Pismo Help

[MacDan]

Hey guys, I have recently (2 months ago) aquired 2 Powerbook G3 Pismos. One is 400 MHz the other is 500 Mhz. The 400 has a cracked LCD and it doesn't boot. The 500 has "many missing parts," the LCD is fine, and it doesn't boot.

I took a look at it and tried to replace the "many missing parts" that I could see were missing. I took the HD from my Lombard (OS X 10.4.11), the RAM, and the PRAM battery.

I plugged it in and nothing. I left it like that overnight and tried again in the morning and still nothing. But I did notice that it was recieving power (the keyboard was hot.)

I don't know what else might be missing, any ideas? I'm itching to try out the AirPort card that was inside the 400 on it. Too bad that it isn't compatible the Lombard. Thanks!!

 

[MacG4]

trying unplugging the pram battery

 

[wally]

http://www.transintl.com/technotes/installram_pismo.htm says the memory electrical spec is somehow different... [?]

 

[MacDan]

Tried disconnecting the PRAM the battery, nothing still.

I installed the RAM correctly. I'm still lost!!! I tried checking for things that might be dosconnected, but nothing.

 

[wally]

There remains the question if the Lombard memory that you used is electrically compatible with the Pismo, and if not, then whether it (both the Pismo and the memory part) is still ok. I do not doubt you installed it physically, but wonder if it would ever work. The reference I posted earlier says not compatible but does not detail how bad the mismatch nor the implications of mixing. I saw somewhere that:

SDRAM SO-DIMMs used for PowerBook (FireWire) must be PC-100

compatible. Previous PowerBook G3 Series computers used PC-66 RAM

that may not be compatible with this computer.

As with the PowerBook G3 Series computers, EDO RAM should not be used.

Is your memory fast enough?

 

[MacDan]

Is your memory fast enough?

Yes it is, "512 MB 64x64 PC-133 CL2" is what the sticker says. Comes from OWC. i did notice something though. When I put the kerboard back on, it looks like it's poping up from the center. Pictures later, I'm in the middle of doing chores!!!

Thanks!

EDIT: The sticker also reads "58S5HSOO-1GAG 6324"

 

[Redjack]

This may be obvious but maybe I missed something...

When you added the RAM, did you take out the processor daughter card (it's got that funky heatsink appendage thing with it) to access the bottom RAM slot? If so, you have to be very *firm* when reslotting the processor.

You may feel like you are going to break the darn thing, you will feel very queasy but don't break it!

If not, the other possibility is the CMOS battery. If you just got it second hand and it's not booting up period, unplug the CMOS and charge the battery. And see if it'll chime to startup.

PM me with specifics if you need, and I'll try and help.

 

[MacDan]

Thanks!!! I'll give it a try and let you know.

I already tried unplugging the battery and that wasn't it.