The Failure:
If you are reading this page, you already know what this is about, the vinegar syndrome failure of the Citizen L6481L-FF CSTN LCD display on the IBM PC110.
Here are some of the resources I read to try and understand why the screens have failed and what attempts could be made at repair:
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbrW7uUYpkw
- https://garakutaen.sakura.ne.jp/pc110/18thmLCD.html
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cellulose_acetate_film
Failed Repair Attempt:
I spent some time removing top layer however the second layer would not come off together so I had to spend time carefully scrapping it away.
After I had removed enough I powered the screen up and used a polarizing lense to look for any contents. I was unable to see anything and I noticed some cracks, presumably I caused this while attempting to remove the layers. In any case I called this a failure and ended it here.
I have several more of the failed screens, at a later date I may attempt again carefully removing the “rotten” layers and applying a new polorizing film. Although the tft upgrades are nice, I would like to one day have a working unit with the origional display.
Replacement Module:
I’ve searched high and low, and there does not seem to be a drop-in compatible replacement module. There are some sites that list stock for the citizen origional module, however when I contact them to ask if it is “new old stock” i.e. they have been on a box and likely also failed, they tell me they no longer have it.
So it seems, replacement route involves installing a different display (TFT) along with an adapter. I will explore this route in other posts.
I don’t know if you’re still working with this but yeah CSTN had been completely abandoned. Gameboys, at least the original use CSTN screens. You’re also more likely to find correct drivers for TFT upgrades, so it’s not so bad.
Have you managed to successfully replace the polarisers on a L6481L-FF panel as yet? I haven’t had any luck