PowerBook 190 power supply needed - G4 to the rescue?

[paardenkapper]

Hello folks. I'd like to tinker with my PowerBook 190.
As far as I know I need the model M3047 (45W/1.88A/24V) but good luck getting your hands on those.

The PowerBook G4 also uses 24V and 1.88A and I have a spare power plug/socket
So - would it be possible to use the G4 power supply on the PowerBook 190 if I find a fitting plug for it or is that a dumb idea?

Thanks in advance.

 

[tragicwinding]

Theoretically, if the G4 power supply outputs the same voltage and current as the M3047, it should work. But, remember that power supplies aren't always interchangeable, even with the same output specs, due to differences in the plug's polarity, pin configuration, or physical shape.

So, the key here is to ensure the plug fits properly and matches the original supply's polarity. If it does, you might be onto something. Always take care when dealing with power supplies though.

 

[paardenkapper]

Thanks! I'll look into it this weekend.

 

[za9ra22]

The 190/5300 connector is long and thin, and doesn't locate well without the correct shoulder of plastic, which obviously the original PSU has, but the third-party connectors I looked at didn't. But there is a third-party PSU available. I bought two last year and they work pretty well.

At least one potential supplier is power4laptops.com but at around $50 currently they're not inexpensive - though mine came directly from China and were about half that price.

 

[paardenkapper]

The 190/5300 connector is long and thin, and doesn't locate well without the correct shoulder of plastic, which obviously the original PSU has, but the third-party connectors I looked at didn't. But there is a third-party PSU available. I bought two last year and they work pretty well.

At least one potential supplier is power4laptops.com but at around $50 currently they're not inexpensive - though mine came directly from China and were about half that price.

Thanks, I already read somewhere that the barrel connector was kind of special.

 

[AphoticD]

If you have the non-working power supply for your 190, you could dismantle the original transformer and unsolder the low voltage wire (or just snip it off) then solder it into the G4’s transformer (replacing the existing wire), simply matching polarity.

I’ve done this with a non-working yoyo adapter from a clamshell iBook, taking the thin wire and plug end and combining it with the voltage output of the G4 adapter. It doesn’t look the prettiest (taped it closed), but it still works just fine years later.

 

[paardenkapper]

If you have the non-working power supply for your 190, you could dismantle the original transformer and unsolder the low voltage wire (or just snip it off) then solder it into the G4’s transformer (replacing the existing wire), simply matching polarity.

I’ve done this with a non-working yoyo adapter from a clamshell iBook, taking the thin wire and plug end and combining it with the voltage output of the G4 adapter. It doesn’t look the prettiest (taped it closed), but it still works just fine years later.

I want to avoid cutting off the end of my G4 power supply by using the plug from a broken PowerBook.
Good idea anyway though

 

[paardenkapper]

I may need your help if you know your way around these machines.
Had to remove a large amount of battery fluid or something around the connectors because it had leaked a lot.
It seems that the logic board has been recapped before still it does not work.

As I plug in my adjustable power supply I can only hear a buzzing sound from the perimeter of that chip labeled I57S0I66 or 157S0166.

Any suggestions how to debug or measure what the issue is here?

 

[AphoticD]

I may need your help if you know your way around these machines.
Had to remove a large amount of battery fluid or something around the connectors because it had leaked a lot.
It seems that the logic board has been recapped before still it does not work.

As I plug in my adjustable power supply I can only hear a buzzing sound from the perimeter of that chip labeled I57S0I66 or 157S0166.

Any suggestions how to debug or measure what the issue is here?

That component in question looks to be corroded and burned at the pins, which is going to be the root of your problem - likely an internal short due to the liquid damage has blown out the part.

I think your best bet would be to (somehow) locate a replacement part to solder on or replace the logic board in entirety.

I have had some luck harvesting simple components like diodes, capacitors and fuses from old logic boards of matching vintage, but never tried an IC package, however this one in question looks fairly basic with only 10(?) pins. Perhaps a similar vintage Powerbook in non-working order might save the day, as many similar components were used across different models - you could try hunting around for schematics to confirm before investing though.

Someone with more expertise in component level repairs might be able to guide you further or point out an easier path to find these things.

 

[paardenkapper]

Thanks for the reply. I also think the component with 10 pins looks suspicious.
Unfortunately looking up the label on it brings up no results.

I used a multimeter to investigate the caps but they were all fine but the 10-pin chip is shorted as far as I could measure. There is a service manual but does not help me so far:

https://www.applerepairmanuals.com/the_manuals_are_in_here/PowerBook_190_5300.pdf