20" Apple Cinema Display - inverter board?

Question

20" Apple Cinema Display - inverter board?

Hello everyone,

I have a 20" ACD from about 2004 (the clear one) and a couple of weeks ago I got the short-short-long blinking lights that signal a probable inverter board problem. Keep in mind that I accidentally dropped a picture on top of the monitor a couple of weeks ago, before that, there were no problems. I have a local place that said they can get me an inverter board for about $75 or so, and I was thinking of just putting it in myself. However, if that doesn't work, are the CCFL tubes very expensive or difficult to install? I don't want to just throw this monitor away, but I don't want to spend massive amount of money to fix a 5+ year old monitor either. Any suggestions?

G5, Mac OS X (10.5.5)

Posted on Jul 3, 2009 10:21 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Jul 3, 2009 10:53 PM in response to Kevin Ogilvie

Hi Kevin, you did not mention if the screen lights up or not. If not it is most likely the inv. board and that is fairly easy to replace.If the screen lights up and either the top or bottom half is dim, it is most likely one of the tubes going and that also would cause the error code blinking.I have also seen one of the tubes being dim and it was in fact the inv. board at fault as the board was supplying power only to one tube.The tubes can be bought from moniserv and also check out that site for instructions on how to do it yourself. Get proper size allen keys to open back and also a philips screwdriver.If it is the tube consider replacing both as the other will also fail. Check out eBay for a screen like yours, they usually go for under 200 and keep yours as a parts unit.Just a thought. Prices of lcd monitors went down a lot since 2004 and perhaps this is a good reason to upsize to a 24 inch. Good luck

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Answer 2

Jul 6, 2009 7:03 AM in response to Kevin Ogilvie

thanks pat. yes the monitor does work, (i'm typing on it now), but i just have the flashing light sequence and the partially dim screen. thanks for the tips. i'll start looking around.

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Answer 3

anguilla

Level 1

14 points

Aug 19, 2009 10:43 PM in response to Kevin Ogilvie

Well crud - mine just went black with those same flashing lights today! Disconnecting and reconnecting the monitor to my G4 Dual brings it back - but only temporarily (5 - 30 mins) before it goes back again. Bummer.

I know this monitor is old - but I love it and why buy a new one if I can get it back up and shining again? 🙂

Do you know where I can get this "inverter board" with instructions on how to change it out? I would be MUCH obliged for any help anyone can give me.

Mary

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Answer 4

Sep 17, 2009 10:21 PM in response to Kevin Ogilvie

Try this http://www.lcdpart.com/images/m7649.pdf
also see moniserv.com

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Answer 5

AlvPop

Level 1

0 points

Oct 4, 2009 8:08 AM in response to anguilla

I've only just seen this post but exactly the same happened to me 30 months ago. I was apprehensive about changing the inverter board but bought one from Moniserv for approx $130 and it came with full fitting instructions. This was very straightforward to do and worked perfectly and more important than just saving $100s I didn't lose any time with the monitor and felt good doing it myself.

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