Z61m: Replacement CFL starter

[ploing]

Hello friends,
hope you can help me out here: I just replaced a broken LCD screen on my z61m. Gave it a test run before reattaching the outer display frame, everything was fine. After reattaching the outer frame my CFL starter died. Probably ESD damage because I was to lazy to take safety precautions. Anyway, where would I find a replacement CFL starter? Any help is greatly appreciated!

[Harryc]

It's called an inverter. What is your LCD's resolution and size?

[richk]

The inverter is the piece that converts the DC to A/C to run the bulb. Those are hard to damge, but it is possible. What happens? If the inverter dies, you can see a faint image if you shine a flashlight in. If there is no image, it is possible that the ribbon cable pulled out from behind the LCD or something isn't plugged in all the way. It is easier to blow the motherboard fuse than burn up the inverter.

[ploing]

LCD : 15.4" - 1680*1050

Yes, I can see a faint image. The inverter shares a little board with an array of indicator LEDs; power, hdd etc. Not only is the inverter not turning on the screens CFL, but those indicator LEDs are not working right either. They light up but their glow is very faint- all except the one that indicates WiFi status, that one is normal. The notebook itself works fine. I have an external monitor hooked up to it right now as I'm writing this message from it. I'm really bummed out since the screen and inverter seemed to be working perfectly fine and next thing I know they're not and that for no apparent reason :\ ESD is the best I can come up with, but I've worked with electronic components for so long and in 10+ years of reckless computer repairs I maybe lost one or two components to actual ESD damage.

[Harryc]

There's (2) inverters for a widescreen SXGA+ LCD -

Sumida - 41W1122

Foxconn - 41W1120

Try EBay or from Lenovo directly.

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... 4257#WSXGA

[richk]

There are 2 fuses on the motherboard that can blow causing the symptoms you describe, but the inverter is certainly easier and cheaper.

[ploing]

Where on the MB would those fuses be located?

Thanks for the help, you guys are great!

[richk]

I don't have a z61 board to look at. On other models of a similar age, they are near the lcd connector. The fuse rating is on the top. Most have a "P" stamped on the larger of the 2 fuses. The smaller fuse sometimes has an "F". They are soldered on and the lead-free construction means very high temperature. This is not a job for the old soldering iron sitting around in your basement. You need to completely disassemble the thing just to test, so I suggest trying the inverter first.

[ploing]

Ok, thanks again!