G4 Internal Modem - what is it...?

[raoulduke]

This may be utterly stupid.  My knowledge of Macs, while anyway very limited, is primarily limited to pre-G3 machines.  I just got my first G4.  It works fine, although I'm starting to question whether it was worth it for OS 10.4 (which I have on a core duo; I do not have classic mode on said duo, however).

Inside is a 56k modem - like wired into the motherboard.  There's a modem port in the back; but it's blocked by what (from inside the case) looks like a metal cube - so that one cannot insert a phone cord.  This doesn't really matter to me as I don't plan to use a modem or the G4 for anything specific; however what is that... what is the internal card?  What is it supposed to be used for?  Anyone have any idea what I'm asking here?  This is just pure curiosity.

 

[TheWhiteFalcon]

Looks like someone swapped the board into a case not made for one, perhaps? Pictures might help.

 

[raoulduke]

That actually makes a lot of sense (the graphics card Radeon 9800) is clearly not original; it's a Quicksilver (867 mhz).  The case Model Number says M8943, which is possibly correct; and the thing blocking the modem port is actually connected (only) to the case.  

Sorry for the pics, I used a flash.

(The first shows the modem - the wire running under the board); the second shows this little metal cube; the third shows how the cube blocks the port.)

 

[TheWhiteFalcon]

Yep, I'd imagine someone swapped the board.

 

[raoulduke]

Thanks.  I was pretty confused.

 

[TheWhiteFalcon]

If you want, that metal piece should be removable, you'd just pull the board and probably punch out the panel there (not positive).

 

[raoulduke]

I tried - it's not loose but it probably comes out.  What would go there in its stead, though?  A part, presumably, is missing, no?  (The actual modem port)

 

[markyb86]

You're missing a little cube about that same size/shape that has the RJ45 connector in it, and a short wire to the modem board. 

 

[HoneyDoe]

if you need one i can give mine up

 

[raoulduke]

Lol.  QUICK!  I haven't checked Prodigy since 1991!

I appreciate the offer, but I have no specific plans to remedy this.

 

[HoneyDoe]

Well, its still use full for faxing.... so i guess thats a thing....

Yeah oh well, im to lazy to pull out my g4 anyways lol

 

[CC_333]

I've found that the port *is* there, but is hidden. The "cube" is designed such that it can be mounted one way (with a blank side facing out) or another (with the port facing out). If you remove it, I think you will see what I mean.

c

 

[flashedbios2012]

I was just about to say what CC 333 Said. The port is there but hidden. Some models came without modems, I'm guessing they were education models for schools. I can't imagine an individual consumer requesting a modem NOT be present would really save any off the price, and back when these machines were new, Home internet was almost exclusively dial up.