LCIII "This startup disk will not work on this Macintosh model"

[bigmessowires]

I'm using the System 7.1 for LCIII installer images, item #9 from http://macintoshgarden.org/apps/system-7-floppy-sets. Despite being specifically for LCIII, when I try to boot with the first Install disk image, I get an error saying "This startup disk will not work on this Macintosh model." Have I missed a step? Could a logic board problem cause this?

 

[bigmessowires]

I also tried the Install Me First disk image, which I confirmed contains the required System Enabler 003 for LCIII. Still the same error saying startup disk will not work on this Macintosh. The System 7.5 installer works, but I'd rather use 7.1.

 

[robin-fo]

The InstallMeFirst.image should be the way to go.. No idea why this doesn't work. Alternatively, you could try to install System 7.1.1 and delete everything you don't need.

 

[robin-fo]

Or do you have an LCIII+? This model apparently needs a later version of System Enabler 003 (v1.1)

 

[bigmessowires]

Perhaps it's an LCIII+, is there an easy way to tell? Apple part number on the logic board is 820-0650-B.

I tried the instructions from this thread: https://68kmla.org/bb/index.php?threads/os-7-1-disk-image-with-enabler-for-lc-iii.4301/

This OP had a similar problem to mine. This seems to be working (currently installing). The solution is to boot from another (custom made) floppy disk image containing Enabler 003, use that to format the HD and copy the System folder from the floppy, reboot from the HD, then run the regular installer from the floppy set. I don't know why that works when the normal method doesn't, but it seems to solve the problem.

 

[bigmessowires]

Some strange stuff after finishing the install and rebooting. "About This Macintosh" says I'm running System Software Z1-7.1, and it reports the machine type as "Macintosh" without listing a model number and with a blank space where the model-specific icon would normally appear.

 

[Phipli]

Apple part number on the logic board is 820-0650-B.

Hum. Logic board is probably the same between both. I'd check the resistor at R14.

LCIII (P450) Speedup

Depending on if it is there or not, the machine is 25 or 33MHz.

 

[bigmessowires]

R14 is not populated. Hard to say, but it looks like a modification and not original. I can't check R74 easily since it's on the other side, but it does seem like this is a modded 33 MHz LCIII, which is probably why the standard installer wouldn't recognize it.

Yes, TattleTech reports Performa 460, 33 MHz MC68030! Everymac says the P460 requires System 7.1P or later.

One small puzzle remains - I've installed a VRAM SIMM, which should be enough to get 832x624 at 16-bit, but Monitors control panel only offers 832x624 at 8-bit. No big deal.

This LCIII/P460 was supposed to be a give-away prize for the Tetris Max high score contest, combined with an LCD and keyboard and mouse. It was assembled from mostly cobbled-together parts I had lying around. But now that it's working I'm not sure I want to give it away! Everything is in really nice condition, the logic board is recapped, the plastic is nice... it's actually the best 68K Mac in my collection now. If I were so inclined, I could probably sell the whole system for a decent amount of money, but it's more fun to spur interest in the contest.



So here's what the expert Tetris Max player can win:

Performa 460 (in a Performa 405 case)
33 MHz 68030, 4MB RAM, 768K VRAM
external cosmetics 9 out of 10
80 MB SCSI HD with System 7.1 and custom software collection
Apple Keyboard II (or maybe AEK II instead)
Apple Desktop Bus Mouse II
Viewsonic VG900b 19 inch 1280x1024 LCD (or possibly Viewsonic 6 14-inch CRT)
VGA cable with DA-15 adapter
everything tested and working
Price: $0 or best offer

 

[Phipli]

But now that it's working I'm not sure I want to give it away!

We used to have a P450. They are nice machines.

Do you have a 475? If not, find one.

I'll write up how to make one run at 40MHz without overclocking it sometime soon. 40MHz Pizzabox

 

[volvo242gt]

I'd keep the LC III+. Bump the RAM up to 36MB, and replace the 80 with a larger drive (or go ZuluSCSI or BlueSCSI), running 7.5.x. Maybe also add a 68882. Sold my old LC III to RADmark on TD as a 20/160 machine.

Another option is to chuck a 475/605 board into it. Owned a P475 in 2000. Was a decent little machine. Arkanoid was quite zippy on it.

 

[joshc]

LC III/III+ (same thing really, same logicboard) are great Macs, despite not having an 040. The 475 is better, but for a lot of use cases, the III is absolutely fine and they are cheaper.

Add an FPU and an Ethernet PDS card and you'll be cooking!

 

[bigmessowires]

It is a nice system. I still intend to offer it as a Mactobefest prize to the highest scoring Tetris Max player, in a package including keyboard, mouse, and monitor. Maybe it'll boost my karma score so somebody will gift me an Apple I.