Trash80toHP_Mini
NIGHT STALKER
Looks like only nine(?) pins need to be implemented on the Adapter PCB. Throw on a few spare ground pin connections because you won't have a solid shell ground if using a printed mechanical interface.
Solutions for HDI45 to VGA or DB15?
- Thread starter zezba9000
- Start date
Looks like only nine(?) pins need to be implemented on the Adapter PCB. Throw on a few spare ground pin connections because you won't have a solid shell ground if using a printed mechanical interface.
I have similar plans but for ADC first… Not even sure I have a machine with this connector anyway.
As for pins, it's possible to find bare pins by 100 instead of rows which won't have the pitch required. Worst case you'd use two layers of PCB to keep them aligned and straight.
As for pins, it's possible to find bare pins by 100 instead of rows which won't have the pitch required. Worst case you'd use two layers of PCB to keep them aligned and straight.
just.in.time
Well-known member
This connector was only ever used on the x100 line.
zefrenchtoon
Well-known member
Also found the pinout easily on the PM 6100 Service Source manual. (see page 7 => 12)
I have a bunch of 6100s I picked up recently with no adapters. Was trying to mock up a PCB, but my board design skills are lacking. Would love to pair a simple PCB with a cable such as this (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CHNN9J96/ref=sw_img_1?smid=A29TUTMZHZRSW7&th=1) to make an adapter I can include with the machines, then wrap it all in a 3D printed box to help align the pins.
Or if anyone else has any ideas, I'm open for suggestions. I created a part in Eagle with what I believe to be the pin locations, but I don't know how to make a board cut-out. Anyone else looking for a solution?
Or if anyone else has any ideas, I'm open for suggestions. I created a part in Eagle with what I believe to be the pin locations, but I don't know how to make a board cut-out. Anyone else looking for a solution?
zefrenchtoon
Well-known member
I’m pretty sure to have see this kind of modI would love a solution for this. My ideal solution would be to remove the HDI-45 connector from the logic board and replace it with a DA-15 connector and be rid of those cursed objects foreverbut unfortunately I have no idea if that is feasible!
killvore
Well-known member
Omg this would be just such a huge relief, I would gladly sacrifice my busted Quadras DA-15s to change out those terrible connectorsI’m pretty sure to have see this kind of mod
Actually, I was originally thinking to create an external adapter, but doing some sort of PCB to to convert the existing connector to a standard DB-15 might be a better approach. Especially if you could fit it in the case opening where the HDI-45 went. I may start looking into it, although this may be beyond my PCD design skills, as it will likely require a multi-layer board and even then may not work due to trying to fit too many pins too closely on the PCB.Omg this would be just such a huge relief, I would gladly sacrifice my busted Quadras DA-15s to change out those terrible connectors
I wonder if you could do two PCBs, with a spacer in between. One that would solder to the Mac logic board, and then pins pin the outside of the pcb could mate it to the upper PCB which would have the DB-15 connector. The good news is you'd only need to worry about 14 of the 45 pins. (I don't see pin 8 being connected when I tested my adapter), I've mapped out the pins on the logic board, I might see if I can put together a pair of boards that might work. The good news is the pin spacing seems similar, although the rows on the connector are further apart, which will be good for routing the traces. I'll maybe play around with it this weekend and then see if I can get some prototypes ordered to try out.
I just went through it, and removing the connector is a bit of a bear, but it's doable with just a soldering iron, a solder pump, and some wick. So hopefully If I could make some drop in replacements that match the pins on the original connector, I could distribute some of these to others in the community.
If you can find any details, I've looked all over trying to find options and I'd love it if someone else has tackled this problem already.I’m pretty sure to have see this kind of mod
zefrenchtoon
Well-known member
Maybe I am wrong ...
Actually, the only info about that I am able to find is this:
From this wonderful website.
I will still try to find more info
Yeah, I had seen that. Looking to do something a little more polished. I have a large number of 6100s that I'm trying to fix up to sell for cheap to other vintage Mac people in my area, and want to avoid them having something fragile or having to buy an expensive adapter. The DB-15 to HD-15 adapters are pretty cheap and most people with vintage Macs already have one. I'll let everyone know how the PCB design goes this weekend.
FYI, I have finished building a PCB and 3d printed case to solve this. I built two versions. One is HDI-45 to VGA (HD-15). The other is a HDI-45 to DA-15. I made this mainly because I also have several DOS compatibility cards and the Y cable for it works with a DA-15 connector. Also, some people may want to connect their PowerMac x100 machine to a period correct CRT.
Hopefully this will help some people who are looking for a cheaper option. I'll be partnering with Joe's Computer Museum to have pre-made versions offered in his store in the US. But I will also be publishing to GitHub for people wanting to make their own. They aren't the easiest to assemble, but it's manageable and you can do it for as little as $5-7 per adapter if you make them in bulk. It will be a bit pricier if you are just needing one, so probably going to cost the same or less to buy from JCM.
I have a preliminary publish of the files needed on GitHub:
https://github.com/wottle/HDI-45-Adapters.
If anyone is interested and wants to try to build their own, I would love to hear from someone else who follows the instructions to confirm it works and is clear.
Zippy Zapp
Well-known member
Yeah, I'm hoping these will help people out. I've been clinging to the one adapter I have that came with my 6115 for a few years now. I'll be able to keep a couple of these around for my 6100 and 8100 as well.