Needs caps for my 22" lcd

[Nicks84]

Re: Needs caps for my 22" lcd

As long as the size is close or comparable, it should work most of the time (as you found out). Carefully check the wiring/soldering as the ccfls themselves may be good.

Members here report excellent service from ccflwarehouse.com. They have a tutorial on how to install new ccfls.
http://www.ccflwarehouse.com/lasotu.html

ccfldirect.com has a tutorial on how to remove the ccfl from a laptop so the instructions are similar to a lcd
http://ccfldirect.com/lcdtutorial.html

Links were very helpful. Unfortunately, the removal of the my ccfl's were much different that the link above so I had a hard time getting to them. Well, I suppose "much" is relative. In anycase I had trouble accessing them.

I ended up pulling lcd apart to get to the ccfl's . . . I think I pulled the lcd apart way more than I had to.
I realized that upon pulling them out Perhaps I will document my steps for the next poor sap like me with an lcd like this one.



Question about the bulbs:

1) Since I had such a hard time pulling out the bulb, I only pulled out the one that was easiest to access at the time (the bottom one). I feared I would not be able to put them back in properly for some reason so I only took out one for the moment. How likely is it that both bulbs are defective ? I am under the impression that if one of the 4 (or 1 of 2 pairs) bulbs are not operating properly, it will shut them all off after a second or so (which is what's happening). Should I pull the top 2 bulbs out for inspection too ?

2) In between the 2 electrodes (after the stainless steel caps) the white glass bulb part, there is blk powder of sort that's inside the the glass envelope. Is that normal ? It's worse on one side than the other (see pic 1)



3) (see pic 2)
Also, not sure if the blk corrosion present between the electrode and stainless steel caps will preclude or prohibit the bulb from operating properly (though I'm sure it does not help). Is this an indicator the bulb is no good ?

4) To ensure it's just not the connection that is the problem, or the cause of the problem, should I cut away the black heat shrink around the solder/electrode to inspect the connection? I mean, I would probably want to re-solder the connection to ensure good connection anyways, right? That, or inevitably replace the bulb, which will require I clip the leads from the electrodes anyway.


Just looking for proper action to take since I've got this far already. I'd hate to make a mistake this far in... I'm so close.

PS. Open up a new thread for the trash find Dell. I already have test suggestions for the no power problem.

Def will do soon.

[retiredcaps]

Re: Needs caps for my 22" lcd

Question about the bulbs:

I am under the impression that if one of the 4 (or 1 of 2 pairs) bulbs are not operating properly, it will shut them all off after a second or so (which is what's happening). Should I pull the top 2 bulbs out for inspection too ?

You are correct in your understanding of how the inverter PWM chip generally works. It is an "all or nothing". All bulbs work properly or there is no backlight.

Others like alexanna have done a lot more ccfl replacements and can comment on the disassembly process.

[alexanna]

Re: Needs caps for my 22" lcd

One thing I always do is identify the CCFL/s that are causing the 2 second to black problem.
A little darkening at the ends of the CCFLs should not cause you problems.
I would replace the CCFLs that are giving you problems and before complete reassembly, let the monitor run to get up to operating temptaure make sure the combination of CCFLs you are using will work.
It is very important you inspect the wiring attached to the CCFLs closely, any discoloration could be a sign of problems, and I always give a gentle tug, particularly on the return wires to make sure there is a good connection.
After the thin LCD panel and diffusers are removed you are left with the aluminum frame work, the white paper backing, and the thick plastic piece. After you remove any tape those pieces together, lay the panel down with the aluminum framework facing up. Slide the aluminum frame off the plastic piece, The CCFL channels slide over the plastic and the white paper backing.
Whatever you do not increase the length of the CCFL assemblies. And make sure the wiring is well insulated.
After you do one of these they really become easy, the biggest problem I have is with dust or stray dog hairs.

[Nicks84]

Re: Needs caps for my 22" lcd

Okay, I seemed to have dropped the ball with this whole thing after progressing very well. I'm deciding to pick back up where I left. I (we) seemed pretty certain it was my bulbs or soldering to the bulbs that were the issues. Either way, we've narrowed down everything else leading to faulty bulbs.

I am going to be purchasing them tonight. I just want to make sure I get the right ones. It is as simple as measuring the diameter and and length and buying a bulb with identicle measurement ?

Seems I can buy there here: http://www.ccflwarehouse.com/ccfllamps.html
and probably on ebay, but before I further I want to make sure I get what I need.

Thanks

[PlainBill]

Re: Needs caps for my 22" lcd

Okay, I seemed to have dropped the ball with this whole thing after progressing very well. I'm deciding to pick back up where I left. I (we) seemed pretty certain it was my bulbs or soldering to the bulbs that were the issues. Either way, we've narrowed down everything else leading to faulty bulbs.

I am going to be purchasing them tonight. I just want to make sure I get the right ones. It is as simple as measuring the diameter and and length and buying a bulb with identicle measurement ?

Seems I can buy there here: http://www.ccflwarehouse.com/ccfllamps.html
and probably on ebay, but before I further I want to make sure I get what I need.

Thanks

Match length and diameter. Others have suggested calling CCFLwarehouse and discussing what other materials you might need.

PlainBill