Replacement CCFL bulbs for Powerbook 140/145/160

[nvdeynde]

I have a few powerbooks where the CCFL bulb isn't that bright anymore. When taking out the bulb, about 1/2 inch on both sides is black so I guess the bulb has had it's best time.
The inverter board is fine, already recapped, also spare inverter boards give the same result.

I usually buy my parts at Mouser. 
Can someone point me to the right bulb or give me a part number ?

I know Apple has different inverters and bulb kits in the service source depending on the panel revision but does it matter that much ?

 

[Juror22]

I haven't had to replace any yet, but I was thinking that when mine got to that point, I would look into replacing the CCFL with an LED strip.  Has anyone attempted this yet?

Not trying to hijack the thread, but while nvdeynde is asking about the bulbs, I thought it might be a good time to find out about other options (if any) as well.

 

[Unknown_K]

I never had luck putting bulbs into G4 AL powerbooks, I hope the 68K screens are easier to do.

The inverters put out quite a bit of voltage, plugging an LED into one will go dead.

 

[Rajel]

The problem with LEDs is dark spots. Everything in the 68k powerbook LCDs is designed for a continuously linear light source like a CFL.
I've replaced LCD backlights with LED panels and the hotspots are definitely a thing on the edge. It's pretty even after that, but that may bother some people.

 

[Rajel]

I never had luck putting bulbs into G4 AL powerbooks, I hope the 68K screens are easier to do.

They're actually really easy to swap, if you take the screen apart the thing practically falls out.

...if you can find a replacement. Fortunately the one in my 160 is still good.

 

[Byrd]

Finding a replacement CFL tube will be nigh on impossible, hence modification to take an LCD light strip in a diffused might be the way to go.

 

[nvdeynde]

I see  that Digikey and Mouser still sell CCFL bulbs, not cheap, but don't know if  the specs  are right for the old powerbooks.
I'll take the measurements of the CCFL out of my powerbook 140 and see if they even sell the right size. 

 

[james_w]

I know it doesn't solve the problem of power supply to an LED setup, but people who make backlights for Gameboy screens have solved the 'spots' problem and got the LEDs diffusing pretty well

 

[Shaddam IV]

Hi, what is the voltage required for the CCFL on a Powerbook 180 - and on a Powerbook 145(B) and 160/165 (these have the same screen afaik)? I understand that the voltage is high (which is why the CCFL has rubber isolators) - but what is the actual voltage? Thanks!