HDMI to TMDS Adapter - Hook HDMI video source to your G4 Mac

[joeventura]

Seems to be a lot of folks wanting to re-use the Sunflower G4s, hooking up outside video, replacing the guts with an M1 Mac mini etc,
I thought I'd create a breakout board where you could pluck the video plug off the mother board, plug it into the breakout board and route the signals using lots of the data sheets available online, I'd also be open to sell premade adapters for specific models if there is adequate demand.

I'll have them listed on Tindie in a few days.

Please let me know your thoughts.

 

[mikes-macs]

I thought I read something somewhere about not being able to use the title “HDMI” in anything you sell unless licensed to do so.

 

[joeventura]

They are now available

HDMI to TMDS Breakout board by Stillwell Labs on Tindie

Breakout board for HDMI to TMDS

www.tindie.com

 

[The Salami Boss]

I thought I read something somewhere about not being able to use the title “HDMI” in anything you sell unless licensed to do so.

No, no, this is the "Highly Desirable Macintosh Interface"
It's completely different.

 

[olePigeon]

No, no, this is the "Highly Desirable Macintosh Interface"
It's completely different.

 

[davidg5678]

Cool project! Do you know if this PCB is compatible with all models of iMac G4, or only specific ones? Does using converter PCB mean that no wires need to be cut during the iMac conversion process?

It sounds like I would need to desolder the SMD connector from my iMac's logic board and then solder it onto this new PCB. Is that correct? Any idea if there a commercial source for this connector?

I look forward to converting my iMac G4 into a monitor someday!

 

[Trash80toHP_Mini]

Also interested in doing that, but as the internal background display within my 17" Blueberry Studio Display MacQuarium build. I bring this up because such adaptations need to be documented here in the Hacks Forum. Linking to such would help in marketing the Highly Desirable Macintosh Interface on your store. YouBoobTube Video link here and there would also be helpful if you do such things?

I'll also suggest having a picture of what you call the "Sunflower" iLamp G4 and maybe an explanation of that panel interface?

 

[joeventura]

Cool project! Do you know if this PCB is compatible with all models of iMac G4, or only specific ones? Does using converter PCB mean that no wires need to be cut during the iMac conversion process?

It sounds like I would need to desolder the SMD connector from my iMac's logic board and then solder it onto this new PCB. Is that correct? Any idea if there a commercial source for this connector?

I look forward to converting my iMac G4 into a monitor someday!

This is not a converter, its a breakout board.
On one end is the elusive TMDS connector that Apple uses on the motherboard of all the G4 sunflower macs.
On the other end is the HDMI connector
In between are pins that you interconnect to make it work.
Correct yu do not need to cut the end off the video cable.

No desoldering is required, you just carefully unplug the cable from the motherboard and plug it into the breakout board.