a31 lcd dim...thinking of using external monitor via dock

[drwho]

well, from my previous post regarding my lcd going dim, reddish...i was thinking of using an external monitor. i currently have it docked in the station ( the one with pcmcia slot, extra drive bay ) but when i plug the video cable into the port at the back of the dock the external monitor does not show anything, if i plug it directly into the video port on the back of my laptop ( A31 ) works fine.

is there a trick involved, a button i need to turn on, something in the bios to allow it to work via dock video port.

any help on this would also be helpful, thanks

[schen]

There might be one of a couple of different issue involved. I'd probably try the Fn F7 to see if you can togle it to the display. If that doesn't work, I'd suspect that it has to do with ATI's Hydravision software working and seeing the external as a seperate monitor and not a duplicate of the panel. In that case, you'll have to go into your display settings and extend your destop to the external. By the way, the pinkish look means the florescent backlight on the LCD is going out. They are not expensive to by, but can be a bear to replace if you haven't already done this before. You can do a search on replacement procedures as there are several members who have done this.

[drwho]

hi schen,

thanks for the reply and possible why my video port on my dock won't see the external monitor...i truly like my laptop, i wish the bulb would have worked longer but i guess all good things come to an end. i can live with the lcd not working and get an external monitor hopefully with it in the dock...the extra bay and extra pcmcia slot gives me more options with other add-ons.

i'll try what you suggested and hope thats the reason. as for the ccfl bulb, read on the forum how some replaced it and it looked VERY tuff and not my first option. if it comes to the point when i need the lcd that much...hell, i don't take my laptop out anymore i will get a complete lcd/frame/hinges and change the entire screen..looks easier but more bucks.

too bad i don't know anyone in Toronto/Canada that has the knowledge to replace the bulb for me...i'd pay some bucks for this....anyone willing to make some spare cash, i'll bring over chinese food too, :0)

thanks again for your help

[schen]

Does your machine have the 15" screen or 14"? If you have the later, I have a parts machine that has a good screen. Secondly, I can't imagine that you wouldn't be able to find someone that can help you in the Toronto area. It's a hotbed of ThinkPad activity and IBM had a ThinkPad service center there for years. You might even be able to find somebody on this forum there that'd be willing to help you.

[drwho]

hi,

i think its 14, can't remember, last time i used IBM site with my serial..i think it was 14, i will check tonite. thanks for the offer, if its 14 i'll pm you and you can let me know what you want for it. i previously had a 600E that had the samething...CCFL bulb went and the repair dealer IBM Canada told me to take it too wanted $85 for the service call...ok, then couldn't tell me if it was the inverter inwhich i had to pay for first and no luck...so i was stuck with no screen 600E with spare inverter and less $200 for all of this. they wanted me to buy a used laptop for $800 instead of getting the mostly problem CCFL changed. not blaming them but why are they charging me for an inverter and then telling me its not the problem and then offering me the chance to buy a refurb.

so, if comes to dealer or someone here on the forum who probably knows more and will charge a reasonable price than the service dealers.

i already posted a SERVICE CALL on the market for anyone in the GTA who knows how to change the bulb for a fee.

thanks and i'll let you know

[schen]

Changing out a complete screen is not a big deal. It's easier than changing out an entire LCD Assembly. In fact, my father-in-law had a T22 with a bad CCFL which he replaced the entire LCD with no problem. ....and he had no experience taking apart a ThinkPad what-so-ever.

Let me know what you find out after you check. I'm not certain that I want to spend the time to rehad the A30 parts machine that I have.

[drwho]

ok, thanks schen...will check and pm you with the details.

thanks again

[drwho]

i am now truly pizzle by my laptop, first i thought it was the inverter and reading i determine it was the CCFL bulb becasue of the reddish display. i followws schen's direction on the external monitor by changing the display settings to accept external monitor threw my docking station II ( which by the by still won't display ) and my lcd started to display like normal, no reddish display. so, is it the inverter or bulb, i wish it would make up its mind, hahahahaha.

hopefully it will start up normal tomorrow. any thoughts would be helpful on determining WTF is going on with this lcd. i not unhappy but it will beat my head for a long time

[drwho]

ok screen just went out....no reddish display....just shut off, is it the inverter ??? really a pain not know