Hi all. I am considering picking up this PB160 from a local seller as a restoration project. I’m a computer engineer with several vintage 68k restorations under my belt now and I’ve read all about what to expect with this model, so I’m not concerned about the restoration itself. I’m only concerned with the possibility I might have to purchase a very hard-to-find replacement screen. To that end, is there anything that can be gleaned from this photo of the PB powered on? Is that cloudiness seen on the blank display to be expected? Or is it a symptom that might suggest a screen replacement would be required? TIA!
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Anything to be gleaned from this PB160 photo?
- Thread starter ironhalo
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display panel needs a recap, as all passive matrix powerbook 1x0 screens do.
check here. I use ceramics myself, but the tants are PROBABLY fine.
in theory the leakage could be bad enough that you'd need a replacement panel, but it's probably ok.
it's not cloudy, just uneven backlighting when displaying a completely black screen. pretty normal
also the hinges will need lubrication/mount replacement
what else can i glean from the image? a SICK REPLACEMENT TRACKBALL !
check here. I use ceramics myself, but the tants are PROBABLY fine.
in theory the leakage could be bad enough that you'd need a replacement panel, but it's probably ok.
it's not cloudy, just uneven backlighting when displaying a completely black screen. pretty normal
also the hinges will need lubrication/mount replacement
what else can i glean from the image? a SICK REPLACEMENT TRACKBALL !
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Nothing to say about the screen but just wanted to agree that the trackball is cool
Thx for the feedback!
There is another one listed for sale that is closer to me, but with standard gray track ball. I figured the red one is worth a bit of a longer drive.
Ditto what other people have said. Only disagreement is that I’d avoid ceramic caps for the display - it will work, but they’re not well suited to that usecase and can produce a subpar image. Tantalum caps work great to replace the original electrolytics.
Also, pretty sure that trackball is pink, not red. Still cool though
Also, pretty sure that trackball is pink, not red. Still cool though
Ditto what other people have said. Only disagreement is that I’d avoid ceramic caps for the display - it will work, but they’re not well suited to that usecase and can produce a subpar image. Tantalum caps work great to replace the original electrolytics.
Also, pretty sure that trackball is pink, not red. Still cool though
Thanks for the input. And you are correct, I picked this up today and the trackball is most definitely PINK!! Nice little splash of color, I dig it.
The exterior of the case looks in great shape, no visible physical damage to the screen panel, and signs point to the machine booting up even though I can’t see anything on the screen yet (system chime, then 2-3 minutes of hard drive activity that gradually settles down).
It came with the original 160 system disks, user guide, original power supply, original gray trackball, and a vintage Targus laptop case! Pretty pleased with the purchase I must say. Now the fun begins! Time to open her up and see what I'm up against...
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Looks well-kept! Hopefully the screen will come back to life with some new capacitors.
Cap reference is available on my website: https://macdat.net/repair/cap_reference/apple/powerbook/160.html
Cap reference is available on my website: https://macdat.net/repair/cap_reference/apple/powerbook/160.html
Yep, already found your list and got my DigiKey order placed this evening! Thanks for making all that info easily accessible.
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