Acquired a Performa 6200

[compact-mac]

Greetings,

I've recently acquired a Performa 6200. Quite a tidy case you might agree; it was smaller than I expected from the photos! I plan to install Mac OS 7.6 or perhaps just explore whatever is currently on the drive once I've her serviceable.

She definitely boots because when I power her on I hear the boot chime and a flurry of HDD activity, which pleaseth me.

But two questions:
- How would I attach a display? I haven't any Apple displays that use a DB15 connector. Would a DB15 to VGA connector suffice, or would I be best acquiring an older ATI card to drive VGA as other threads have suggested?
- I removed the battery because I heard they have a tendency to leak and corrode the MB. Luckily this hasn't happened. Where would I acquire another with reasonable postage costs to the UK?

Thanks
CM

 

[Phipli]

Would a DB15 to VGA connector suffice, or would I be best acquiring an older ATI card to drive VGA as other threads have suggested?

The adapter is your best and only choice the 6200 doesn't have a PCI slot for an ATI or similar card.

I removed the battery because I heard they have a tendency to leak and corrode the MB. Luckily this hasn't happened. Where would I acquire another with reasonable postage costs to the UK?

With a 6200, your best bet is to use a little battery box with three AAA batteries or AAA batteries, but don't leave it in there in case they leak. Another option is to just run without a battery, which works in most macs (but not all).

The 6200 has an unusual "square" 4.5v battery that isn't the same as the usual mac battery. Sadly they are no longer made.

 

[Phipli]

The three battery version here, but you need to add a connector, possibly from the original battery, which of course you didn't throw out

AAA Battery case box Holder Connector Enclosed Switch wires 2 3 4 cell project | eBay

With Enclosed Switch & wires 2, 3, or 4 cell. AAA Battery case box Holder Connector. we will do all we can to chase any of this up. order 1 battery case get 1 free screwdriver. order 2,3,4 battery case you only get 1 free screwdriver.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[3lectr1cPPC]

couldn't you just use Lithium non-rechargeable AAAs in the holder? That should keep them from leaking.

 

[robin-fo]

I once did this in my 5200

 

[treellama]

I have NiMHs in my 640 CD. The voltage is lower but it doesn't seem to care. They can leak but not nearly as often or as much as alkalines.

 

[3lectr1cPPC]

NiMH cells will only leak if you leave them in for 20 years. Alkaline will get you in a couple years at most usually.

 

[compact-mac]

The three battery version here, but you need to add a connector, possibly from the original battery, which of course you didn't throw out

AAA Battery case box Holder Connector Enclosed Switch wires 2 3 4 cell project | eBay

With Enclosed Switch & wires 2, 3, or 4 cell. AAA Battery case box Holder Connector. we will do all we can to chase any of this up. order 1 battery case get 1 free screwdriver. order 2,3,4 battery case you only get 1 free screwdriver.

www.ebay.co.uk

Fortunately I didn't (was a curiosity seeing something marked 'Made in USA' inside a computer likely made in Ireland), so will grab one of those battery boxes and splice it together.

Also ordered a DB15 to VGA cable, will see how it goes. Skipped over some fancier ones with DIP switches, might come to regret that, but can grab one next month if there's no joy with this one.

 

[Phipli]

Also ordered a DB15 to VGA cable, will see how it goes. Skipped over some fancier ones with DIP switches, might come to regret that, but can grab one next month if there's no joy with this one.

Probably should have got a dip switch one, but you'll probably be OK.

 

[cheesestraws]

Yeah, probably will be ok in PowerPC-land. The DIP switches matter more for earlier machines.

(also, @compact-mac, I like your avatar)

 

[Dude.JediKnight]

Was not aware those little cube batteries were also prone to leak. Better open up my 6200 when I get a chance and verify it’s still okay.

 

[3lectr1cPPC]

Yeah they're alkaline batteries inside... The plastic case will hold in the leakage for a while, but it gets out eventually.

 

[compact-mac]

Good to see I've less to worry about regarding PowerPC Macs. I suppose Apple were more open to commodity hardware at this time.

Still awaiting the delivery of the adaptor. Will be interesting to see what, if anything, was left on this Mac and uncover its purpose in its past life.

(@cheesestraws thanks, the goose is safe enough provided you don't approach suddenly and bring a few loaves)

 

[François]

Also ordered a DB15 to VGA cable, will see how it goes.

I have such a cable on my Power Mac 6400, connected to a LCD. It works fine. As those machines are somewhat similar, you should be OK.

 

[compact-mac]

The cable arrived and it doesn't output anything to either of the known working LCD displays I tried. Should I get one of the DB15-VGA adaptors with the microswitch jumpers on it?

The exact cable I ordered was this one: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/125285492929

 

[Phipli]

The cable arrived and it doesn't output anything to either of the known working LCD displays I tried. Should I get one of the DB15-VGA adaptors with the microswitch jumpers on it?

The exact cable I ordered was this one: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/125285492929

I'd ask for a refund, the 6200 doesn't have anything weird about its video out so that cable as described should just work.

 

[joshc]

@compact-mac If you cannot find a reasonably priced DB15-VGA adapter I have several spare here. I'm in the UK as well.

 

[François]

The exact cable I ordered was this one: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/125285492929

This is a very short adapter cable, but there exists real long db15 to vga cables, that plugs directly into your monitor.

 

[Durosity]

Oooh I like very short cables like that.. I’ve put one in my basket for later!

Outta interest what kind of LCD screen are you trying to use it with? I have found some just reaaaaallly don’t like signals from older macs, even with configurable adapters.

 

[compact-mac]

@Durosity I tried it with an older Dell 4:3 19" monitor, I don't have it with me to check the exact model number. The oldest system I've had that monitor work with was a Windows 98 box rocking a Nvidia TNT2. The other monitor I tried was a much newer 23" widescreen monitor (also Dell) mostly for giggles, it didn't work either.

@joshc If you're willing to part with one that has those microswitches on it, seems like it is worth acquiring to try. Will PM thanks.

I plan to get a CRT for it, in a superstitious hope those will have fewer problems even if the CRT isn't Apple made.