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Repair G3 IBook
- Thread starter Ball
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mick4394
macrumors 6502a
I never said it wasn't a logicboard problem. I've said over and over again that replacing the logicboard will fix it.
I said it wasn't the classic "no video" problem, and based on what he's described, it isn't.
The symptoms for the no video problem don't vary. It is a specific problem with specific symptoms, and specific solutions.
When it comes down to it, replacing the logicboard is the solution for most iBook problems. It, basically, is the computer.
barr08
macrumors 65816
mick4394
macrumors 6502a
Replacing the logicboard solves a number of iBook problems. Everything that makes an iBook an iBook is sitting on that board.
mick4394
macrumors 6502a
No that's not what you said.
In your previous post you told him to hook it up to an external LCD, eluding that you thought he had the classic iBook "no video" problem.
barr08
macrumors 65816
Umm, wrong...twice. In one sentence.
I asked him if he had tried it, I didn't tell him to. I probably wouldn't have told him to. I was just curious.
Why wouldn't I have told him to? Because the classic iBook problem eliminates use of the computer, even on an external monitor.
Don't tell me what I "eluded" to in one of my posts. Thats just a silly thing to do.
bartelby
macrumors Core
barr08
macrumors 65816
Yeah, I was gunna say, I followed that guide and seemed to remember that picture. I was too lazy to go back though.
Seriously, guy, part it out.
mick4394
macrumors 6502a
You have no clue what you're talking about.
The classic iBook problem does the exact opposite of what you just posted. No wonder you don't make any sense.
barr08
macrumors 65816
Dude, I have an iBook with the common logic board problem.
From apple's site
It wouldn't work with an external monitor. Ever. Period. The LB is responsible for the entire computer's funtionality.
You
mick4394
macrumors 6502a
Dude, I have an iBook with the common logic board problem.
From apple's site
It wouldn't work with an external monitor. Ever. Period. The LB is responsible for the entire computer's funtionality.
You
I've fixed five of these iBooks with the video problem. Every one of them could view video on an external monitor.
I don't care what the link says. I've seen it myself, a number of times.
barr08
macrumors 65816
Well mine, and this kids, and so many other people's, can't use an external. Does that mean the LB is fine?
I've repaired a few iBooks with the dreaded "no video" problem. All suffered from the same failure: fractured solder joints on the GPU. If the solder joints are fractured on the GPU, the external video port isn't going to work either. You can stick business cards underneath the chip, but this isn't a very good solution. The solder needs to be reflowed, and it should be done by a professional with the proper equipment. A soldering iron is useless for this task.
But the OP's issue is something different than this, I suspect.
But the OP's issue is something different than this, I suspect.
mick4394
macrumors 6502a
I'm done here. I never said is LB was fine. I've said over and over again that it isn't.
I have said that his problem isn't the classic iBook problem. Based on his description, it isn't.
When did he say anything about testing it with an external?
If he did, and didn't get video, would that make you right?
What we know is that this iBook is dead, no lights, no chimes, no hard drive noise. None of that falls under the iBook no video symptom list, in fact it's the opposite of the no video symptoms list.
Really, based on the link you posted, both of us are wrong about the cause, but probably right about the solution.
G4-power
macrumors 6502
I'm sorry I can't help you in fixing it, but there is one thing I can tell you: G3 iBooks don't run GarageBand that fast. I have 500MHz and 800MHz G3 iBooks at home and they aren't the actual musicians best friend. But if you have time to wait for the machine to churn the tracks, then okay. But you won't be able to play very many tracks (instruments) simultaneously, if you don't lock the tracks. If you are seriously going to use GarageBand on a G3 iBook, then good luck to you, and I suggest getting some extra memory, it's cheap.
Is there some sort of ladder logic diagram that tell how everything gets energized and in what order. I realize it is most likely the LB but I cannot confirm that as I don't know how to test it.
Is it posssible that there is a capacitor on the LB that is energized that is perventing is from resetting and therefore booting? It would seem that atleast the fan would come on when you press the power button. I know with PCs that is the forst thing that comes on.
Would a bad logic board prevent the fan from coming on? I believe there are some computers whose fans still run for a little while after they shut down to vent any residual heat.
Folks I apreciate all the help. I am not a Mac user so I am really playing catch up.
I'm just thinking basic trouble shooting. The problem is I don't know where on the LB to check for voltage.
Anybody know what a broken G3 is worth? 🙂
mick4394
macrumors 6502a
Sorry Ball, Apple's not what you'd call forthcoming when it comes to releasing their schematics.
Mac's lack of support is why I went with a PC but now with Vista I am seriously considering a Mac.
The way I see it from a hardware standpoint and a sevice standpoint PC are a better bet but Windows being what it is is pushing me towards a Mac. I would love it if the Mac OS would run on a PC. I hear Windows will run on a Mac but why bother?
I'm really on the fence about getting one. Where I live the closest Mac dealer is over 100 miles a way. My impression pver the years is that Mac has always had a superior OS and often better hardware but their business practices are not really smart and service is tough to come by.
PC with windows are crap but atleast it is crap you can get fixed.
What do you think about this?
http://www.windowsdevcenter.com/pub/a/windows/2005/01/18/PearPC.html
mick4394
macrumors 6502a
Actually, in my experience Apple's biggest asset is their service. It's second to none.
To me, OSX is great. Their service is exceptional. The hardware, aesthetics aside, is the weakest point, and leaves something to be desired.
FYI, I'm currently using Vista. If you get the right system, it's actually quite stable, and pretty easy on the eyes. Is it as nice as OSX? In a word, no. I do like it, though.
maccam
macrumors 6502a
disassembling the ibook g3
go to this site:
http://www.zathras.de/angelweb/blog-ibook-disassembly.htm
complete, detailed and accurate instructions on disassembly. With pictures. However, where he says "use a stick" to pry case apart, don't do that -- use a small, thin blade screwdriver, pushing in gently and prying by turning blade clockwise, and do the same all around the case perimeter. You may need to go around twice to pop all the shell clamps apart.
Also when you go to remove the top, after prying the shell apart, remember yo must remove keyboard first (easy) then remove top gently to avoid too much pressure; and there are three connection plugs that must be popped off first.
The power supply problem is troublesome; will it start with charged battery only? Then likely problem is bad power supply which cycles and keeps giving it an "off" signal. This will prevent the machine from turning on.
go to this site:
http://www.zathras.de/angelweb/blog-ibook-disassembly.htm
complete, detailed and accurate instructions on disassembly. With pictures. However, where he says "use a stick" to pry case apart, don't do that -- use a small, thin blade screwdriver, pushing in gently and prying by turning blade clockwise, and do the same all around the case perimeter. You may need to go around twice to pop all the shell clamps apart.
Also when you go to remove the top, after prying the shell apart, remember yo must remove keyboard first (easy) then remove top gently to avoid too much pressure; and there are three connection plugs that must be popped off first.
The power supply problem is troublesome; will it start with charged battery only? Then likely problem is bad power supply which cycles and keeps giving it an "off" signal. This will prevent the machine from turning on.