Replacing LCD CCFL backlight

[NoSp]

My laptop's display backlight has been fading since I bought it a few
years ago, so I think it's about time I exchange the CCFL backlight with
a new one. The LCD in question is a Samsung LTN152W6-L01.

I've been trying to follow the instructions at sites such as
lcdparts.net, but there aren't any instructions for my particular LCD.
I've never disassembled an LCD before, so I'm a little worried that I'll
do something wrong.
Here are a couple of photos I've taken of my LCD:

http://img212.imageshack.us/my.php?image=samsung1sr9.jpg
http://img88.imageshack.us/my.php?image=samsung2gc1.jpg

There's a warning at the top saying I shouldn't touch the white tape.
Does this mean the white tape shouldn't be *removed*?
I've read somewhere that if you apply pressure unevenly to the LCD panel
you'll get lines and other abnomalities in the display (I assume the
white tape has been applied for even pressure all across the LCD panel).

The problem is that it seems (at least according to what I've read
online) that I need to remove the metal frame around the LCD panel in
order to expose the CCFL backlight -is this correct?
Unfortunately the white tape extends beyond the metal frame, so if I
shouldn't remove it what do I do?

The second photo shows the metal bracket removed. It's the only one I
could remove without removing the white tape as well, and the backlight
is found underneath. Is there a neat way to remove the CCFL without
removing the whole frame?

 

[bz]

My laptop's display backlight has been fading since I bought it a few
years ago, so I think it's about time I exchange the CCFL backlight with
a new one. The LCD in question is a Samsung LTN152W6-L01.

I've been trying to follow the instructions at sites such as
lcdparts.net, but there aren't any instructions for my particular LCD.
I've never disassembled an LCD before, so I'm a little worried that I'll
do something wrong.
Here are a couple of photos I've taken of my LCD:

http://img212.imageshack.us/my.php?image=samsung1sr9.jpg
http://img88.imageshack.us/my.php?image=samsung2gc1.jpg

There's a warning at the top saying I shouldn't touch the white tape.
Does this mean the white tape shouldn't be *removed*?

That 'white tape' appears to contain multiple conductors and possibly
active elements that drive the LCD.
Any damage to the 'white tape' could cause parts of the screen to be
'dead'.

I've read somewhere that if you apply pressure unevenly to the LCD panel
you'll get lines and other abnomalities in the display (I assume the
white tape has been applied for even pressure all across the LCD panel).

I doubt that your assumption is correct.

The problem is that it seems (at least according to what I've read
online) that I need to remove the metal frame around the LCD panel in
order to expose the CCFL backlight -is this correct?
Unfortunately the white tape extends beyond the metal frame, so if I
shouldn't remove it what do I do?

The second photo shows the metal bracket removed. It's the only one I
could remove without removing the white tape as well, and the backlight
is found underneath. Is there a neat way to remove the CCFL without
removing the whole frame?

I can't tell from the pictures whether that silver band across the
'bottom' of the screen is removable or not.

Good luck.



--
bz

please pardon my infinite ignorance, the set-of-things-I-do-not-know is an
infinite set.

[email protected] remove ch100-5 to avoid spam trap

 

[John Vallelunga]

My laptop's display backlight has been fading since I bought it a few
years ago, so I think it's about time I exchange the CCFL backlight
with a new one. The LCD in question is a Samsung LTN152W6-L01.

I've been trying to follow the instructions at sites such as
lcdparts.net, but there aren't any instructions for my particular LCD.
I've never disassembled an LCD before, so I'm a little worried that
I'll do something wrong.
Here are a couple of photos I've taken of my LCD:

http://img212.imageshack.us/my.php?image=samsung1sr9.jpg
http://img88.imageshack.us/my.php?image=samsung2gc1.jpg

There's a warning at the top saying I shouldn't touch the white tape.
Does this mean the white tape shouldn't be *removed*?
I've read somewhere that if you apply pressure unevenly to the LCD
panel you'll get lines and other abnomalities in the display (I assume
the white tape has been applied for even pressure all across the LCD
panel).

The problem is that it seems (at least according to what I've read
online) that I need to remove the metal frame around the LCD panel in
order to expose the CCFL backlight -is this correct?
Unfortunately the white tape extends beyond the metal frame, so if I
shouldn't remove it what do I do?

The second photo shows the metal bracket removed. It's the only one I
could remove without removing the white tape as well, and the
backlight is found underneath. Is there a neat way to remove the CCFL
without removing the whole frame?

Here is my story:
A few weeks ago the backlight on my wife's Dell 700m laptop would go out
after a minute or so. Research indicated that replacing the tube might
solve this (and this info turned out to be correct). Since I have
worked in microelectronics for 30+ years I thought I would try it.
I had an old display that I took apart for practice and that one was
very simple. The tube just slid out the side; no skills necessary! The
laptop display was very different. Nothing went according to plan and
everything was just too small , too fragile, and too precise. Yes I
read those same instructions but they are too generic. And dealing with
a 10 inch tube that is only 2mm in diameter is scary; I recommend you
order at least two!
Anyhow, after much frustration I managed to successfully replace the
tube and it now lights up properly. There were only two problems.
Somehow I managed to crack the corner of the display making it useless.
See this photo: http://www.sonic.net/johnv/ebay/700mscreen.jpg
Even ignoring this, the bottom of the display is no longer of uniform
brightness. We probably could have lived with this but be forewarned
that the same thing could happen to you. This repair may be best left
to the experts. I will never try this again on a laptop. Fortunately
newer laptops now are beginning to use LED backlights....like the one my
wife had to buy to replace her 700m. The CCFL should be obsolete in
about 3-5 years.

Good luck!

 

[N_Cook]

Here is my story:
A few weeks ago the backlight on my wife's Dell 700m laptop would go out
after a minute or so. Research indicated that replacing the tube might
solve this (and this info turned out to be correct). Since I have
worked in microelectronics for 30+ years I thought I would try it.
I had an old display that I took apart for practice and that one was
very simple. The tube just slid out the side; no skills necessary! The
laptop display was very different. Nothing went according to plan and
everything was just too small , too fragile, and too precise. Yes I
read those same instructions but they are too generic. And dealing with
a 10 inch tube that is only 2mm in diameter is scary; I recommend you
order at least two!
Anyhow, after much frustration I managed to successfully replace the
tube and it now lights up properly. There were only two problems.
Somehow I managed to crack the corner of the display making it useless.
See this photo: http://www.sonic.net/johnv/ebay/700mscreen.jpg
Even ignoring this, the bottom of the display is no longer of uniform
brightness. We probably could have lived with this but be forewarned
that the same thing could happen to you. This repair may be best left
to the experts. I will never try this again on a laptop. Fortunately
newer laptops now are beginning to use LED backlights....like the one my
wife had to buy to replace her 700m. The CCFL should be obsolete in
about 3-5 years.

Good luck!

To prevent such a crack do you think such displays need a temporary scaffold
somehow attached to them while doing such work?
I'm assuming the damage was done just by holding between thumb and finger at
the corners.

 

[James Sweet]

To prevent such a crack do you think such displays need a temporary scaffold
somehow attached to them while doing such work?
I'm assuming the damage was done just by holding between thumb and finger at
the corners.

You just have to be careful not to flex them. I've replaced a number of
backlight tubes and have yet to crack a panel, I just lay a towel down
on the table and set the display face down on that.

 

[dBc]

Greetings..

Regarding:
"Since I have worked in microelectronics for 30+ years I thought I
would try it."
"And dealing with a 10 inch tube that is only 2mm in diameter is
scary; I recommend you order at least two!"
..
..
"...This repair may be best left to the experts. I will never try
this again on a laptop."

There's a moral to that story..

Cheers,
Mr. Mentor



| NoSp wrote:
| > My laptop's display backlight has been fading since I bought it a
few
| > years ago, so I think it's about time I exchange the CCFL
backlight
| > with a new one. The LCD in question is a Samsung LTN152W6-L01.
| >
| > I've been trying to follow the instructions at sites such as
| > lcdparts.net, but there aren't any instructions for my particular
LCD.
| > I've never disassembled an LCD before, so I'm a little worried
that
| > I'll do something wrong.
| > Here are a couple of photos I've taken of my LCD:
| >
| > http://img212.imageshack.us/my.php?image=samsung1sr9.jpg
| > http://img88.imageshack.us/my.php?image=samsung2gc1.jpg
| >
| > There's a warning at the top saying I shouldn't touch the white
tape.
| > Does this mean the white tape shouldn't be *removed*?
| > I've read somewhere that if you apply pressure unevenly to the LCD
| > panel you'll get lines and other abnomalities in the display (I
assume
| > the white tape has been applied for even pressure all across the
LCD
| > panel).
| >
| > The problem is that it seems (at least according to what I've read
| > online) that I need to remove the metal frame around the LCD panel
in
| > order to expose the CCFL backlight -is this correct?
| > Unfortunately the white tape extends beyond the metal frame, so if
I
| > shouldn't remove it what do I do?
| >
| > The second photo shows the metal bracket removed. It's the only
one I
| > could remove without removing the white tape as well, and the
| > backlight is found underneath. Is there a neat way to remove the
CCFL
| > without removing the whole frame?
| Here is my story:
| A few weeks ago the backlight on my wife's Dell 700m laptop would go
out
| after a minute or so. Research indicated that replacing the tube
might
| solve this (and this info turned out to be correct). Since I have
| worked in microelectronics for 30+ years I thought I would try it.
| I had an old display that I took apart for practice and that one was
| very simple. The tube just slid out the side; no skills necessary!
The
| laptop display was very different. Nothing went according to plan
and
| everything was just too small , too fragile, and too precise. Yes I
| read those same instructions but they are too generic. And dealing
with
| a 10 inch tube that is only 2mm in diameter is scary; I recommend
you
| order at least two!
| Anyhow, after much frustration I managed to successfully replace the
| tube and it now lights up properly. There were only two problems.
| Somehow I managed to crack the corner of the display making it
useless.
| See this photo: http://www.sonic.net/johnv/ebay/700mscreen.jpg
| Even ignoring this, the bottom of the display is no longer of
uniform
| brightness. We probably could have lived with this but be
forewarned
| that the same thing could happen to you. This repair may be best
left
| to the experts. I will never try this again on a laptop.
Fortunately
| newer laptops now are beginning to use LED backlights....like the
one my
| wife had to buy to replace her 700m. The CCFL should be obsolete in
| about 3-5 years.
|
| Good luck!

 

[Andy Cuffe]

My laptop's display backlight has been fading since I bought it a few
years ago, so I think it's about time I exchange the CCFL backlight with
a new one. The LCD in question is a Samsung LTN152W6-L01.

I've been trying to follow the instructions at sites such as
lcdparts.net, but there aren't any instructions for my particular LCD.
I've never disassembled an LCD before, so I'm a little worried that I'll
do something wrong.
Here are a couple of photos I've taken of my LCD:

http://img212.imageshack.us/my.php?image=samsung1sr9.jpg
http://img88.imageshack.us/my.php?image=samsung2gc1.jpg

There's a warning at the top saying I shouldn't touch the white tape.
Does this mean the white tape shouldn't be *removed*?
I've read somewhere that if you apply pressure unevenly to the LCD panel
you'll get lines and other abnomalities in the display (I assume the
white tape has been applied for even pressure all across the LCD panel).

The problem is that it seems (at least according to what I've read
online) that I need to remove the metal frame around the LCD panel in
order to expose the CCFL backlight -is this correct?
Unfortunately the white tape extends beyond the metal frame, so if I
shouldn't remove it what do I do?

The second photo shows the metal bracket removed. It's the only one I
could remove without removing the white tape as well, and the backlight
is found underneath. Is there a neat way to remove the CCFL without
removing the whole frame?

You can remove the white tape, but you have to be very careful not to
damage the LCD driver chips and ribbon cables under the tape. These
are the cables that are glued to the LCD glass itself. If one of
these connections is damaged, the LCD will be useless.

Some LCDs have back lights that are meant to be replaced and just
slide out, but most are not designed to be replaced. It can be done,
but it's difficult. Be sure to work in a clean dust free area since
any dust that gets under the LCD will be visible.
Andy Cuffe

[email protected]

 

[NoSp]

You can remove the white tape, but you have to be very careful not to
damage the LCD driver chips and ribbon cables under the tape. These
are the cables that are glued to the LCD glass itself. If one of
these connections is damaged, the LCD will be useless.

I see. So the white tape (which at some sections extends over the metal
frame) doesn't actually have any functionality at all, performance-wise,
but is there just to keep things in place and as an extra protection?

I guess I can cut through the tape with a sharp knife, so I can remove
the metal frame from the LCD panel.
The white tape at the top covers over the edges so I can't really see
what's underneath, but this is where there are some thin, flat ribbon
cables which go to the actual LCD?
What would be the best way to go about removing the white tape so as to
be able to unclip the metal frame from it?

Some LCDs have back lights that are meant to be replaced and just
slide out, but most are not designed to be replaced. It can be done,
but it's difficult. Be sure to work in a clean dust free area since
any dust that gets under the LCD will be visible.

By "dust free" I assume you're not referring to a so-called "Clean
room", which I currently don't have access to ;-)
From what I understand the LCD panel consists of several layers, which
when the metal frame is removed won't keep them in place any longer, right?
So at that stage I assume it's important to keep the stack of layers
horizontal on the table I'm working at.
If I don't shift the layers around I shouldn't risk getting any dust in
between them either, should I?

Sorry about all the questions, but hopefully I'll understand enough to
get it right the first time.
Thanks.

 

[propman]

Might be some info at the following url's:

http://repair4laptop.org/notebook_lcd_display.html

http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY---Replace-Broken-Laptop-LCD/

http://www.laptoprepair101.com/laptop/category/lcd-screen-repair/

 

[N_Cook]

I see. So the white tape (which at some sections extends over the metal
frame) doesn't actually have any functionality at all, performance-wise,
but is there just to keep things in place and as an extra protection?

I guess I can cut through the tape with a sharp knife, so I can remove
the metal frame from the LCD panel.
The white tape at the top covers over the edges so I can't really see
what's underneath, but this is where there are some thin, flat ribbon
cables which go to the actual LCD?
What would be the best way to go about removing the white tape so as to
be able to unclip the metal frame from it?



By "dust free" I assume you're not referring to a so-called "Clean
room", which I currently don't have access to ;-)
From what I understand the LCD panel consists of several layers, which
when the metal frame is removed won't keep them in place any longer, right?
So at that stage I assume it's important to keep the stack of layers
horizontal on the table I'm working at.
If I don't shift the layers around I shouldn't risk getting any dust in
between them either, should I?

Sorry about all the questions, but hopefully I'll understand enough to
get it right the first time.
Thanks.

Generally I warm such tape with a hot air gun set on the lowest setting, but
I've not ever explored such area of a laptop screen.

 

[NoSp]

I've found out that I need a 328mm/2mm diameter CCFL tube, but all I can
find online are 324mm and 325mm types. Would it make a difference?

What's a good place to order them from?

 

[James Sweet]

I've found out that I need a 328mm/2mm diameter CCFL tube, but all I can
find online are 324mm and 325mm types. Would it make a difference?

What's a good place to order them from?

3mm is quite a small difference, you'll probably be ok with 325mm, I'd
try it and see what happens.

 

[Caesar Valenti]

I've found out that I need a 328mm/2mm diameter CCFL tube, but all I can
find online are 324mm and 325mm types. Would it make a difference?

What's a good place to order them from?

I would go with the smaller one only because things get very cramped
while working in those very tight spaces and its nice to have the extra
room. The difference in brightness is negligible. I would go with
Moniserve....I received mine in only one day's time! They ship it in a
triangular tube. http://www.moniserv.com/

 

[Andy Cuffe]

I see. So the white tape (which at some sections extends over the metal
frame) doesn't actually have any functionality at all, performance-wise,
but is there just to keep things in place and as an extra protection?

I guess I can cut through the tape with a sharp knife, so I can remove
the metal frame from the LCD panel.
The white tape at the top covers over the edges so I can't really see
what's underneath, but this is where there are some thin, flat ribbon
cables which go to the actual LCD?
What would be the best way to go about removing the white tape so as to
be able to unclip the metal frame from it?

You can either cut it, or peel it off. Just be careful not to cut the
ribbon cables. When you reassemble it, use some scotch tape to
reattach it.

By "dust free" I assume you're not referring to a so-called "Clean
room", which I currently don't have access to ;-)
From what I understand the LCD panel consists of several layers, which
when the metal frame is removed won't keep them in place any longer, right?
So at that stage I assume it's important to keep the stack of layers
horizontal on the table I'm working at.
If I don't shift the layers around I shouldn't risk getting any dust in
between them either, should I?

Sorry about all the questions, but hopefully I'll understand enough to

No clean room is needed, but if you're like me, a few dark specs of
dust in the display would drive me nuts. There's nothing worse than
putting it back together only to have to take it apart again to clean
it. You shouldn't have to separate the layers to get to the tube. I
can usually replace the tube by only taking apart the side with the
tube. Of course this will depend on the design of the LCD.
Andy Cuffe

[email protected]

 

[NoSp]

You can either cut it, or peel it off. Just be careful not to cut the
ribbon cables. When you reassemble it, use some scotch tape to
reattach it.

I finally managed to work it out, thanks to the following web page
(http://www.laptoprepair101.com/laptop/2007/12/09/replace-laptop-backlight-ccfl-lamp/)
some guessing and a lot of patience.
I had to remove 2 groups of layers (with 2 sheets each) consisting of
various kinds of plastic -transparent, shiny, white etc. to get to the
CCFL, but I left the glassy LCD section alone. I haven't even removed
it, but only slightly lifted up from the metal frame. I put a soft piece
of cloth between, so I can easily put it together again, but don't dare
move it around etc.

Does the LCD itself come in one piece, or can it fall apart into several
different "sheets" if you mess with it?

In any case I took the utmost care with the ribbon cables, so I think it
should be OK.

The manufacturers sure make it hard for people to replace CCFLs -I'm
sure they could design it much better if they wanted, but they probably
just want to sell new LCDs instead. Talk about unnecessary environmental
waste and production.

 

[NoSp]

I would go with the smaller one only because things get very cramped
while working in those very tight spaces and its nice to have the extra
room.

You're right. I checked up several websites where it says that 2-8mm
shorter makes no difference. Longer might of course as they won't fit,
so I'll go with the 324/325mm type.

The difference in brightness is negligible. I would go with
Moniserve....I received mine in only one day's time! They ship it in a
triangular tube. http://www.moniserv.com/

Yes, that's actually http://www.lcdparts.net/ isn't it?
At least I get redirected there if I go to moniserv and click on spare
parts. I'll probably order two tubes just in case one breaks, and for
the next time I need to replace the tube.

 

[Andy Cuffe]

Does the LCD itself come in one piece, or can it fall apart into several
different "sheets" if you mess with it?

In any case I took the utmost care with the ribbon cables, so I think it
should be OK.

The manufacturers sure make it hard for people to replace CCFLs -I'm
sure they could design it much better if they wanted, but they probably
just want to sell new LCDs instead. Talk about unnecessary environmental
waste and production.

The LCD is all glued together, so there's no danger apart from
cracking it, or pulling off the ribbon cables.


Andy Cuffe

[email protected]

 

[NoSp]

I would go with
Moniserve....I received mine in only one day's time! They ship it in a
triangular tube. http://www.moniserv.com/

Well, I ordered and paid for the item 4 days ago but the item hasn't
been sent yet. They haven't replied to any of my emails before I placed
my order nor an email I sent after ordering. Things seem pretty quiet in
other words. Not a good sign.

Is it a long time since you order/received from them?