cell number. Are we having a cold one in Richmond on the weekend?

 

As far as I remember I only sold one M34 here in B.C. and the buyer is from the island.
Yup! I have here, not the cold one but the hard stuff.

Btw, I sold one unit of cf-29 a moment ago and the price is right. Buyer info from craigslist.


teo

 

Teo. I looked in my records. Did not buy it from you. I was asking you a bunch of questions on the Ebay. I don't remember what this was about, but I have your number in my contacts and the note: Mr. Teo C.......s re: CF-M34.
What a small world. Is Crown Royal ok? By the way, I'm looking for CF-29, Centrino, with SD card slot. Have all the charts on SD. The charter season was slow so it would have to be a good deal. Regards, Voytek.

 

I think you are the guy who are keep asking about the gps mod on M34 That I've listed on ebay somewhere in 2008.


ohlip