CCFL backlight replacement made easy ?

[fasterbybike]

I bought a LCD screen from a member - sold as having a defective backlight with the intention of repairing it for use in one of my machines.

Having replaced a couple of backlights by following the instructions given for a TP 600, I believe I have stumbled upon a far easier method.

I followed the TP 600 method as far as removing the LCD frame. At that point I then removed the rubber caps/boots from each end of the CCFL. Because the CCFL had broken I managed to withdraw it from each end by gently pulling the wire leads. That's when the proverbial lightbulb (the one in my head) went on. Why not insert the replacement CCFL and then attach the leads ?

Anyway, I proceeded to remove the leads from the broken tube and removed the excess solder with solder wick. I then soldered the thinner longer (black) lead to one end of the tube and slid the replacement tube - complete with clear rubber ring - into the bottom of the LCD. I pushed the tube so the unsoldered end was protruding about an inch out the other side and soldered on the remaining lead. From here I inserted the rubber boots and reassembled the panel (frame, tapes etc).

This method minimises the risk of dust/finger prints etc entering the panel between the layers and is also faster. I believe it works because the replacement tube I used was 2mm in diameter, the original was approx 2.5mm so the small clearance minimised any risk of breakage.

Has anyone else had a similar experience - or am I missing something ?

[Harryc]

I remember speaking to James (Jamiphar) about this method, but it only works on certain models of LCD's, mostly Flexviews as I recall.

[fasterbybike]

Well spotted . Yes, it is a Flexview - 15" UXGA from an A31P. Not a bad screen either

[RealBlackStuff]

The other CCFLs have tiny rubber(?) rings at certain intervals, which makes it impossible to 'slide' them in.

[carbon_unit]

On the ones I have worked on there is no way to expose just the end of the ccfl to slide it out. You have to disassemble the panel until you can lift the ccfl straight up out of the frame. I have never done a flexview panel.

[fasterbybike]

The other CCFLs have tiny rubber(?) rings at certain intervals, which makes it impossible to 'slide' them in.

I was lucky that the replacement CCFL was smaller than the original. In fact, all the CCFL's that I have seen advertised are 2.0mm in diameter. (Moniserv and the eBay vendors).