Zenith SupersPORT 286 - Backlight is burned up

[Scruit]

I picked up a Zenith SupersPORT 286 laptop and I've been going through doing a few repairs on it. Recapped PSU, CF HD, plastics repair etc, ...

My current project is the backlight. I slid the panel from behind the LCD and I can see a physical burnmark on the power lead sealed inside the plastic. I doubt this can be repaired.

Anyone know where I can get a replacement backlight panel? Or, failing that, a compatible LCD?

 

[Dawsoca]

I have a couple supersport computers with bad backlighting and have researched this problem. The closest thing I could find was electroluminescent panels that could be cut to shape and used in-place of the original panels. They are like plastic sheets and one dimension could be shortened to come close to the original panels. Adafruit sells several panels and power supplies for this purpose around $40.00. The power supply would have to be modified to work with the Supersport (not plug and play) but should be possible. https://www.adafruit.com/product/414 While I have not actually done this, it seemed like the most feasible idea.
- Charles

 

[Scruit]

I have a couple supersport computers with bad backlighting and have researched this problem. The closest thing I could find was electroluminescent panels that could be cut to shape and used in-place of the original panels. They are like plastic sheets and one dimension could be shortened to come close to the original panels. Adafruit sells several panels and power supplies for this purpose around $40.00. The power supply would have to be modified to work with the Supersport (not plug and play) but should be possible. https://www.adafruit.com/product/414 While I have not actually done this, it seemed like the most feasible idea.
- Charles

That looks perfect! There's plenty of space inside the case for a customized power supply for it.

 

[Scruit]

I got and tested a panel like this and it looks like it will work perfectly well. Now I need to find a supplier of one that is the correct size, or one that can be trimmed. I started another thread for that. Thanks!