How do i complete circut on CCFL test lamp

[DTLMG]

I built a CCFL tester from a computer mod kit. I can only get my lights i want to test to light half way. I am assuming this is because I have not completed the circut. What/how can i complete the circut? What am I supposed to do with the small black/white wires? Can i put a jumper in them?

I have the desire to relamp a monitor, but need to understand how it works a little bit better before i tackle the job.

Thanks.. This is a great forum!

[PlainBill]

Re: How do i complete circut on CCFL test lamp

I built a CCFL tester from a computer mod kit. I can only get my lights i want to test to light half way. I am assuming this is because I have not completed the circut. What/how can i complete the circut? What am I supposed to do with the small black/white wires? Can i put a jumper in them?

I have the desire to relamp a monitor, but need to understand how it works a little bit better before i tackle the job.

Thanks.. This is a great forum!

This is common. The mod kit doesn't have a high enough output voltage / current to light the lamps to their full length.

PlainBill

[DTLMG]

Re: How do i complete circut on CCFL test lamp

BUT..where do i plug the small black and white wires into?

Thanks

[lti]

Re: How do i complete circut on CCFL test lamp

There appear to be two lamps. The other connector is connected to the second lamp.

[DTLMG]

Re: How do i complete circut on CCFL test lamp

There appear to be two lamps. The other connector is connected to the second lamp.

The two large wires PINK and BLUE are connected to one end of the tubes and the smaller wires black/gray are connected to the other ends.

[jayoung]

Re: How do i complete circut on CCFL test lamp

Am I seeing the picture right in that you connected one end of each bulb to the tester instead of connecting both ends from one bulb? It appears that you have the heavy wires (one from each bulb) attached in one connector. Usually both ends of a single bulb are in a single connector.

Or I may be missing something in the way the tester is set up.

[PlainBill]

Re: How do i complete circut on CCFL test lamp

The set of CCFLs you have have an unusual wiring pattern; I missed it before. I've seen this on a few monitors. The usual way is the high voltage and return ends of each tube are connected to the same connector; each connector handles a single tube. Note teh schematic I have attached.

The tubes you are testing have the high voltage end of each tube connected to one connector, the return ends are connected to the other connector. You could try shorting the contacts of the connector on the end of the white and black wires together, but I think you are going to have to make an adapter so the source and return lines from a tube is connected to a single connector on the tester.

PlainBill

[alexanna]

Re: How do i complete circut on CCFL test lamp

PlainBill,You are correct the hot wires are in one connector and the return wires are in the other on this set up. 19” Westinghouse monitors use this set up frequently.
The pigtails can easily be removed from the plastic housing by inserting a lead of a small capacitor into the top hole on the front of the plastic connector and pulling the pigtail out.
The way its wired now is that only the hot leads are hooked up to the inverter, I guess it’s enough to excite the gas in the CCFL, but it has no ware to go.
If the 2 small wires were shorted together, I think it would be like we doubled the length of the CCFL.

[DTLMG]

Re: How do i complete circut on CCFL test lamp

Thank you Alexanna and Plain Bill. This helps me understand alot. I went to my local recycler and he let me disassemble a complete gaylord of Monitors so I could learn more about them. (he did have a puzzled look on his face why i wanted to do it for free) What a learning experience it was. All the westinghouse monitors are as you stated with the hot wires in one connector. I was able to score a pretty nice Viewsonic that I hopefully can use as a test PSU and inverter.

then there is DELL...the connecters that I saw were different yet. Are all Dells different or is it just the older ones?

Thanks for the info.... I learn so much from you guys.

[alexanna]

Re: How do i complete circut on CCFL test lamp

On the DElls it depends on how many CCFLs are used.
If it is a 6 lamp system,2 connectors will look like you are accustom to seeing and the other 2 will usually have 2 HOT wires and share return between them in one connector.

Edit BTW those local re cyclers are GOOD people to get to know!!

[DTLMG]

Re: How do i complete circut on CCFL test lamp

FWIW I scored a 2 dell monitors one with the 2 light wide connecter and one with the 3 light connector you speak of. They both have broken LCD screens, but the PSU, inverter and back lights are fine. Of course I had to get my hands on some of the test CCFLs too!