Powerbook 145b repair attempt needs help

[mdeverhart]

It would probably help if someone with a fully working one traced all the paths out and did a schematic.

Does anyone know which models used the same (or compatible) interconnect cable?

 

[3lectr1cPPC]

140, 145, 145B, 170 use the same, that I'm sure of.
I also THINK but am not 100% on that the 160, 165, 180, 165c, and the 180c use the same as each other.
The 150's board is unique to it only and they can be quite hard to find in operable condition due to the different type of PRAM battery attached to it that leaks (2 NiMH cells instead of Lithium like on the others).

I'll go check parts listings in the service source to confirm this in a few minutes.

 

[croissantking]

I wonder if the "second gen" 100 series PowerBooks (160, 165, 180, color variants) are as fragile.

I’m certainly having problems with second gens (165/180) the same as OP

 

[3lectr1cPPC]

Yeah I think I had heard that people had issues with those before. Such a weird failure since you never hear about this type of cable failing in anything else... it's the same sort of material as an IDE or SCSI cable on a desktop, they must have just used a really thin and brittle inner conductive wire.

 

[3lectr1cPPC]

160/165/180 P/N: 661-0750
165c P/N: 661-0764
180c P/N: 661-0685

So the color models each have a unique one. I sort of suspected that.

Here are the other P/Ns:
150: 661-0190
140/145/145B/170: 661-0724

 

[TonyJay]

I guess I’ll need to wait for some cheap interconnects to come up on eBay, and then be very delicate with them when opening and closing the machines. The problem is, I didn’t realise these cables are so fragile, and I’ve been working on the machines a lot during restoration.

It’s a pity there’s no easy way to replace the cable itself, although I might look at running some patch wires just to get it going temporarily.

There was a discussion thread on here that mentioned a source for the 50 wire ribbon cable, but not sure how you would place the connectors. That would require precision to pierce each wire. The cable do come up on eBay although they are usually pricey.

 

[croissantking]

There was a discussion thread on here that mentioned a source for the 50 wire ribbon cable, but not sure how you would place the connectors. That would require precision to pierce each wire. The cable do come up on eBay although they are usually pricey.

Couldn't you just use a SCSI (68-pin or greater) or IDE (80-pin) cable? The pitch is the same.

The PB160/165/180 has a 72 wire cable, btw.

 

[TonyJay]

Couldn't you just use a SCSI (68-pin or greater) or IDE (80-pin) cable? The pitch is the same.

Honestly not sure. I think aligning the connectors would be challenging.

 

[croissantking]

I will make this happen.

 

[TonyJay]

I will make this happen.

That would be a huge contribution if you can make this happen, and it is something that can be done on our benches. Many of us have been plagued by this cable. Please take lots of images that you can share here.

 

[GRudolf94]

I've redone the interconnect cable before - releasing the latches without breaking them is the hardest part. You can use UDMA-2 (80way) cables.

 

[croissantking]

I've redone the interconnect cable before - releasing the latches without breaking them is the hardest part. You can use UDMA-2 (80way) cables.

Harder than aligning and crimping the cable?

 

[GRudolf94]

I'd say so. Crimping was made less sketchy by placing a spacer (borrowed from a discarded thinkpad drive bay flat PCB) over the pins on the solder side, so I was applying pressure on a flat surface. I suppose I could knock out a PCB insert real quick and publish it here before people attempt to mash interconnect boards on a vise.

 

[GRudolf94]

Toss at your favorite PCB service, fabbing at the default 1.6mm is fine - the dumbest PCB ever, it's just holes. This should make re-crimping easier - break/cut to size if you wish, place against pins, stab spacer+board+cable+clamp into vise, squeeze tight.

It's got copper around the holes because some PCB services get angry if a board has no copper.

 

[croissantking]

Nice work @GRudolf94 , but too late for me. I've spent half the night replacing the defective cable on two of my interconnect boards, and it has been a big success. @TonyJay , I took loads of photos so I'll post a write-up tomorrow.

 

[TonyJay]

Nice work @GRudolf94 , but too late for me. I've spent half the night replacing the defective cable on two of my interconnect boards, and it has been a big success. @TonyJay , I took loads of photos so I'll post a write-up tomorrow.

That is great. Looking forward to how to instructions and images.

 

[croissantking]

Should I add to the discussion here, or start a new thread?

 

[TonyJay]

Should I add to the discussion here, or start a new thread?

Not sure. New thread with title 'How to repair Powerbook interconnect cable' would be easier to find for those wanting to repair this cable. I bought replacement cables so I am good until I fiddle with them again LOL

 

[desertrout]

Should I add to the discussion here, or start a new thread?

I'd say new thread, might make it more 'findable'? Really looking forward to it!

 

[3lectr1cPPC]

My vote’s also for a new thread.