Thread

2X Mac IIcis and A bunch of other stuff.

· Hardware · 49 posts · Aug 6, 2009 — Aug 17, 2009 View original thread ↗

#31 Sun, 9 Aug 2009 - 20:27

MacGeek: Thanks! But I have a server.

When I get back to NYC I'll image em.

#32 Wed, 12 Aug 2009 - 00:41

Just to try helping, how many RAM sticks are there? The reason why the Macintosh IIcis might not be giving video is because you don't have matching sets installed.

Find a set of 4 matching SIMMS. Do not install the SIMM Doubler. Install the SIMMS in slots #1-4.

Attach your CRT w/Mac-VGA adapter to the Radius video card.

#33 Wed, 12 Aug 2009 - 18:30

I'll try some matching sets. There are just random sticks in there. The Radius card, display absoulutley nothing. I think it may be toast.

#34 Wed, 12 Aug 2009 - 18:39

Well, if you just toss in random sticks, then there won't be a display at all I believe. You have to have a matching set of four.

So don't toss out that Radius card! :O

#35 Fri, 14 Aug 2009 - 20:14

OK Good news and bad news. After removing the RAM that was put in there randomly it CHIMES!

And Half a second later, it does the death chime... on BOTH of them!!! xx( 8-o

Any ideas? PRAM?

#36 Fri, 14 Aug 2009 - 20:23

Sounds like you still did something wrong.

Grab a matching group of 4 30-pin SIMMS. That means they have to be the SAME.

Put them in slots 1-4, nowhere else and carefully install them until they are in the RAM slots and you see the RAM clips fastening the RAM right.

If you still get a death chime, something else is the culprit.

#37 Sat, 15 Aug 2009 - 00:20

Oh in groups of 4?

I was doing in groups of 2 will update with results

#38 Sat, 15 Aug 2009 - 05:34

Oh in groups of 4?I was doing in groups of 2 will update with results

Yep, that's the key. The reason why your Macintosh IIci's gave off a death chime is because:

1: The RAM was configured/installed incorrectly (in your case)

2: The RAM is just toast, which is unlikely

Any "Old-World" Macs will do that too in any of the situations above however.

#39 Sat, 15 Aug 2009 - 13:55

WE HAVE A CHIME!!!! I put in 4 sticks of Mitsubishsi RAM Starting with one near the HD.!!!

#40 Sat, 15 Aug 2009 - 14:47

Congrats!

#41 Sat, 15 Aug 2009 - 18:05

OK So both IIcis now chime. I forgot my Mac-VGA Adapter in NYC, but I will be testing the one with the radius card at NYC and report back with the results. The power supply on the one without the radius card sometimes clunks at startup and the IIci does not boot. After a few tries it boots fine and stays alive. Not sure what this is . The other one's power supply is great.

#42 Sat, 15 Aug 2009 - 18:31

OK So both IIcis now chime. I forgot my Mac-VGA Adapter in NYC, but I will be testing the one with the radius card at NYC and report back with the results. The power supply on the one without the radius card sometimes clunks at startup and the IIci does not boot. After a few tries it boots fine and stays alive. Not sure what this is . The other one's power supply is great.

The power supply issue is well-know, but here is an effective solution here quoted from the Macintosh IIci Homepage:

>RE the posting:<< Does anyone know if these 2 supplies are compatible, I need to replace the [iIc]x power supply and I may be able to get a [iI]ci supply. The main problem is that the computer does not turn on.>>

Before you buy a new power supply, try this: Get ahold of a cheap "power strip" with an on/off switch. Plug the IIcx into the power strip. When the IIcx is off, leave the power strip switch in the OFF position. When you're ready to boot up, reach down and flip the power strip on. Wait a few seconds, and press the keyboard power-on button. When it's time to shut down the computer, go through the normal shutdown procedure. After the IIcx "turns itself off", reach down and flip the power strip to OFF. Try this - you may be VERY pleasantly surprised with the results...

The theory is that the +5 V charge is still there briefly when you send current to the power supply. If you can start up the Mac quickly enough, you won't need the trickle charge while it's running.

Many people have asked me if I have a schematic for the power supply - I don't. Please send me one if you have it so I may post it on this site. Jan van Gennip did send some instructions (PDF) on how he repaired an Aztec power supply - thanks Jan.

I believe there are at least two makes of power supplies for the IIci, G.E. and Aztec. Mine is a G.E. and I haven't had a problem with it since I got it 5 years ago. Luckily, power supplies for the IIci are only around $15.

#43 Sun, 16 Aug 2009 - 10:56

Pictures are being uploaded at:

:O

RAM ... on carpet ... /twitch twitch

#44 Sun, 16 Aug 2009 - 12:31

Yes Bunsen, I already warned him about that, as he did the same with the Radius video card.

Not trying to make an example out of you here Mars478...I'm just posting this as a public service...I don't want anyone here zapping their Macs with ESD!

#45 Sun, 16 Aug 2009 - 14:05

I was just too hyped and forgot about the little things... Typical me. It all works fine though.

#46 Sun, 16 Aug 2009 - 14:23

I've had that kind of stuff lying all over the place, including carpet, and have never lost a single thing from static electricity.

...not that I condone this kind of behavior, I'm just saying... :I

#47 Sun, 16 Aug 2009 - 17:33

I can confirm there is absolutely very little wrong with placing bare electronics on a carpet. Indeed, I have tested motherboards, PSUs, hard drives, etc - yes, basically a whole computer in parts, on a carpet and all was perfectly safe. However, this is no reason to ignore common ESD precautions.

#48 Mon, 17 Aug 2009 - 00:13

I realise they're probably fine; it still makes me twitch every time though.

The SIMM doublers are a rare and handy score.

#49 Mon, 17 Aug 2009 - 02:07

Oh thats cool! I am shipping two RAM Doublers if our PowerBook 150 deal works out.