clock stopped on ibook G3

Is there an online source (schematic) for opening and closing the iBook and swapping the PRAM?
Bon Voyage wrote on :

Would like to self-teach Mac computing. I'm okay with Windows.

A bloke will sell me an iBook G3 for cheap. It runs great on AC, but does not recognize a brand new battery. In boot-up via AC the clock reverts to manufacturer's release date and later corrects when online.

One pseudo-guru said all it needs is a clock PRAM (p/n 1000494). Does that make sense. Also, is it as easy to install as a CMOS battery in a Thinkpad laptop? Is there an online source (schematic) for opening and closing the iBook and swapping the PRAM?

All opinions are welcome.

Andreas Rutishauser replied on :

Salut Bon Voyage

In article 1180715891.389254.107100@redacted.invalid, Bon Voyage Guidelite@redacted.invalid wrote:

A bloke will sell me an iBook G3 for cheap. It runs great on AC, but does not recognize a brand new battery. In boot-up via AC the clock reverts to manufacturer's release date and later corrects when online.

clock sets because the Time server ist activated in "Date & time" settings

One pseudo-guru said all it needs is a clock PRAM (p/n 1000494). Does that make sense.

question mark missing? It does not make sense because iBooks have no PRAM/CMOS battery...

Also, is it as easy to install as a CMOS battery in a Thinkpad laptop? Is there an online source (schematic) for opening and closing the iBook and swapping the PRAM?

In my opiion best online guides for Macs can be found here: http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Mac/

Cheers Andreas

nospam replied on :

In article 1180715891.389254.107100@redacted.invalid, Bon Voyage Guidelite@redacted.invalid wrote:

Would like to self-teach Mac computing. I'm okay with Windows.

A bloke will sell me an iBook G3 for cheap. It runs great on AC, but does not recognize a brand new battery. In boot-up via AC the clock reverts to manufacturer's release date and later corrects when online.

One pseudo-guru said all it needs is a clock PRAM (p/n 1000494). Does that make sense. Also, is it as easy to install as a CMOS battery in a Thinkpad laptop? Is there an online source (schematic) for opening and closing the iBook and swapping the PRAM?

ibooks do not have pram backup batteries. if the ibook isn't seeing the main battery, then it will lose the clock setting when it is unplugged. there are on-line guides describing how to open one, but they are insanely difficult (30+ screws of assorted sizes and numerous snap clips, along with a magnet and some tape), and there really isn't much that one can fix inside it.

also note that ibook g3s were not particularly reliable, and the battery issue could be an indication of more serious problems. however, if you don't mind keeping it plugged in all the time, it might work out if it is really cheap...

Fred McKenzie replied on :

In article 1180715891.389254.107100@redacted.invalid, Bon Voyage Guidelite@redacted.invalid wrote:

It runs great on AC, but does not recognize a brand new battery. In boot-up via AC the clock reverts to manufacturer's release date and later corrects when online.

Bon-

One thing to try is to reset the Power Management Unit (PMU).
Instructions are available at the Apple web site:

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=14449

This document lists different procedures for the various PowerBook and iBook models produced since 1997. If yours is on the list, its worth a try.

Fred