G4 Internal Modem - what is it...?

#1 Mon, 12 Jan 2015 - 22:40 68kMLA

This may be utterly stupid. My knowledge of Macs, while anyway very limited, is primarily limited to pre-G3 machines. I just got my first G4. It works fine, although I'm starting to question whether it was worth it for OS 10.4 (which I have on a core duo; I do not have classic mode on said duo, however).

Inside is a 56k modem - like wired into the motherboard. There's a modem port in the back; but it's blocked by what (from inside the case) looks like a metal cube - so that one cannot insert a phone cord. This doesn't really matter to me as I don't plan to use a modem or the G4 for anything specific; however what is that... what is the internal card? What is it supposed to be used for? Anyone have any idea what I'm asking here? This is just pure curiosity.

#2 Mon, 12 Jan 2015 - 22:42 68kMLA

Looks like someone swapped the board into a case not made for one, perhaps? Pictures might help.

#3 Mon, 12 Jan 2015 - 23:12 68kMLA

That actually makes a lot of sense (the graphics card Radeon 9800) is clearly not original; it's a Quicksilver (867 mhz). The case Model Number says M8943, which is possibly correct; and the thing blocking the modem port is actually connected (only) to the case.

Sorry for the pics, I used a flash.

(The first shows the modem - the wire running under the board); the second shows this little metal cube; the third shows how the cube blocks the port.)

#4 Mon, 12 Jan 2015 - 23:17 68kMLA

Yep, I'd imagine someone swapped the board.

#5 Mon, 12 Jan 2015 - 23:31 68kMLA

Thanks. I was pretty confused.

#6 Mon, 12 Jan 2015 - 23:40 68kMLA

If you want, that metal piece should be removable, you'd just pull the board and probably punch out the panel there (not positive).

#7 Mon, 12 Jan 2015 - 23:58 68kMLA

I tried - it's not loose but it probably comes out. What would go there in its stead, though? A part, presumably, is missing, no? (The actual modem port)

#8 Tue, 13 Jan 2015 - 15:59 68kMLA

You're missing a little cube about that same size/shape that has the RJ45 connector in it, and a short wire to the modem board.

#9 Tue, 13 Jan 2015 - 18:24 68kMLA

if you need one i can give mine up

#10 Tue, 13 Jan 2015 - 22:27 68kMLA

Lol. QUICK! I haven't checked Prodigy since 1991!

I appreciate the offer, but I have no specific plans to remedy this.

#11 Tue, 13 Jan 2015 - 23:51 68kMLA

Well, its still use full for faxing.... so i guess thats a thing....

Yeah oh well, im to lazy to pull out my g4 anyways lol

#12 Thu, 15 Jan 2015 - 23:15 68kMLA

I've found that the port *is* there, but is hidden. The "cube" is designed such that it can be mounted one way (with a blank side facing out) or another (with the port facing out). If you remove it, I think you will see what I mean.

c

#13 Mon, 19 Jan 2015 - 15:15 68kMLA

I was just about to say what CC 333 Said. The port is there but hidden. Some models came without modems, I'm guessing they were education models for schools. I can't imagine an individual consumer requesting a modem NOT be present would really save any off the price, and back when these machines were new, Home internet was almost exclusively dial up.