Replacing the ccflin an x20

[Belacqua]

The ccfl in my old x20 died recently. I do not really use it any more, but it would be still nice to have it as a backup machine. I have read most threads about ccfl replacement, but did not find any post about the ease of doing it in an x20.
Could anyone who has performed such an operation tell me how difficult it is? (I have read somwheat conflicting opinions, about some other models.)
Also I have a chance of buying a broken x20 lcd with a working ccfl. Would a switch be more or less difficult? (I wonder if the experience gained while opening up the old screen would balance the aditional work.)

Thanks.

B.

[The Spirit of X21]

Replacing the CCFL on an X20 is essentially the same process as replacing it on the 600 series:

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=3705

The disassembly of the display will vary from one LCD manufacturer to another, but the method is essentially the same.

[rkawakami]

Also I have a chance of buying a broken x20 lcd with a working ccfl. Would a switch be more or less difficult? (I wonder if the experience gained while opening up the old screen would balance the aditional work.)

I have not yet done a CCFL replacement, but I have done what you have suggested. There's a busted T23 LCD that's sitting in my parts stack waiting for when I have the time to open it up and see how hard/easy it is to get at the backlight. When I do, I will take pictures and setup a web site with the details.

Purchased for $25 (2647-HNU with a broken LCD and bottom half of the T23, minus the keyboard and bezel), I figured that with a test subject like that to play with, I'd learn what not to do when replacing the lamp. I have two SXGA+ panels with dead backlights so I'm hoping that the previous owner of this system didn't swap out the original SXGA+ LCD and leave me with an XGA panel .

Even if you damage the CCFL in the good panel when taking it apart, it's probably worth the $10-$15 a new one will cost you just to get the additional experience. At least that's my thinking.

[Belacqua]

Thanks, I have gone ahead and bought the broken screen. When it arrives I'll try switching the ccfl, and if I can manage it I'll take some pictures too. Wish me luck and steady hands!

B.

[Quattro]

It's not too difficult. Make sure you don't tear the LCD cable that runs behind the screen. I soldered the new one in, but have been told Soldering is not neccessary. Good luck.