G4 Cube Latch

[at0z]

Just acquired a G4 Cube (bigger and heavier than I imagined from the photos!) but seems there may be some alignment or mechanism issue with the latching (or lack of it). Hand operates normally it would seem but the innards won't stay latched inside the overcoat, even with the handle in the "closed and locked" position. Can't find anything in the SSOL for this or a cursory Google search (most were for the opposite problem of freeing a stuck mechanism to release the core). Anybody know of adjustment steps ?

Also (i don't think related to the latching but maybe.) I see a definite bend in the cover where the ports are - is it worth trying to fix this ? It will be hidden once the core is locked but I guess if I'm taking it apart anyway, I don't know how much gentle bending might resolve this..?

 

[Byrd]

I'm planning on dismantling a Cube tonight, so will confirm then, but yes that level of physical damage suggests it was one dropped and the internal "skeleton" would be out of alignment.  I'd be bending things back to the right position.

 

[at0z]

I'm planning on dismantling a Cube tonight, so will confirm then, but yes that level of physical damage suggests it was one dropped and the internal "skeleton" would be out of alignment.  I'd be bending things back to the right position.

I think it’s just one corner got clobbered, if you or anybody has some disassemble instructions for the back cover and handle I’d appreciate some tips. The SS guide doesn’t mention that level of core take apart that I can see.

 

[Byrd]

Taking my Cube apart to try an SSD.

Re: the outer shell, looking inside you'll see two pins either side of the exhaust grill - these guide inner and outer shells together.  See those D-shaped metal brackets either side of the exhaust grill?  They are positioned slightly inwards ~ 5 degrees; when the internal shell slides inside and you push in the handle the latches are grabbed holding the shell safely in place.

I'd check the sliding mechanisms for signs of symmetry either side and the D-shaped brackets also positioned the same.  The clobbered corner would also need attention noting what appears to be a broken stand off on the left side.

 

[at0z]

Taking my Cube apart to try an SSD.

Re: the outer shell, looking inside you'll see two pins either side of the exhaust grill - these guide inner and outer shells together.  See those D-shaped metal brackets either side of the exhaust grill?  They are positioned slightly inwards ~ 5 degrees; when the internal shell slides inside and you push in the handle the latches are grabbed holding the shell safely in place.

I'd check the sliding mechanisms for signs of symmetry either side and the D-shaped brackets also positioned the same.  The clobbered corner would also need attention noting what appears to be a broken stand off on the left side.

Thanks, looking to see if I can get better access to the latch and slide handle in the core to see if anything needs lubricating or is stuck - my D hooks like fine, so wondering if although the handle itself rises and falls as expected, something else inside isn't following through. I assume you got a PATA -> SATA converter to do the SSD upgrade ? I have a 20GB drive currently in there, which I would likely consider upgrading too...

 

[Byrd]

Thanks, looking to see if I can get better access to the latch and slide handle in the core to see if anything needs lubricating or is stuck - my D hooks like fine, so wondering if although the handle itself rises and falls as expected, something else inside isn't following through.

Having a closer look, the handle when pushed in pushes out two pieces of metal to medially slide into both D-brackets, allowing the Cube innards to hang on for dear life.  There are also small springs which push back the metal clips when the handle is released.  If slightly out of alignment ... it'll fail.

I assume you got a PATA -> SATA converter to do the SSD upgrade ? I have a 20GB drive currently in there, which I would likely consider upgrading too...

I'm trialling a 128GB mSATA SSD to 2.5" IDE case with 2.5" to 3.5" IDE adapter; 3D printed 2.5" to 3.5" bracket to hold the thing in the Cube.  Lots of adapters.  The SSD drive has failed to work nicely in any pre-G3 Mac; I'm hoping this will be compatible in the Cube.  The stock 20GB HD in the Cube is rather sluggish (and noisy?), anything else would do.

JB

 

[EvilCapitalist]

If the adapter on adapter approach doesn't work, I've got a simple IDE to SATA adapter going to a 120GB SSD in my Cube that works great (pay no mind to the price on the SSD, it was actually $19.99 but Micro Center didn't update the price tag so all in it works out to be $30).  I have yet to find a bracket to properly mount it, but it's light enough that it just hangs loose in the case and hasn't caused any issues.

 

[Byrd]

That'll be my next purchase; the stubborn in me wants to get this 128GB mSATA drive working on any Mac, as so far it's displayed incompatibilities on older Macs I've tried it on (works fine in a BX based Pentium III setup).  

Ideally I'd get a ~ 500GB SATA SSD and be done with it using the hicap ATA patch on my Cube.