Sony Vaio Monitor problem

[trev.h]

I have a Sony Vaio PCG-FX209K (I think it is a UK only model, don't know what the US equivalent is, maybe the FX210?).

The screen is dead, with a strong light on it you can make out the images and is works OK with a LCD plugged in the back.

I have searched the net and a match for my problem is a backlight or inverter failure.

My questions are:

Does my model have a backlight cathode tube? I can't find any details about one on the internet.

How can I test the inverter?

Thanks
Trev

[BBA]

Your backlight is bad. It will have two backlight tubes. Since the monitor is black all over, it probably has a bad inverter killing power to both lights.

They are not cheap, I hope it's in warrenty.

[trev.h]

Your right, they are bloody expensive. Well here in the UK someone is taking the proverbial.
But in Germany it's not so bad.
UK price £120 to £140 sterling, in Germany 75 Euros (about £45).
Check out www.polaris-sabel.de.

[tomte]

:) Yes, Germany is better concerning display prices - I am working as a technician in a repair center and our first class supplier is TDComponents GmbH. They provide new, refurbished and used displays (different price categories!) for nearly all notebook manufacturers. See www.tdcomponents.com for further details.

[trev.h]

BBA.

I only have one backlight, at the bottom of the screen. How can I test the inverter to ensure it is not at fault?

[Cowboybooter]

Welcome to XPC,trev.h! :)

Did you check out This (http://www.xtremepccentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=7955) thread?

:)

Bob

[tomte]

Hi trev.h and cowboybooter,
good thread to solve the problem!
greets, tomte

[trev.h]

Checked out the thread. Shame, looks like my fuse is OK.

Still need to determine if I have correct inverter input/output if possible. I guess there is no way to check the backlight as it seems to be a tiny flourescent tube.