Thinkpads.com R51 Project - (Pic Warning)

Message

#91 Post by **Harryc** » Sat Aug 23, 2008 7:13 am

proaudioguy, thanks for the drive offer. I will get back to you if we need it.

#92 Post by **Harryc** » Mon Aug 25, 2008 5:02 pm

carbon_unit wrote:I have a UB slim DVD drive you can have.

carbon_unit, I received the DVD drive today, thanks!. As an additional update, I just checked on the inverter and I should have it by tomorrow.

#93 Post by **Harryc** » Tue Aug 26, 2008 1:08 pm

The inverter arrived today. It did not fix the problem. I paid closer attention to exactly what is going on when the inverter attempts to light the CCFL. I hear a soft buzz, then I see the very right corner (maybe an inch triangle of the LCD) light/flash momentarily. We're talking about one end of the CCFL flashing for a split second here. Then all goes black.

I took some nice shots of removing the LCD bezel, removing the old inverter, and installing the new inverter. I'll post them tonight.

Next steps, well I'd say the CCFL itself. Any tips on the best source (15" R51 CCFL), what to look for, and cost? Keep in mind that this is a Flexview LCD, and I've heard that it is possible to remove the end caps and slide a new CCFL in place without dismantling the LCD frame...that would be nice were it the case

. Can anyone confirm?

sarbin · #94 Post by **sarbin** » Tue Aug 26, 2008 1:13 pm

ccfl... dang.

i can only confirm that i read a similar (or maybe the same) post that the spacing allowed easier removal on the flexview lcds. if true, maybe jamiphar could source the correct part at a decent (discounted, maybe

) price.

#95 Post by **Harryc** » Tue Aug 26, 2008 2:44 pm

Here's one from Moniserv. I have bought from them before. Any other suggested sources?

sarbin · #96 Post by **sarbin** » Tue Aug 26, 2008 2:47 pm

if you're satisfied with them as a seller, i say go for it.

btw... ygpm in a couple seconds.

#97 Post by **Harryc** » Tue Aug 26, 2008 3:36 pm

sarbin, replied to your PM. It's a done deal. CCFL on order from Moniserv.

So far this project has cost;

$61.11 - R51 and Toshiba Laptops
$18.98 - Inverter
$19.98 - CCFL
$22.50 - Keyboard

Total = $122.57 (In cash, not including donated parts)
$11. in cash was donated by Sarbin. Thank-you!

Donated Parts Include -

DVD Drive
AC adapter
Hard Drive
Keyboard Screws
Hard Drive cover and hard drive caddy screws
Dock
Battery

sparta.rising · #98 Post by **sparta.rising** » Tue Aug 26, 2008 5:58 pm

You might want to check the current ccfl, sometimes bulb is fine but the wire has broken off from the solder joint and just needs to be re-soldered. I think I've heard the "fuzz" sound when the wire is very close to the joint and the current tried to jump the gap (and melts the rubber around it).

I've ordered ccfl's from ccfldirect.com The prices were very reasonable and there was good communication with them.

#99 Post by **Harryc** » Tue Aug 26, 2008 6:12 pm

sparta.rising wrote:You might want to check the current ccfl.

Thanks for the advice. Since I have one coming, I will wait for it to arrive and will check the wiring on the old one while installing the new.

sparta.rising · #100 Post by **sparta.rising** » Tue Aug 26, 2008 6:33 pm

I did the same and ended up returning 3 CCFL's (2 bad wiring and 1 bad lcd cable)

Speaking off, you haven't ruled out the cable yet?

#101 Post by **Harryc** » Tue Aug 26, 2008 7:03 pm

Not yet. That would be something to look at next. Which cable are we talking about here? Signal or power? I think that since the machine is at least 3 years old, even if it were a loose wire, I'd probably replace the CCFL anyway.

sparta.rising · #102 Post by **sparta.rising** » Tue Aug 26, 2008 7:10 pm

I mean the cable from motherboard to LCD panel, I know this is a common problem with no backlight power for T2x machines (much older cables).

Oh, and I love this collaborative idea. If I come across a wreck I don't want to fix, I might donate it to the cause. While donating the profits to the forum is admirable, if you can do a repair for lower cost than this project, you might consider donating the laptop to a local school.

#103 Post by **Harryc** » Tue Aug 26, 2008 7:12 pm

sparta.rising wrote:I mean the cable from motherboard to LCD panel, I know this is a common problem with no backlight power for T2x machines (much older cables).

That's a new one on me, never heard of that for no backlight. Thanks for the information. I suppose that implies that just by reseating it, it might fix a dark screen/no backlight condition....hmmm.

sparta.rising · #104 Post by **sparta.rising** » Tue Aug 26, 2008 7:14 pm

From what I've heard from other forum members, the power is carried on the outermost wire of the LCD cable. Apparently the cause is just mechanical wear (constant bending of the metal as you open and close the display). Its been awhile since I've taken apart a newer model's LCD, I'm not sure if power is in its own cable now.

#105 Post by **Harryc** » Tue Aug 26, 2008 7:50 pm

On the inverter I installed today, there was a signal ribbon cable underneath, and a separate power cable.

#106 Post by **Harryc** » Wed Aug 27, 2008 5:54 am

Thinkpad R51 Inverter Replacement

1.) Remove the (3) screw covers on the bottom part of the LCD bezel with an exacto knife. You should be able to catch an edge and remove the cover/stickers without damage to them, so that they can be reused.
http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01212_a.JPG

2.) Unscrew the (3) screws on the front of the LCD bezel (bottom)
http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01215_a.JPG

3.) Starting from the bottom of the LCD bezel, gently pry it off of the back lid. Work your way up the bezel. There is glue underneath, so a fair amount of force is required. Just don't snap it. A stiff credit card might help with prying.
http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01216_a.JPG

4.) The old inverter has a signal cable/connector underneath, and a power lead on it's right end. Just (gently/slowly) lift it out and disconnect both. The middle bezel screw, which was already removed actually holds it in place. When you replace it, make sure it lies flat in it's channel before installing the LCD bezel.
http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01219_a.JPG
http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01222_a.JPG
http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01223_a.JPG

5.) Here the old inverter (top) , and the new inverter (bottom)
http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01227_a.JPG

sparta.rising · #107 Post by **sparta.rising** » Wed Aug 27, 2008 11:02 am

The signal cable is attached to the main LCD cable and supplies power to the inverter. The cable on the far right sends power from the inverter to the CCFL tube.

http://i12.ebayimg.com/02/i/000/8e/12/94d3_1.JPG

So what I was saying earlier is that the power for the CCFL is carried on that main LCD cable and it can be damaged at the hinge point because of the constant bending due to the opening and closing of the display.

This is usually in older notebooks (T20), and your display sounds more like a bad CCFL connection or tube, but just an FYI on things to check.

#108 Post by **Harryc** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 10:13 am

R51 LCD Panel Removal / CCFL Replacement

Note – Steps 1 to 5 are well documented in the MIM. Pictures and instructions will start on step 6 (page 105 of the R50/50P, R51 Series Maintenance Information Manual.) Also, the below only pertains to a 15" IDTech SXGA+ Flexview LCD. For a novice Thinkpadder, the difficulty level of the below is 'expert'. It is highly recommended that you actually follow the steps in the maintenance manual while doing this procedure.
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... 53169.html

Per the Maintenance manual;

1.)Remove the battery
2.)Remove the keyboard - (3) screws on the bottom of the machine
3.)Remove the Modem Daughter Card
4.)Remove the keyboard bezel
5.)Remove the mPCI (mini PCI) card

LCD Assembly Removal - (Page 105 in the MIM)
6.)Remove the LCD bezel (see previous Pics)
7.)Remove the Inverter (see previous Pics)
8.)Remove the left cover latch
http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01236_a.JPG
9.)Remove the screw covers (on the side of the bezel)
http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01237_a.JPG
10.)Remove the screws (on the side of the bezel)
http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01239_a.JPG
11.)Remove the CDC EMI Spring
12.)Remove the cable guide
http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01241_a.JPG
13.)Remove the Ultrabay enhanced shield kit
http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01243_a.JPG
http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01244_a.JPG
14.)Remove the screw covers on the back of the machine
http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01246_a.JPG
15.)Remove the screws from the back of the machine
http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01247_a.JPG
16.)Remove the LCD cable retainer and connector
http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01248_a.JPG
http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01249_a.JPG
17.)Remove the left side bracket and LCD screw on the right side
http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01250_a.JPG
http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01252_a.JPG
http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01253_a.JPG
18.)Remove the LCD assm.
http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01254_a.JPG
19.)Remove the antenna wires and unscrew the right side antenna
http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01256_a.JPG
20.)Unscrew the right and left hinges
http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01258_a.JPG
21.)Unscrew the bottom plate on the back of the LCD
http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01263_a.JPG
22.)Peel back the tape
http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01265_a.JPG
http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01267_a.JPG
23.)Unscrew the LCD frame
http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01270_a.JPG
24.)Lift up the bottom of the LCD, out of the frame (Leave the top connected)
25.)Remove the end caps
http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01273_a.JPG
26.)Unsolder one end of the CCFL
27.)Pull the CCFL out of the other end of the reflector channel
http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01274_a.JPG
28.)Reassemble in reverse order, be sure to transfer the 'O' ring to the new CCFL tube before soldering wires to it.
Reference procedure - http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=65555

*Note - What I use to keep screws and parts in order;
http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01240_a.JPG

#109 Post by **Harryc** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 10:30 am

http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01275_a.JPG

There's our problem. For anyone who has not seen a CCFL before, both ends are supposed to have leads sticking out. One end of ours was snapped off, or it blew off, or it was cracked and just disintegrated when I removed the end cap. I have not received the replacement CCFL yet, so we're currently "down for parts". More to come ...

#110 Post by **Harryc** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 11:50 am

Update; I received the AC adapter that I purchased off of EBay today for the Toshiba. It powers up just fine, has 64MB RAM, and a hard drive of undetermined size (as of yet). The battery appears to be charging. The LCD is nice and bright and it runs quiet. It boots up to a logon screen for Windows NT Desktop 4.0. It asks for a password which obviously I don't have. I wouldn't mind running a light Linux on it like DSL, but am scratching my head on how to install it

.

Edit; It looks like these 3110ct's are bricks unless you get a floppy drive (see link below). The floppy drives are cheap and plentiful on EBay, so what the hay, one is on order.

sparta.rising · #111 Post by **sparta.rising** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 12:22 pm

I came across several Toshiba 3010CT machines yesterday in someones boxes of misc parts they had for sale. Didn't end up buy the lot, the 3010CT's were in rough shape and too underpowered (I was thinking the MMX was 133 and not 266, but still). Nice form factor though.

#112 Post by **Harryc** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 12:27 pm

Agreed on the form factor. If I can get it to run Linux and do wireless, I'll be a happy camper. It takes up to 192MB of RAM, but the expense of the RAM is the kicker though. Anyone have any cheap 64MB or 128MB PC-100 MicroDimm RAM out there?

fasterbybike · #113 Post by **fasterbybike** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 2:38 pm

sarbin wrote:i can only confirm that i read a similar (or maybe the same) post that the spacing allowed easier removal on the flexview lcds.

I have replaced the ccfl in a flexview screen using this method. You need to ensure the replacement ccfl is a smaller diameter than the original, so you can get the small rubber spacing ring back in. The ccfl I got from Moniserv was smaller (2.0mm vs 2.6mm original).

However, I an not impressed with Moniserv, I ordered 3 ccfls, and 2 were broken due to bad packaging. A month later they have not responded to 2 emails reporting the damage.

Good luck with the transplant !

#114 Post by **Harryc** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 3:28 pm

fasterbybike, thanks for the tip. That was the method I had intended on using and that was the way the old CCFL came out. Bad news about Moniserv ... we'll see.

sarbin · #115 Post by **sarbin** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 4:04 pm

Harryc wrote:Agreed on the form factor. If I can get it to run Linux and do wireless, I'll be a happy camper. It takes up to 192MB of RAM, but the expense of the RAM is the kicker though. Anyone have any cheap 64MB or 128MB PC-100 MicroDimm RAM out there?

dang! i thought i had something for you. i've got a module from who knows where. it's labeled as:
HYUNDAI KOREA 01
PC100U-322-620
HYM71V16M655 AT6-S AA
128MB Sync 100MHz CL3
not sure what microdimm looks like, but i'm pretty sure this is sodimm. fru 202L0265.

i got excited when i read pc100/128mb.

#116 Post by **rkawakami** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 4:14 pm

MicroDIMM picture from upgradecomputermemory.com

#117 Post by **Harryc** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 4:21 pm

Pics added to the CCFL Removal post.

sarbin · #118 Post by **sarbin** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 4:23 pm

thanks, Ray.

#119 Post by **Harryc** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 4:31 pm

sarbin wrote:i got excited when i read pc100/128mb.

Thanks for lookin out

sarbin · #120 Post by **sarbin** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 4:36 pm

i think it came out of my old t22. maybe i'll throw it on marketplace. think anyone will bite?

Thinkpads.com R51 Project - (Pic Warning)

Who is online