Need OLD Powerbook G3 display help

[GfxGuy]

My church has an old G3 powerbook (the black kind) whose display is not working properly. If you pinch the sides of the display just right, sometimes you can get it to work. We have no budget to fix it so I'm wondering if anyone has a tip or trick for a do-it-yourselfer.

I don't know exactly which model it is. I haven't spent much time studying it. I am also told that the display has already been replaced once, years ago, at great expense. Obviously this is not an uncommon problem.

Any help is appreciated

Steve

[krissel]

It would help if you could find out which model it is. It could be the original G3, a Mainstreet, Wallstreet, Lombard or Pismo.  All were black and had G3 processors.

Some of the Mainstreet models (often referred to as Wallstreets but actually an earlier model) were notorious for their video display problems including cables that were easily worn. The Wallstreets and later the Lombards and Pismos started showing problems with the hinges on the the lift lid, not being able to stay upright.

Your problems sounds more like the cable problem. Here are a bunch of sites to check out with various problems discussed and some remedies. Unfortunately most repairs involve major disassembly or professional assistance (unless you are willing to tackle it yourself).

display problem

fix for some

Repair sites:

Microdocusa
Wegenermedia
Powerbookguy
Powerbookmedic
Powerbookresq
PBparts

[Spartacus]

If it's a faulty display you could try to pick up a new display at eBay. Even with a very small budget it should be possible. And when installing it yourself, you can save a lot of money.

P.S. Actually, there was no such thing as a "Mainstreet", but two revisions of the "Wallstreet" ("Wallstreet" being Rev A and "PDQ" being Rev .

[GfxGuy]

I guess I'll try to bring it home after church on Sunday to learn more about it. In the meantime, I'll pray that it's an easy fix rather than a difficult/costly fix. Thanks for the links. They look like they'll prove invaluable.

Steve

[GfxGuy]

Incidentally, how will I be able to tell which type I have. Is it written on there somwhere?

[Spartacus]

When you look in your Apple menu, you'll find a menu item called System Profiler. There you can see the specifications of your PowerBook.

And then you can for instance check out this list in order to be able to tell which model it is.

[RHPConsult]

Absent a display, Profiler going to be a bit difficult to examine, methinks!  

There should be a label near the left side of the bottom that carries a model number that could be useful.

Could you describe the PBs external characteristics a bit more fully: color (probably black or dark gray); shape of the box when closed (straight sides or contoured); keyboard (color, transparent keys, or?). All that may help with ID-ing it.

Lastly, has anyone tried "everything" to start it up (i.e. looong shots): good AC connection; any sounds/vibrations detected (HD, OS loading, anything?);attempt a start without extensions; attempt to boot from a CD; on the chance that something just might work to slap it up alongside its "head"

Should the idea of replacing a display seem too daunting a task, call these guys - - at one of the sites Kris listed - - and see if they have a suggestion . . . they come recommended as very responsible folks
MacResQ