How much mercury is in a laptop lcd screen? - Computers & Internet

Laptops have very little or any mercury in them. There maybe a little mercury in the tiny CCFL lamp in the LCD screen and unless you break this lamp there is no need to worry.

An LCD screen cannot produce light. It needs an additional light source.

A Backlight is the additional light source.
A Backlight can be a CCFL, (Or two of them), or a series of LED's.
(Light Emitting Diode)

A CCFL is a Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp.
Similar to Fluorescent lighting used in homes, and businesses, but on a MUCH smaller scale.

Average thickness of the bulb is 2mm. That is a little larger than 1/16th of an Inch.
Average length is almost as long as the LCD screen is in height.
(Yes. They have Mercury inside, just like their larger 'cousins')

A screen Inverter is used to convert the power from the laptop, for the LCD screen, and Backlight.

Laptops that use LED's for backlighting, do Not always use a screen Inverter.
It seems older laptops using LED's may, newer laptops using LED backlighting generally does not.

You need to diagnose.

The problem will be the;

A) Video Cable.
Or
B) Inside the Display Assembly

Inside the Display Assembly:
Either the screen Inverter, IF used; or the LCD screen itself.

I don't believe it to be the graphics chipset, but this is a diagnostic flowchart we will be following, and there IS NO guessing. The graphics chipset is checked too.

Post in a Comment as to the laptop manufacturer name, and model number. The model number can be found on the bottom of the laptop.

This way if I have access to the Service Manual, I can post a link to it for you, and perhaps some pictorial guidance too.
Plus step by step guidance from me.

Regards,
joecoolvette

[May just be a loose connection of Video Cable TO motherboard, or back of LCD screen.
May be a damaged Video Cable.
May be a bad screen Inverter.
All these check out it is then a bad LCD screen ]

Acer Aspire 5732Z series of Notebook PC?

Need to test whether the problem is;
A) Graphics chipset,
Or,
B) Video Cable,
Or,
C) Inside the Display Assembly

Inside the Display Assembly problem could be;
A) Screen Inverter
B) CCFL Backlight
C) LCD screen

1) CCFL Backlight:
CCFL stands for Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp. (Bulb)
Similar to Fluorescent lighting used in homes, and businesses; but on a MUCH smaller scale.

According to searches for an LCD screen, the Aspire 5732Z series of Notebook PC; uses one single CCFL for a Backlight.

One example,

https://www.laptopscreen.com/English/model/Acer/ASPIRE~5732Z/

Average thickness is 2mm. That is a little larger than 1/16th of an Inch. Average length is almost as long, as the LCD screen is in height.

The CCFL contains MERCURY, just like it's larger 'cousins' used in homes, and businesses.

Mercury is a POISON. The bulb breaks EASILY.
If a CCFL is the problem, I STRONGLY recommend letting a professional change the CCFL out, OR just replace the LCD screen as a unit.
It contains the CCFL backlight,

http://www.laptoprepair101.com/laptop/2007/12/09/replace-laptop-backlight-ccfl-lamp/

View the last 8 photos.

Use a flashlight, and shine it at the LCD screen at various angles.
If you can make out graphics on the LCD screen, the Backlight is bad; or the screen Inverter.
90 PERCENT OF THE TIME the fault can be attributed to a bad screen Inverter.

2) Graphics chipset:
Laptop OFF, monitor OFF, connect a VGA monitor to the VGA port, on the back of the laptop.
The VGA port is on the Back of the laptop, and next to the Ethernet port.
[ Which is right next to the DC Power Jack (DC_IN), that you plug the AC adapter (Charger) into ]

This is an example of a VGA cable, and VGA connector (Port),

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VGA_Connector

Scroll down for the VGA cable example. Note that color of connector does not matter. It is usually Blue in color, though.

You can use a CRT type of monitor, (Looks like a small TV), or a flat LCD screen monitor if it has a VGA cable.

Turn the monitor on. If a CRT type allow it to warm up.
Turn the laptop on.
By factory default settings, the display should show on the external VGA monitor.

No?
You have at least 3 display options available;
A) Internal monitor of laptop ONLY
B) Internal monitor of laptop AND external VGA monitor
C) External VGA monitor ONLY

Press, and hold the Fn key down.
(Bottom row of Keyboard, second key from left)
At the same time tap the F5 key once.
(The F5 key is the Display Toggle-Over key)
Still no?
Hold the Fn key down again, and tap once more on the F5 key.

No display on the external VGA monitor indicates a bad graphics chipset. More than likely the problem would actually be the mounting, of graphics chipset TO motherboard.
It is soldered directly to the motherboard using a BGA surface mount. (Ball Grid Array)

I doubt you have a graphics chipset problem, but this flowchart method entails that; and no 'stone should be left unturned'.

It would 'bite' if you tried diagnosing without checking the graphics chipset, and replaced video cable, screen Inverter, and LCD screen; only to find you needed repair on the graphics chipset mounting to motherboard; or replace motherboard.

3) Video Cable:
This is an example of the Video Cable. Acer deems it the LCD Cable, and that's what we will refer to it as also,

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Acer-Aspire-5732Z-LCD-Video-Cable-DC020000Y00-/360558336892?pt=US_Video_Cables_Adapters&hash=item53f2f39b7c

The long White connector at Top, plugs into the motherboard, in an area to the Top/Left of the Keyboard.
It then routes under the left Hinge, and up into the Display Assembly.

The smaller White connector below it plugs into the screen Inverter.
The LCD cable then connects to the back of the LCD screen, with the large connector shown to the Left side.

The small connector below it plugs into the Camera.

Just from normal repeated opening, and closing of the laptop; the LCD cable may become pinched.
This can cause pulling on it, and result in loose connections at motherboard side; and/or screen Inverter, and/or LCD screen side.

Could also cause damage to the LCD cable.
Stretched/Broken wires.
If the sheath of the LCD cable looks to be damaged, so may be the tiny wires inside the LCD cable.

http://www.insidemylaptop.com/disassemble-acer-aspire-5740-aspire-5340-laptop/

I will include a link to a free Service Manual, for the Aspire 5732Z series of Notebook PC. The above link, and other pictorial guides; are more for you to get a 'hands on' look, besides just looking at a Service Manual.

Here the repair is to Physically see, if you can plug those connections of the LCD cable, in tighter.
Visual inspection alone will NOT do.

http://www.insidemylaptop.com/replace-lcd-screen-acer-aspire-5733z-4851-laptop/

Tried to plug the connections in tighter, and does not cure problem?
Then the LCD cable is to be removed, and a continuity test performed on ALL wires in the LCD cable; with a multimeter set to OHM's. (1K)

Or perhaps take the LCD cable down to the nearest small computer shop, and have the resident tech check it for continuity.
Should only be a couple of bucks.

You MUST rule out the LCD cable before going on. Some may feel with the low cost of the cable, they may just replace it.
Parts changing I know, and not professional; but to each their own until you learn.

4) LCD cable checks out it's time for the screen Inverter.
The screen Inverter is a small circuit board, that converts the power, (Electricity) of the laptop; for the LCD screen, and CCFL backlight.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-LCD-Inverter-Board-Backlight-for-Acer-Aspire-5332-5532-5732Z-5732ZG-Series-/300612724754?pt=US_Laptop_Screens_LCD_Panels&hash=item45fdea2812

To test requires a sensitive multimeter. Read fairly expensive.

http://www.fonerbooks.com/test.htm

The plastic frame in front of the LCD screen is the Display Bezel.
Acer? LCD Bezel.
The screen Inverter is located behind the LCD Bezel, and mounted towards the bottom of the LCD screen.

Due to;
A) Non-accessibility of a sensitive multimeter
B) Ease of accessibility of replacing
C) Low cost

,many decide to just replace the screen Inverter.
Again parts changing, but IMHO is justified this time.

[No. You do not want to drag the partially disassembled laptop, down to the nearest computer shop.

A) No tech really wants to come in on someone else's repair, and pardon me; but really not after a non-tech.
Liability issues are also involved.

B) Judge JUST one hour of their service rate, compared to the price of a screen Inverter ]

5) Screen Inverter checks out? (Replaced)
Then the problem is the LCD screen.

Service Manual,

http://www.tim.id.au/blog/tims-laptop-service-manuals/#toc-acer

Go to the paragraph that starts with Aspire 1200. (1200 in Blue)
Drop down to the 9th line. (5720 in Blue)
Scroll across, click on the blue - 5732Z

[Ignore if you are aware;
This is a PDF file. The computer you are using now has Adobe Reader on it, which uses PDF files.
(I would recommend upgrading to the newest version, though)

After you click on the file name (5732Z) it may take up to 30 seconds, before the first page comes up ]

For additional questions please post in a Comment.
Regards,
joecoolvette

Yeah, so what's the problem?



Ya got plenty of flashlight batteries?



OH I'M JUST KIDDIN'!



A) It isn't a laptop

B) It is an All-In-One Desktop PC

VGC-JS110/J?

The VGC-JS designator is what states it's an All-In-One.

Have no idea what THAT model number you typed is, though.

Believe your problem is the screen Inverter, not Backlight itself.

Small primer;

An LCD screen cannot produce light.
It needs an additional light source.
A Backlight is the additional light source.

A Backlight can be a CCFL, (Or two of them), or a series of LED's.
(Light Emitting Diode)

A CCFL is a Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp.
Similar to Fluorescent lighting used in homes, and businesses, but on a MUCH smaller scale.

Average thickness is 2mm. That is a little larger than 1/16th of an Inch.
Length is almost as long, as the LCD screen is in height.

Notebook PC (laptop) example,

http://www.laptoprepair101.com/laptop/2007/12/09/replace-laptop-backlight-ccfl-lamp/

View the last 8 photos.

A screen Inverter converts the power from the computer, for the LCD screen, and Backlight.
Computers using LED's as a Backlight, do not use a screen Inverter.

[See how long, and thin a CCFL backlight is? It is also filled with poisonous Mercury, just like the large Fluorescent light bulbs.
It is better to have a pro replace a CCFL backlight; or you, or pro replace the entire LCD screen; than it is to risk getting cut by a broken CCFL bulb, and getting Mercury poisoning ]

Your problem should be the screen Inverter.

The screen Inverter is a small rectangular circuit board, and is usually mounted to the bottom of the LCD Screen Frame.
Usually. This is an All-In-One, so it could be mounted at top, or side.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0oO2DCkbHE

http://pressf1.pcworld.co.nz/showthread.php?112060-disassembling-a-Sony-All-in-one-computer&s=bcc31180d7dd2d2880df25306db85a61

larryccf1 - 23/08/2010 04:40 AM

(DANGEROUS using steel putty knifes! I suggest a Spudger Tool to start with, then use plastic thick guitar picks to space open.

At ANY rate, do not go deeper than 3/8ths of an Inch. You may run into wires, etc. The plastic Latches they are trying to refer to; have 1/4 Inch long 'hooks'. (They are essentially L-shaped Latches )

Use the manufacturer ID, and part number, on the screen Inverter; to find replacement on the internet; or post it back here in a Comment, and I'll look.

Basic example of a laptop screen Inverter. It's gonna look pretty close to the same,

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-Vaio-Lcd-Inverter-Unit/dp/B001DFCH0C

The 'pits' of all of this; is that you have to disassemble from the Back, going towards the Front.
Display Bezel does not come off from the front, IMHO.

Means everything needs to be removed, to access the screws on the inside, which hold the Display Bezel. Then Display Bezel can be removed from front, and screen Inverter accessed.

For additional questions please post in a Comment.
Regards,
joecoolvette

http://www.screentekinc.com/Toshiba__Satellite__M305-series-laptops-lcd-screens.shtml

The Toshiba Satellite M305-S4907 Notebook PC, uses a single CCFL for a Backlight.

Primer before we go on;

An LCD screen cannot produce light. It needs an additional light source,

http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/NA_Optical/Systems/BehindTheScenes/Optics101/

Click on the monitor image.

The additional light source is a Backlight.
A Backlight can be a CCFL, (Or two of them), or a series of LED's.
(Light Emitting Diode)

A CCFL is a Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp.
Similar to Fluorescent lighting used in homes, and businesses, but on a MUCH smaller scale.

Average thickness is 2mm. That is a little larger than 1/16th of an Inch.
Average length is almost as long, as the LCD screen is in height.

http://www.laptoprepair101.com/laptop/2007/12/09/replace-laptop-backlight-ccfl-lamp/

View the last 8 photos.

A screen Inverter is used on laptops that use CCFL for Backlighting.
A screen Inverter converts the power (Electricity), from the laptop, for the LCD screen, and Backlight.

Laptops that use a series of LED's for backlighting, do Not use a screen Inverter.

90 PERCENT OF THE TIME the fault can be attributed to a bad screen Inverter.

http://www.sparepartswarehouse.com/Toshiba,Satellite,M305-S4907,PSMD8U-02R015B,Laptop,Inverters.aspx

The plastic thin frame in front of the LCD screen, is the Display Bezel. (Toshiba = LCD Bezel)
The screen Inverter is located behind the Display Bezel, and mounted at the bottom of the LCD screen.
(LCD Screen Frame, actually)

Easy to get to; easy to replace.

http://www.irisvista.com/tech/laptops/Toshiba-Satellite-M305/remove-screen-inverter-video-cable-1.htm

How to test a screen Inverter? Requires a Sensitive multimeter.
Read fairly expensive,

http://www.fonerbooks.com/test.htm

Because of this; and the low cost, plus ease of replacing; most home users just opt to replace it.

Know this;
Fluorescent lamps have MERCURY inside. HIGHLY poisonous.
Now couple that with the long thin makeup of the CCFL, and how easy it is to break it.

This is why if the screen Inverter is found to NOT be the problem; I would suggest replacing the LCD screen itself; instead of trying to replace the CCFL, and cause possible Mercury poisoning.

For additional questions please post in a Comment.

Regards,
joecoolvette

It might be the Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp.

I was thinking along the lines that the lid switch may be the problem, but this would turn the display off also.
(Where is the lid switch? Dunno. Sometimes a little post that sticks out of the Switch Cover, or is a hidden magnetic switch, and usually located near the Touchpad)

A note on the CCFL. It has Mercury vapor on it, just like it's 'bigger cousins'. (Home and business size Fluorescent tubes)

Average thickness is 2mm. That is a little larger than 1/16th of an Inch.
Average length is almost as long, as the LCD screen is in height.

Yes. Will break VERY easy, and contains poisonous Mercury.
You MAY opt to just replace the LCD screen.

http://www.laptoprepair101.com/laptop/2007/12/09/replace-laptop-backlight-ccfl-lamp/


The screen Inverter, and LCD screen are a MATCHED unit.
Usually when the screen Inverter proves to be bad, the Backlight is not far behind. (And vice-versa)

I usually do not post CCFL replacement, due to the Mercury poison hazard.

Note*
An LCD screen is composed of layers. These layers are aligned by the factory, and are kept in alignment by the metal Screen Frame, which surrounds them.

You MUST keep the layers aligned in the factory set position, when replacing a CCFL. (Or CCFL's if it uses two of them)
Breaking the CCFL bulb is not the only thing to watch out for.

http://www.ccflwarehouse.com/ccfllamps.html

Regards,
joecoolvette

http://download.lenovo.com/ibmdl/pub/pc/pccbbs/mobiles_pdf/43y6630_03.pdf

kezler_0007,

I have found in the 8 years of being online, and providing answers/solutions to people's computer problems; that coming across, and trying to explain the answer/solution, is the hardest thing to do.

It appears I have failed you

Let's try again;

1) Perusing the internet, I look at what LCD screens are offered, (Aspire 4315 series of Notebook PC's), and see what backlighting is offered.

I have seen LCD screen examples offered, that seem to be CCFL backlighting.
I DO have to know however, WHAT style of backlighting is used for YOUR laptop.

Do Not want to make a mistake here, because the mistake could cost you five times as much.

You buy a not needed LCD screen, about $100, and only needed a screen Inverter; about $18.

!O_O!?

IF, your laptop states LED backlighting, THEN the only option is to buy the entire LCD screen.
With LED backlighting, the LED backlighting is incorporated into the LCD screen assembly.

There is no simply replace the LED backlighting.

With a laptop that uses CCFL for backlighting, the first thing to do is replace the screen Inverter.
90 PERCENT OF THE TIME the fault is a bad screen Inverter.

Allow me to state the primer over again, now that I have more room;

An LCD screen does Not produce light,

http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/NA_Optical/Systems/BehindTheScenes/Optics101/

(Click on the monitor icon)

Therefore an LCD screen needs an additional light source.
A Backlight is the additional light source.

A Backlight can be a CCFL, (Or two of them), Or a series of LED's.
(Light Emitting Diode)

When I state series, I mean a LOT of LED's. They are incorporated into the LCD screen assembly.
(You see from the above link that an LCD screen is an assembly)

A CCFL is a Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp. (Bulb)
Similar to Fluorescent lighting used in homes, and businesses, but on a MUCH smaller scale.

Average thickness is 2mm. That is a little larger than 1/16th of an Inch.
Average length is almost as long, as the LCD screen is in height,

http://www.laptoprepair101.com/laptop/2007/12/09/replace-laptop-backlight-ccfl-lamp/

View the last 8 photos to see what an average CCFL looks like.

Know this also; A CCFL is a Fluorescent bulb.
This means it has MERCURY in it.
VERY dangerous if the bulb breaks!
Mercury is POISON to the human body.

IF, it is determined that the laptop uses CCFL/s for a Backlight, -> AND the CCFL/s are bad, I implore you to have a pro change it/them.
The other option would be to replace the LCD screen.
The CCFL is incorporated into the LCD screen assembly.

HOWEVER, I still go with the screen Inverter is bad.
(IF, the laptop uses CCFL for a Backlight)

1) http://www.screenaid.com/acer-aspire-43152004-laptop-lcd-screen-141-wxga-glossy-ccfl-backlight-p-7495.html

2) http://battery-adapter.com/product_info.php/products_id/3773/vAspire+4315+Series

3) http://www.tim.id.au/blog/tims-laptop-service-manuals/#toc-acer

Go to the 'paragraph' that starts with Aspire 1200. (1200 in Blue)
Drop down to the 4th line, (3810T in blue), scroll across, and click on - 4315

This is a free Service Manual.
It is in PDF file form.
The computer you are using now has Adobe Reader on it, which uses PDF files.

After you click on the file name (4315) it may take up to 30 seconds, before the first page comes up.
(The file is downloading in the background)

[May be on my end, but it took 44 seconds just now, and using a medium speed DSL connection. Usually takes 10 to 12 seconds. Just letting you know so you do not think the link doesn't work ]

LCD Module Disassembly Process - Page 86

Hmmm, also states Inverter Board. (screen Inverter)

Removing the LCD Module is on Page 71.

4) NOT an Acer Aspire 4315 series of Notebook PC; Aspire 3810T. Posted so you would be able to get a more 'Hands on' idea, of working on your laptop,

http://www.insidemylaptop.com/replace-broken-screen-acer-aspire-3810t-laptop/

Test the screen Inverter before replacing?
IF you have a sensitive multimeter, you can. Otherwise IMHO the choice is to just replace the screen Inverter.
Parts changing I know, and I abhor it; but if it is your only choice?

http://www.fonerbooks.com/test.htm

Where in the Philippines to order from? Do not know.
Suggest using the internet.

For additional questions please post in a Comment.

Regards,
joecoolvette

Your Bulb is DUE, you need to change it, Don't do it your self contains mercury. Your LCD is good IF you do not have bad PIXELS. This white and pink lines shows as pixel problem but it migth also short on LCD, if you placed something heavy on Laptop. You may remove and sent the LCD for repair or all laptop to tech.
You may also need to check inverter. I give service around the Country but it is up to you. My company name is JMC TECHS INC. Registered in Miami Florida. (Check SUNBIZ.com) jmctechinc@gmail if you like to contact me.
JMC

You need a new screen or inverter, depending on the problem. You can't replace the backlight itself because it is build into the LCD panel. Using a mercury reaction, it makes light. Because of the mercury, it is also dangerous to replace.

Get an old monitor CRT or LCD. Connect this to the back of your laptop to the appropriate connection. Turn on this monitor and your laptop. Now on your laptops keyboard are some blue highlighted keys called function keys. Press and hold the one marked "Fn" and then press the F7 key (on my Sony - yours may be different but the key with a small blue rectangle with LCD inside a foward slash to what looks like an oval with square sides) this is the external monitor key. If the external monitor comes on with the laptops screen information then your mercury lamp in the laptops screen has died. Then a reputable repairman can replace your screen and lamp for $200. - $300. If nothing appears on the screen then most likely the video chip in your laptop has died. Replacing this will require a new motherboard for the laptop. You should contact Sony about price and any extended warranties they may have,