Replacing Backlights? - Apple ADC Monitors

[LCARS]

I have found sources for ccfl bulbs for both the 22" and 23" Apple ADC monitors but limited instructions on how to do it. The Service Guide for the 22" makes it seems relatively easy but the guide for the 23" has no information. It even goes so far as to state that there are "no offered" part numbers for the bulbs.

A random comment I found elsewhere made it sound like a very difficult process. Has anyone replaced them before?

I use one almost daily with my contemporary Mac, but I have noticed it dim quite a bit recently. It would be great to have this "youngtimer" classic hardware restored.

 

[beachycove]

What are the sources?

 

[Chopsticks]

i haven't done this on an apple lcd but to replace the backlights is going to be the same process as any other lcd from the era, you'll actually have to seperate the lcd panel itself, usually the metal frame hold the layers of defusers, display, glass etc and the cfl will be in there. this is a difficult thing to do without breaking anything, also do be very careful not to get fingerprints or dust on any of the layers or you'll notice it after reassembly when you go to use it.

 

[LCARS]

Thank you, Chopsticks. Yikes, I didn't realize that all the layers have to be separated. Are the layers designed to be removed? Or are they adhered to each other?

@beachycoveThe technical sources are the Apple Service Source manuals. The 23" manual is very light on details while the 22" is better. The "impossible" comment came from the MacRumors forum.

 

[davidg5678]

The good news is that you can practice this procedure on a really cheap thrift store monitor before trying it on a nice Apple ADC one. I have considered trying to replace the CCFL backlight inside my iBook Clamshell with an LED one, but I am holding out until it becomes absolutely unusable, just in case I accidentally break something. Then again, if I do, I guess I could just upgrade the panel to an XGA one. :lol:

 

[LCARS]

That's a good idea. And practice organizing all the screws and bits. I feel the same way; my Cinema Display is still usable and it makes me feel like putting off the teardown until it isn't.

I have a ThinkPad with a display upgrade. It made a huge difference but I wasn't the one creating the custom driver.

Since all of our LCDs with CCFLs will eventually need it, I'm going to make it a summer priority to do a monitor and a PowerBook LCD.