Replace CCFL LCD Backlight with LED for Older Models...?

[loyukfai]

Just wondering... Is it doable, and/or economical...?

[rkawakami]

Neither, in both cases I would think. Here's something that I found that shows what it could take to do the conversion:

http://www.keithwakeham.com/lcd.htm (lots of pictures!)

[loyukfai]

Wow... That's a bit... Far-fetched... I was thinking about something like pre-built modules by a 3rd party...

Anyway, thanks... : )

[rkawakami]

There's none that I'm aware of, but then again, it's not my area of expertise. The way I see it, the problems with swapping out a CCFL with a string of LEDs are:

- physically removing the CCFL without causing any damage to the LCD panel
- having a string of LEDs constructed in the form as the CCFL (i.e., a thin tube) so that it can fit inside the same area
- power source for the LEDs (~5V DC) is drastically different than what the inverter board outputs; in fact, you may have to remove the inverter and depending upon the design of the inverter's input voltage requirements, bring in or tap power for the LEDs from some other place. Unless some smart person has figured out a way to convert the inverter's 500+ VAC output back to a steady 5V DC

Now, replacing the entire panel with one that is already designed with LEDs in place may make more sense, but you still have to solve the power situation and you then have to make sure that the panel's electrical connections are pin-compatible to the stock unit (or have a ribbon cable that adapts them). Since there's probably not much call for this type of conversion, whatever may exist to do this with off-the-shelf components might cost more than simply buying a new laptop that already has an LED for a backlight.

[Harryc]

Moniserv has some items pertinent to this discussion -
http://www.lcdparts.net/howto/LEDBACKLIGHT_MOUNT.aspx
http://www.lcdparts.net/LED3D.aspx

Note: Kits not available for Thinkpad yet.

[loyukfai]

@Harryc: Cool. It seems much more economical ($9.99 vs $129.99) to use the CCFL counterpart through. Still, thanks for the tip. : )

@rkawakami: If I have to do it, I will probably hire someone instead of doing it myself. I've watched some videos demonstrating the replacement and it certainly seems no easy task.

Cheers.

[rkawakami]

Wow, good find Harry! Looks like the engineers at MoniServ have been busy figuring out how to do this replacement. However, at $130 for the LED strip/inverter replacement, you still have the issue of taking the LCD panel partially apart to get the CCFL out. They don't seem to dwell on that detail too much. This is all I could find in their descriptions of the LED backlight kit:

Installing LED strip into the metal reflector is the same procedure as installing a CCFL lamp, but much easier.

Still, for someone who has the CCFL replacement technique down pat, this kit certainly seems to be one other option to consider.

[sojourner]

However, at $130 for the LED strip/inverter replacement, you still have the issue of taking the LCD panel partially apart to get the CCFL out. They don't seem to dwell on that detail too much. ... Still, for someone who has the CCFL replacement technique down pat, this kit certainly seems to be one other option to consider.

Yes it sounds quite interesting. It'd be nice if they showed contrasting pictures of the displays though, i.e. one using their brightest CCFL and the same pic using their LEDS. Could be a lot of hype (and a big money maker for them because LEDs are inexpensive)!

[loyukfai]

AFAIK, LEDs are not necessarily inexpensive. Unless you're talking about those used in those bargain basement LED flashlights...

[haraldnote]

bought a used X41Tablet:
Display is rather dark and yellowish (compared with my X200).
Any remedies? Replace Inverter?..

[ajkula66]

Yellowish display is one that hasn't aged gracefully...you're likely looking at a backlight replacement, and that will probably solve just the brightness issue.

I'd be looking for a complete new LCD if I were you.

Good luck.

[Radioguy]

I started a thread or two covering this topic awhile back without positive reply. I'm glad to see someone else got somewhere.

[lrpingel]

I came across this thread via web search. Since others might do the same here is an update. Several companies now offer kits for specific models of Thinkpads. For example the T61 here http://www.xccfl.com/product_info.php?products_id=4727 and here http://www.iccfl.com/product_info.php?products_id=5618 I am not clear on how they deal with the different widths, 14" through 15.4". Maybe it doesn't matter.