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180c issue

imactheknife

Well-known member
I have recapped a working powerbook 180c. Caps werent bad, but did it anyways. Now she turns on and will boot from floppy or ext. drive. But during the boot process screen goes black and thats it. Computer still boots to desktop i am sure. Any ideas why screen goes black during bootup? I also recapped power supply and works well.
 

3lectr1cPPC

Well-known member
Did the screen have issues before the recap? If not, go back and check your work. Look for any bridges, bad joints, etc. Pics of your soldering job?
 

imactheknife

Well-known member
Ok, well think its cable related. Got screen to look normal colors. She boots to a certain point then screen goes black. She continues to boot fine though. Solder looks good.
 

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3lectr1cPPC

Well-known member
Lots of flux, cleaning it off couldn't hurt. Have you cleaned the backside of that board as well? Mine had a bunch of crud on the other side. While it's in the black state, try turning the voltage pots on the front of the board. That may restore picture. If it works fine at first, I doubt it's cable related.
 

imactheknife

Well-known member
Ok, got it to boot. I think it is the cable from logic board to the board that has speakers, and keyboard connectors, display connectors etc on it. Soldering is fine, the cable is finicky like mad.
 

imactheknife

Well-known member
There was already a line in display from before. Is it a possible ground issue? Does it need to be assembled to work properly?
 

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imactheknife

Well-known member
This cable I believe is the culprit. Display cable is fine. If i wiggle this cable sometimes no chime, black display. If i play with it more it will work then wont. How hard to find this part??
 

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3lectr1cPPC

Well-known member
It seems we're now seeing more and more of these go bad. Not sure if there's a replacement part out there, though I'm sure you could make one. My PB 170's internal speaker died after opening it up and I believe it's that cable. Speaker tests good with a multimeter.
 

imactheknife

Well-known member
Well, if you hold your face right and dance in a circle 3 times she will work. She boots of internal drive. Just that pinched cable being a turd..
 

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imactheknife

Well-known member
Ok, bought a parts 180c.. definitely the cable or the board with pram battery etc. parts machine came with a perfect display, hard drive, and floppy. So now, will keep my recapped display with the line and possibly sell the other one. Haven’t decided. Parts machine also came with 8 meg ram card too:)
 
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