I've got a 22'' LCD monitor with a damaged CCFL inverter. It has the inverter (4 lamps), power and controller as separate boards.
I would like to replace it with a 19'' LCD monitor part that has the power board and inverter as one module. I have tested this module very briefly with the 22'' monitor and it lights the backlight lamps.
As I have no means of measuring the output from the 19'' inverter and I can't find any specs for the 22'' screen anyway, I have no idea of what power is needed to drive the lamps.
Are most types of CCFL inverters compatible, for fixed ranges of lamp size?
Can I assume that the new inverter wont burn the lamps/my house/my city?
What specs (aside from voltage/current) should I look for when replacing an inverter?
62 Answers
I have recently been replacing lamps and inverters. If the lamps or anything is out of range the inverter board will shut down. Voltages are beyond the range of my meter, 1000 VAC in fact it arced internally at some point. I have been using universal inverters from ebay with no problem. The only thing to look for is 1, 2, or 4 lamps. Some have brightness controls other do not. Typically there are 4 input connections on the inverter board. +12 volts, Ground, +5/0 volts On/Off, and a variable voltage between 0 and 5 volts for brightness. If replacing lamps you must measure and get the correct size to fix you monitor.
The purpose of ccfl just to provide backlighting for the LCD panel. You avoid many ambiguous questions and revive the LCD display very easily if you totally rid off the ccfl and wire up strips of white led instead.
You said there are 4 ccfl tubes behind the panel. If I were you, I will stick 8 led strips cut into proper size. Easier if the strips are 12 volt type because they won't draw as much current as the 5 volt strips. Link them all and take out two feed wires for the strips from behind the panel and power it up using an external power supply.
The above link shows the type of led strip I'm talking about.
This strip can be cut after every three LEDs, so its easier to size it according to your panel. You may also externally control its brightness to properly match it with the optics/diffusers used in the panel.
I believe the best way to revive all ccfl lit LCD products is upgrade them with the LED strips.
