IBM/Lenovo M90Z CCFL Replacement

[Topcat]

I got 3 Lenovo M90Z AIO systems in functional condition. They were free for a reason though, the displays are dim and have a greenish hue.....dead ringer of severely degraded CCFL tubes. They are I5's with 8gb RAM in good physical condition....so....now to the question:

The panels are Samsung LTM230HT03, 23". In all my years, this is my first attempt at replacing CCFL tubes....but these machines are good enough to justify the risk. I have one disassembled, but it seems there are tons of places to get replacement CCFL's, and like capacitors, seems a lot sell phony/knockoff junk. Where would be the best place to get these tubes? Each panel has 2.

A couple pics:

Disassembly was a fun chore!





Panel Disassembled:


...and the tubes:


Any input would be appreciated!

[diif]

Re: IBM/Lenovo M90Z CCFL Replacement

I bought a tube of 10 from Aliexpress. Fixed a couple of 23" with them.
Nothing special (no name/unbranded) but still as good as the day they were fitted.

[Topcat]

Re: IBM/Lenovo M90Z CCFL Replacement

I bought a tube of 10 from Aliexpress. Fixed a couple of 23" with them.
Nothing special (no name/unbranded) but still as good as the day they were fitted.

Thank you. I just bought a 10-pack for $19USD shipped. Nothing to lose, cheap gamble.

[cpt.charlie]

Re: IBM/Lenovo M90Z CCFL Replacement

Same here, fixed a 32" Sharp TV with 10 CCFL tubes from aliexpress, after 2 months still working fine, the only complaint is about the CCFL contact, thinner an weaker than the original.

At worst you can try a led conversion kit.

[heavymachines]

Re: IBM/Lenovo M90Z CCFL Replacement

Always got mine at://www.ccflwarehouse.com/ company is located in Omaha, NE. They will also do custom sizes as well.

[Andrew F. Ali]

Re: IBM/Lenovo M90Z CCFL Replacement

I have recently started to replace CCFL with LEDs and so far so good....no call backs...
If you have <24Vdc supplying the Inverter/s for normal operation, then you will need a DC-DC Step-up Module to generate 24Vdc. I use the 2A DC-DC Step-up Module as its input can accept 2-24Vdc and the adjustable output can deliver 9-28Vdc.
If you can determine the signals on the Inverter section: 1. EN, BL-ON or SW and 2: PWM or P-DIM or ADJ for the LED Driver Board, then you can convert your CCFL/EEFL backlight to a LED backlight. The LED Driver Bd works with 24Vdc only.....You would need 2-4 or even 6 LED strips depending on the size of screen.

[Topcat]

Re: IBM/Lenovo M90Z CCFL Replacement

Just to follow up this thread.....the replacement tubes finally made it here from China.... What an interesting surgery this was....but a successful one.

The tubes, packed in PVC tube with chinese writing on it....surprised they didn't think it was a pipe bomb...



New tube versus old tube. Old tube coating is much darker (top tube).



New tubes installed.


Old ones...



...and done... Much better!!


This was a good experience, but a pain in the ass....

[budm]

Re: IBM/Lenovo M90Z CCFL Replacement

Do you have the link to that seller at Alliexpress?

[diif]

Re: IBM/Lenovo M90Z CCFL Replacement

Good job. Yes, a little fiddly but worth the effort.

[televizora]

Re: IBM/Lenovo M90Z CCFL Replacement

Replacing lamps is pain in the ass. Today I've replaced the CCFL inside the my laptop screen. Contrary to the older IBM Thinkpads in the my Lenovo x200 the LCD matrix was nightmare to disassemble.

[Topcat]

Re: IBM/Lenovo M90Z CCFL Replacement

Do you have the link to that seller at Alliexpress?

I actually got them from Ebay....I've had not-so-good luck with aliexpress.

This is the seller: http://www.ebay.com/sch/meihua361000/m.html?

[budm]

Re: IBM/Lenovo M90Z CCFL Replacement

Thanks, I just want to use the seller that I can trust and pack the lamps well for shipping.