Mac Plus keyboard cable

For a Mac Plus keyboard cable, can I substitute a phone cable or is the Mac jack wiring specialized?

Hi,
>Is everyone agreed that phone cable needs modification?
If I place the two plugs of a Macintosh Plus keyboard cable next to each other (side by side) on a table, both pointing in the same direction, with both tabs up, the wires are arranged as follows:
yellow-green-red-black yellow-green-red-black
Placing the two plugs of a handset cable from one Swedish telephone the same way, results in the following:
yellow-green-red-black black-red-green-yellow
Both cables use the same type of plug (4P4C).
As shown by this simple comparison, at least these two cables are different.
See also the 'Data port' text in this article:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/4P4C#4P4C
In the case of the Swedish telephone handset cable above, it appears as if turning one of the two plugs 180 degrees (using a crimping tool) would result in a cable that could be used for a keyboard. However, this is not a recommendation. Proceed at your own risk if you decide to carry on with any experimental modifications. I have not tested any modified cables.
You should check whether randomly chosen telephone handset cables in your country have the same wiring/colours as the one I examined.
Jim may also want to verify the wiring and colours with another Macintosh Plus keyboard cable.
Jan

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Mac Plus software needed

I have an original 128K Mac that has been upgraded to a 1MB Mac Plus that is being readied for sale. Unfortunately, somewhere in this mess I have managed to lose the OS boot floppy. I have the complete set of System 7 install diskettes, but the proFile they had been loaded on went south. Anybody happen to have this disk?
Also open to offers if anyone is interested in buying. This includes the Mac soft case, extended keyboard, mouse, case cracker tool and long-shaft torx, internal vent fan, and the back case with the signatures of all the folks who worked on the original Mac, including that of Steve Jobs.
Thanks.

You have two other options open to you: Apple still offers disk images of Mac OS 6.0.x for download, though you need a way to move .sea files from the internet all the way down to a Mac capable of writing a 800k disk, no mean feat for sure. That downloads page is here:
http://support.apple.com/kb/TA48312#system
There is also someone selling ready-made disks from these images:
http://rescuemyclassicmac.com/

Modem 300 compatibility with Mac Plus

I have an Apple Modem 300 that I use with my Apple //c. It connects to the Internet (in some ways) just fine. I have a Mac Plus 4MB and I was wondering if the Modem 300 specifically could be compatible with the modem. If so, also please tell me how I can. I already have Netscape installed on my Mac Plus.

For the cable connection, the following article could perhaps be of interest.
http://support.apple.com/kb/TA33629
However, the modem speed is extremely low. It would of course be much better to use a faster modem (something like 14400 bps). Almost any PC-style (DB-25F port) modem can be used with a Macintosh Plus through a Mac modem cable (DB-25M to MiniDIN-8M).
I did not know that it was possible to use a Netscape web browser on a Macintosh Plus (with an external hard drive) computer. There are a few alternatives that work, such as MacWeb (under System 7). An old version of Eudora can (if SMTP authentication is not required) be used for email. You would also need MacTCP and an appropriate PPP program. For details, see the web pages below.
http://www.sjoki.uta.fi/~shmhav/68000.txt
http://www.sjoki.uta.fi/~shmhav/mac-internet-faq.txt
Jan

Connecting Shuffle (4thG) to Mac mini: Keyboard non-responsive

I got a brand new 4th Generation Ipod Shuffle.
When I connect it (USB) to my Mac mini (2008), the wired aluminum Mac USB keyboard no longer responds. Disconnecting the shuffle returns the keyboard to normal function.
I have Snow Leopard (10.6.8), iTunes 10.6.1(7).
Is this a limitation of the Mac mini? Do some of the USB ports "share" power, and will isolating the Shuffle to an unshared port resolve this? (I don't know which might be shared...)
thanks,
JIm

The hubs in keyboards are passive hubs (drawing power from the USB port at the end of the chain). Sometimes attaching power hungry devices to them causes problems.
Plug the iPod directly into a USB port on the Mini. If it's inconvenient, use a USB extender cable. If you don't have any more free ports, then you want to use a powered hub -- one that has a brick to supply power to hub, not draw it from the USB bus.

Powerbook 15" G4 Keyboard Ribbon Cable (Keyboard Cable Connector)

I wanna ask, if the ribbon cable (Keyboard Cable Connector) of a powerbook G4 15 inch keyboard, could be replace. I have a faulty ribbon cable but only the ribbon, not the keyboard. I wouldn't replace the whole keyboard but only the ribbon keyboard, if it is possible.
If somebody knows, please answer my post.
Thanks.
PowerBook G4 15 Mac OS X (10.4.8)

I know this is an old post and you probably have solved your problem one way or another, but here is an idea.
If your problem is at the end of the flex cable where the contact material is you might look at the contact surface carefully. you might be able to identify where the actual contact area is and you might trim a 1mm or 2mm from the end of the cable and then see if you don't get a better connection.

4-MB Mac Plus and AppleCD 300i Plus

Can anyone help me with this dilemma? I am trying to (if possible at all) to hook up an either internal or external CD-ROM (AppleCD300i Plus or 300e) so I can upgrade my system from 6.08 to 7.5.3. I have an external 40 mb SCSI hard drive that is currently booting up to System 6.08.
I just bought a System 7.5.3 CD from E-bay and I want to be able to hook up either an internal (is this possible on mac plus?) or external CD-ROM to boot up from CD and either re-format the 40 mb hard drive with the System 7.5.3.
I have never used the Mac Plus before as I am/was a WIndows guy and this Mac Plus gizmo I bought off flea market for $10 is really fascinating. I want to maximaize this with any help I can get from here. Thanks in advance.

Grant has already covered the important aspects. If I may add a few comments.
I order for me to access the CD-Rom, I need to install this "CD-ROM" driver on my exisitng SCSI hard drive?
Yes, or onto a bootable floppy.
To do so, am I to understand that I need somehow to download the driver first and then trasport it onto a 800k floppy, then install this ONTO / INTO the existing SCSI hard drive which currently is populated (co-exist) with System v 6.0.8?
Yes. System 6.0.8 is a good and fast operating system for the Macintosh Plus, but it is more difficult to find the appropriate driver software (and the installation per se may be slightly more complicated than with the System 7 variants).
I was hoping to completely re-format the hard drive with fresh install from the System 7.5.3 CD-ROM I purchased from E-Bay. Is this not possible?
Since we do not know exactly which CD it is (model specific?) it is hard to answer that. But you could, as Grant also said, use a Disk Tools floppy and the Apple HD SC Setup utility on it. However, at this stage (when the bootable hard disk is the only bootable disk at hand) it does not hurt to wait a little. Anyway, the Disk Tools floppy will have to be produced first, and that is a problem. You can not do this on a PC, since a built-in PC floppy drive is unable to handle the 800K Mac format, not even with special software for Mac disks. The same is true for external USB floppy drives, whether connected to a modern Mac or to a PC. The only way to create an 800K Disk Tools floppy is on an older Mac (look for a model with a floppy drive for both 800K and 1.44 MB).
If a completely fresh install to a System 7.5.3 is impossible, what recourse do I have in terms of upgrading the System from 6.0.8 to 7.5.3?
You could erase the hard disk, once a Disk Tools floppy is available, and then install System 7.5.3, This can be done from the CD (if a bootable floppy can be modified to hold a suitable CD-ROM driver) or from the nineteen files download (each file is too large for an 800K floppy and must thus be segmented or carried over via cable). As mentioned earlier, modifications et cetera require access to another Mac.
Does a version little bit earlier, like, 7.0.1 or something come with a CD-ROM driver extension on a "bootable" floppy (800k)so that I can first boot up with such floppy and then initiate reformat from the CD-ROM.
Not ready made with CD-ROM software. The System 7.0.1 disks at the Apple site are 1.44 MB. There are System 7 disks in the 800K format (in some language versions), but if I remember correctly, the Disk Tools floppy has a system file which is basically System 6. Any Disk Tools floppy will have to be modified. We will certainly find one way or another to create/modify a floppy, as soon as you have access to another Mac.
Also, I only have access to PC based machine connected to the internet. If I do download into my PC based system, is there a way to trasport such file onto a floppy disk on a PC system?
Due to the aforementioned absolute inability to handle the 800K Mac format, a PC is far from ideal in this very case. I would suggest that you look for another inexpensive (and functional) Mac from the period approx. 1991 to 1997 (perhaps an older PowerBook), e.g. through an online auction site.
A question in this context, though: Do you have a terminal emulator with file transfer capabilities for Mac on the hard disk (or possibly on 800K Mac floppies)? This could be a separate program or the communications section of e.g. ClarisWorks (I do not remember whether Microsoft Works for Macintosh contained a corresponding part). That would make transfers from other computers (including PCs) possible, or at least easier.
Jan

My mac's keyboard is not working with my mac.the green light blinks and i cannot get onto my mac. everything on the support questions does not help because i cant go on the mac and i cant sign in

my mac's keyboard is not working with my mac.the green light blinks and i cannot get onto my mac. everything on the support questions does not help because i cant go on the mac and i cant sign in

If you can't sign in, then you can't troubleshoot and/or pair the keyboard until after that........ so, for that, you will need to borrow someone's USB wired keyboard in order to get signed in and to the Keyboard Bluetooth Preferences.

Unable to release keyboard cable in Omnibook XE2

Hi everyone,
This is my first post here and it's probably going to be a silly question but I'm a novice when it comes to disassembling laptops so I figured I might as well ask some people who know things better as I don't want to mess anything up.
I have this old Omnibook XE2 that I have started disassembling but got stuck because I cannot release the keyboard cable from the connector. The service manual says grasp both sides of the cable and gently pull up, but it won't come out that way. It comes up a bit when I pull it but I have to pull pretty hard and I'm afraid I will break something. I was thinking there might be a latch or clip that needs to be opened to pull out the cable but as I've never done this before I'm a bit unsure about how to do this.
I'm attaching some photos so you can see what the connector looks like.
Any help is appreciated.
Cheers,
Laszlo
This question was solved.
View Solution.

Hello lackua,
You need to remove the ribbon cable for the keyboard.
You'll need to remove the plastic base also; it should be part of the ribbon.
Let me know how everything goes.
Have a good day.

How to create 800K disks for Mac Plus

I've acquired a Mac Plus in good working condition, but it's just standalone. Eventually I want to network it, but for right now, is there a way to use my Mac Mini or a PC to create 800k disks for the Mac Plus? Things like OS upgrades and other software are available out on the net, but I can't get them to the Plus. I've tried a USB floppy disk drive on the Mini, but it only works with HD diskettes.

sacsr,
"Can I take MacPlus-appropriate software from the internet, burn it on a CD on my Mac Mini, and load it into the Mac Plus?
Yes! : ) That simple. The Plus was the first 'business Mac' and I loved it until I got a dual floppy SE with an external SCSI HD and an excellerator card with a math co-processor. It was a very capable computer. But, as soon as you used a faster Mac, you never went back to the Plus. You could fix lunch while waiting for disk swapping to boot and load MS Word 3.
What we are saying is that the SCSI bus on the Mac Plus has far more options available for someone shopping for resources.
We have over 300 Macs of almost every model. We have been given over 100 floppy drives. We shop at government surplus stores and auctions. In all that stuff, we only have a couple of 800 k drives but hundreds of SCSI devices. They are SO much easier to find and are so much cheaper to buy and customize.
If you can find a Macintosh 800K (M131) floppy drive, great. Then you also have the problem of finding double density floppy disks ( high density disks with tape over the hole are not reliable in the older drives.)
here is a website with the whole list:
http://www.mandrake.demon.co.uk/Apple/drives.html
I remember buying an 800k floppy drive new in 1986 for several hundred Dollars. The external CD-ROM drives sold for $300.
It will probably be much easier to find an Apple 300 or 600i CD-ROM drive that should read CDs burned in your modern Mac. Your original question was about floppies. The real question is "How do I get data from a new computer to an old computer." That question offers more possibilities. I am suggesting a better and cheaper alternative. Having fun with older equipment requires purchasing intermediate equipment.
Jim

Using a Mac wireless keyboard with a MacBook

I just bought a mac wireless keyboard with the intention of using an external monitor and a wireless keyboard with my MacBook (Leopard - 10.5.4.) I have a logitech cordless mouse. I installed the firmware update for the keyboard, it shows connected, and is turned, the light flashed for about 3 seconds,but the wireless keyboard doesn't work - only the laptop keyboard works. Any suggestions? I'm thinking it's beyond my expertise and I just need to return it and use it as a laptop. Do I have to also have a wireless mouse?

Excuse the ring. I finally found the answer. You can't have mouse enabled in Universal Access if you're using a keyboard that doesn't have the number keypad at the right.

Can connect two Macs with USB2 cable?

Can connect two Macs with USB2 cable?

You can connect two Macs with an ethernet wire, or conect two Macs using Firewire if one is placed in target disk mode, but that is it.

Mac Plus show no video

hey.
I just got a Mac plus from a friend. He says it worked when he put it into storage 8 years ago. When I got it home, I tried to put it up. It sounds like it works (get boot chime, will start to read the attached scsi drive, etc) but it shows no video. I have tapped the side, top, everything. I even have it sitting upside down. How do I get it working again?

There is only one way to properly repair your Macintosh Plus. Before you start, you ideally need a PDF copy of Apple's official service manual for the Macintosh Plus, which can be obtained if you know where to look. A copy of Larry Pina's Macintosh Repair & Upgrade Secrets is also essential, in my opinion, because it is the only book to this day to detail the correct diagnostic and repair procedures for compact Macintoshes. Used copies of this book can be purchased from Amazon and other retailers online.
You will need to open the case, and you will need a T15 long torx screwdriver to do this. Once the cover is removed, you must discharge the CRT before you proceed any further. By searching on Google you can find sufficient guides on how to properly discharge a CRT. Unlike the SE and later compact Macs, the flyback transformer in the Plus does NOT have a built-in bleeder, which means most of the charge is still there after you power down. The CRT in a compact Mac holds about 9,000 volts. Avoid touching the anode cap, video board, CRT neck and yoke, and the analog board. In the Macintosh Plus, the power supply is exposed on the analog board. This also contains high voltage which is dangerous.
Another way to get rid of most of the charge initially is to turn the brightness to full while the machine is ON, and then flip the power switch at the back to the OFF position. This is a quick and relatively safe way of getting rid of most the charge. Do this, then let it sit for a week, then discharge using the correct procedure. Then you should be safe to proceed to the next stage.
According to Larry Pina's book, no video usually means that you need to resolder the pins on the J4 connector. If this is not the problem, you may need to replace U2 and/or replace the LAG chip on logic board.
In addition to what the book states, I highly recommend capacitor replacement. The capacitors most likely need replacing on your analog board. Capacitor failure is common in machines of this age. Electrolytic capacitors lose capacitance as they age, and can sometimes leak. Replacement components are easy to source and soldering new caps is easy, providing you have at least basic soldering experience. Inspect your analog board carefully for dry solder joints. Also check for golden-colored joints.
If you have a copy of Pina's book, it has component lists in the Appendix for the analog board. If you cannot find a copy of it, I can scan and upload the pages you require to repair your Plus.
Hope this helps, let me know how you get on.

How can I get the number pad to work (input characters) on my new plugin Mac full keyboard when connecrted to my mackbook?

The number pad on by Mac USB keyboard does not work (no input). I have updated the Mac keyboard drivers and that did fix the problem. How can I get this keyboard to work when connected to my Powerbook?

Do you have "Mouse Keys turned on in System Preferences / Universal Access ?
Mouse Keys Turn on to use the keyboard instead of the mouse to control your computer

Mac Plus System 6?

Does anyone know where I can find a floppy with System 6 on it so I can run my Mac Plus again? I don't know what happened to my system disks. When I boot with my System 6.08 tools disk it doesn't work. I'd love to play Loderunner again.

You can find System 6.0.3 through 6.0.8 on 800k floppies, as well as 1.44 MB floppies for 6.0.8 here:
http://download.info.apple.com/Apple_Support_Area/Apple_Software_Updates/English -North_American/Macintosh/System/Older_System/System_6.0.x/

Mac plus operating system?

Hello everyone,
I just pulled my old mac plus out from my garage, and was wondering where i could get a operating system floppy disk so i could use it, because when i turn it on it either:
Has a black screen and beeps continuously.
Or just has a blank white screen that flashes on and off every few minutes...
i would appreciate it if anyone could tell me anything that would help.
thanks.

Callum,
Yes, any Macintosh computer with a built-in floppy drive is OK. However, for practical reasons, one of the models with a floppy drive for 1.44 MB (see the technical specifications) should be used. This 1.44 MB Mac floppy drive will handle 800K, too.
If the Mac operating system on that intermediary computer contains a PC Exchange control panel, a PC-formatted floppy disk can be read (it will appear on the Desktop with a "PC" floppy icon). If so, just drag-copy any downloaded .bin files (as they are, do not alter them on the PC) to a PC diskette (1.44 MB), and use that floppy for the transfer.
Alternatively, use a PC utility for Mac disks (such as TransMac or an old freeware program called HFVExplorer) for transfers on Mac-formatted 1.44 MB floppy disks.
Once on the intermediate Mac, decode the files (use StuffIt Expander for Macintosh for this). If you do not have StuffIt Expander, you can download the MACDISK.EXE file here onto a PC. Then prepare an empty PC-formatted 1.44 MB diskette via FORMAT A: in DOS or the full formatting option under Windows. Launch the MACDISK.EXE program on the PC. Follow the on-screen directions. This will result in a floppy with a StuffIt Expander installer that can be used in a Macintosh computer.
One additional difficulty is that you need 2DD/DSDD diskettes for the final step where 800K floppies are created in Disk Copy 4.2. 2DD/DSDD disks have only one square hole (with a slider), whereas a "normal" 1.44 MB HD diskette has two (one with and one without a slider). 2DD/DSDD diskettes are hard to find today. The magnetic materials are not the same, but for a very temporary use (expect errors) one can cover the extra square hole (the one without a write-protect slider) in an HD diskette with a piece of tape.
Jan

Mac Plus keyboard cable

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