Date: Thu, 17 Feb 1994 19:49:29 +0100 From: martin@luc.ac.be Subject: PowerBook 170 screen problem (summary) Dear net, on my query about a weird PowerBook 170 problem, where the screen image would start dancing around every so often and stop when I gave the machine a good shake, I got two long answers. Since they are instructive on how to open an PowerBook without "screwing" something to pieces, I am attaching them as a report. As it turned out, the problem was the display cable connector in the screen unit having come loose due to vibrations. Opening up the screen (by taking out the two screws that have rubber pads over them) and pushing the connector back in remedied the problem. Thanks to Keith Owens and Steven Taylor for answering! Jan M.L.Martin --- martin@luc.ac.be [archive as /info/hdwr/opening-powerbooks.txt or something] ***CUT HERE*** Date: Fri, 4 Feb 1994 10:13:06 +0100 From: " (Steven Taylor)" <steven.taylor@mrc-applied-psychology.cambridge.ac.uk> To: martin@luc.ac.be Subject: PB170 hassles Mime-Version: 1.0 Hi Jan, I've had several occasions to open PB170/180s, and it's quite easy for the Video cable (a ribbon cable) inside to be pulled out on reassembly - the top half of the case has to be 'hinged' from the front of the machine, downward, while this raises the back, and induces tension in the ribbon cable. The wires also carry trackball/keyboard ADB info. You may need to push the connector back in. If the machine has been installed after manufacture with the 8Megs, and the Global Village hardware, chances are that other stuff got loosened too - maybe the HD power cable if the tech wasn't careful. Opening the bigger PBs isn't too problematic, provided you have an antistatic surface and wristband to work with, and I think a T7 and T9 Torx screwdriver. Remove the battery to begin with; There are 5 screws in the case - a single T7 beneath the 'flap' at the rear of the machine (where ports are at); 4 x T9 screws in the case below. Once these are removed, and the machine placed with the LCD display down, in the position you would normally type at, the top half of the case can be gently removed. You will probably have to be persistent here, because it's quite stiff; the rear edge will normally release OK, but there are little 'tabs' on the front edge that can only be disengaged by your teasing the front edge backward. It will release in time. Now, you'll find the top case can pivot backward and you'll see the ribbon cable that is the video connector. It may need to be pushed firmly back into place. (though of course it may not be clear whether it was loose originally or due to the current disassembly!) You could now either reassemble the Mac, or investigate further. If the latter, the whole top part of the case including the LCD display can be put to one side if you ease the video connector straight upward (there are not clips to hold it in, part of the problem really!). There's nothing related to the Motherboard or HD on this top section. Checkout the other connectors you can see, and make sure they're tight. (of course how far you're prepared to investigate is entirely up to you.) Reassembly is the reverse of the above. It helps if you 'balance' the rear of the top part of the case on the row of ports at the back of the Mac (resting in particular on top of the SCSI connector) with the top case at about 45deg to the horizontal, as this will give you enough slack to plug the video connector back in. Then 'pivot' the lid downward, and slightly raise the rear edge (without yanking the cable free) to let you drop the front edge into its groove, where the tabs will hold it in place. Then drop the rear down again, and push it slightly - there will be a little resistance, but will click gently on the left hand side. Shove the screws back in the lower case, then behind the flap. Replace the battery (your PRAM will be reset now, so checkout your Control Panels to restore values). I hope this is of some help! Good luck, Steve Date: Tue, 8 Feb 1994 16:22:18 -0600 (CST) From: Keith D Owens <kdowens@tenet.edu> Subject: PowerBook Problem To: martin@luc.ac.be Mime-Version: 1.0 Jan, It sounds like your PowerBook Screen problem is a loose or ill-fitting screen cable. There is a ribbon cable that connects the screen display to the motherboard with a simple plug in connector. It is fairly easy to check (if you are not faint of heart... i.e. willing to undo a few screws) :-) Undo the four screws on the bottom of the PowerBook (it takes a Torx T-10 size screw bit-available at most hardware stores). Then undo the single screw that is located right underneath the phone plug (RJ-11 jack) of your internal modem. It is a Torx T-8 size screw (this small size is available but harder to find at the hardware store). STand the PowerBook on its end, with teh back facing you. Have the screen unlatched and partially opened to give it more stability. Then seperate the two halves from the back as it is facing you. The front edge of the PB is hinged, so it will seperate in a V-shape. Only seperate it 2-3 inches, letting it remain hinged in the front. There is a ribbon cable that your should be able to see (on my 170 it's white) that runs from the screen towards the motherboard. Reach in with two fingers and press down on the connecter to make sure that it is firmly seated and making a solid connection. That should solve the screen flickering. On your hard drive, is it a LaCie brand Quantum, or is it original equipment? Good luck, Keith D. Owens <kdowens@tenet.edu>