What’s this port do?

[croissantking]

I’ve seen a couple of auctions with a serial port or similar where the modem’s phone jack would normally be, on a PB 140/170 type Mac.

I’m guessing it’s a third party upgrade. But why would you bother? Is it because it’s a Geoport or something lack that, and superior to the onboard serial?

 

[mikes-macs]

According to EveryMac it was the Powerbook 170 that was the first of the Powerbooks to come standard with an internal modem. Prior to the 170 the Powerbooks came with 2 serial ports, Printer & Modem just like Compact Macs of the time. External modems were more common than internal as technology on these were rapidly advancing to the point of obsolete by the time they hit the market. It was apparently decided for Apple to include such technology even though it was available would be fool hearty as it would need to be replaced soon after the Powerbook hit the Market.

 

[3lectr1cPPC]

Prior to the 170

The 170 was the first PowerBook, well, one of the 3 first PowerBooks, all introduced at the same time. My guess is that it's a third-party somethingorother. I can't find any information on a second serial port going in that slot. Where did you see that @mikes-macs?
I don't own a 140, but my 145 has a blank in the modem slot. My 170 has the modem.

 

[mikes-macs]

EveryMac

PowerBook 140 Specs: EveryMac.com

Technical specifications for the PowerBook 140. Dates sold, processor type, memory info, hard drive details, price and more.

everymac.com

PowerBook 170 Specs: EveryMac.com

Technical specifications for the PowerBook 170. Dates sold, processor type, memory info, hard drive details, price and more.

everymac.com

 

[3lectr1cPPC]

Ah yes, I don't have mine on hand right now otherwise I would have checked, yes, they do have 2 serial ports, but the 2nd one isn't in the modem slot.

 

[croissantking]

Yeah, the 140 and 170 have two serial ports right on the logic board so adding a third would seem a bit pointless! But I’m sure there is a good reason.

 

[Durosity]

It’s a DAA adapter port. Outside of the US Apple opted to have an external dongle for the modem so they could have different versions for the various certifications they’d need for it. So basically a wee grey box plugged into that which then plugged into the phone line.

 

[croissantking]

It’s a DAA adapter port. Outside of the US Apple opted to have an external dongle for the modem so they could have different versions for the various certifications they’d need for it. So basically a wee grey box plugged into that which then plugged into the phone line.

Messy.

 

[Durosity]

Yeah, I guess it made sense though, just one internal module for international models then throw an adapter in a box that meets the requirements of local telecoms companies.

I’ve actually got one of these, I’ll post it soon

 

[croissantking]

Yeah, I guess it made sense though, just one internal module for international models then throw an adapter in a box that meets the requirements of local telecoms companies.

I’ve actually got one of these, I’ll post it soon

I have a British PowerBook 165 that has the modem with the RJ-11 jack, so not sure what the deal was in the UK.

 

[Durosity]

Could be a 3rd party one.. or even a US one that was added after? But I know they had these adapters with the 100 and 200 series PowerBooks.

 

[Durosity]

As you can see it’s a pretty big item, quite annoying to carry I’m sure!