PowerBook G3 Wallstreet/PDQ flaky power input jack

[mac27]

Howdy folks, I could use another set of eyes on this PBG3 power board issue:

I recently picked up a PowerBook G3 that works but has a flaky power connection at the DC input jack. The power connector has to be pushed and held in HARD for the machine to get power; as long as it's held like this it works fine. The instant you let go, the power drops out.

So I am suspecting a problem at the power jack, which resides on the power + sound board:

Upon initial inspection it appeared that one of the silver pins (legs) on the sides of the jack was not soldered at all (??). The jack also felt slightly loose when being wiggled. So I re-soldered this in an attempt to fix the connection.

Photos showing how I originally found it:

Photos after re-soldering this side (I am not a very good solderer):

So the jack is now soldered on both sides, and is also no longer loose - but unfortunately the issue persists (no change).

I am wondering if the issue might actually be related to these gold-colored legs on the rear of the jack. If they are also part of the connection, maybe their flat bottomsides are not making good contact with the board? This would make sense as the jack would be tilted back slightly when pressing hard, pushing these closer to the PCB.

If anyone has experience with this sort of issue or ideas regarding how to fix/troubleshoot further, would be much appreciated.

Replacement boards seem to be readily available online but I'd rather fix the one I already have if possible.

 

[alectrona6400]

i think somewhere someone had a similar issue with the pdq's charging board and it was fixed by replacing a ceramic/mlcc capacitor: https://tvc-16.science/wallstreet-pram-replacement.html
perhaps this might need a replacement

 

[mac27]

Thanks for the link. It seems that this person had problems more to do with sound and display, rather than with getting the power jack to make the connection. But it is also good to see some documentation regarding the construction of a new PRAM battery, anyways.

The fact that it takes physical force to fix/connect the power on my unit makes me think that there is something physically wrong with the connection(s) on the jack/board somewhere, rather than a component that's gone bad...

 

[alectrona6400]

ohhh, right. i mean, a dead PRAM battery in a wallstreet powerbook is kinda painful. the system will start for a moment and then shut off, then it will turn on after it takes its time to do the memory test of course. i would check your soldering joints of course, and perhaps clean up the jack with some 99% isopropyl alcohol.

 

[Kai Robinson]

Howdy folks, I could use another set of eyes on this PBG3 power board issue:

I recently picked up a PowerBook G3 that works but has a flaky power connection at the DC input jack. The power connector has to be pushed and held in HARD for the machine to get power; as long as it's held like this it works fine. The instant you let go, the power drops out.

So I am suspecting a problem at the power jack, which resides on the power + sound board:

View attachment 19215 View attachment 19216

Upon initial inspection it appeared that one of the silver pins (legs) on the sides of the jack was not soldered at all (??). The jack also felt slightly loose when being wiggled. So I re-soldered this in an attempt to fix the connection.

Photos showing how I originally found it:

View attachment 19219 View attachment 19220

Photos after re-soldering this side (I am not a very good solderer):

View attachment 19221

So the jack is now soldered on both sides, and is also no longer loose - but unfortunately the issue persists (no change).

I am wondering if the issue might actually be related to these gold-colored legs on the rear of the jack. If they are also part of the connection, maybe their flat bottomsides are not making good contact with the board? This would make sense as the jack would be tilted back slightly when pressing hard, pushing these closer to the PCB.

View attachment 19222

If anyone has experience with this sort of issue or ideas regarding how to fix/troubleshoot further, would be much appreciated.

Replacement boards seem to be readily available online but I'd rather fix the one I already have if possible.

Take a look at the MLCC under the word 'SINGAPORE' - cracked/dry solder on those fillets. I'd add a dab of flux and reflow each side, to be sure.

 

[mac27]

Take a look at the MLCC under the word 'SINGAPORE' - cracked/dry solder on those fillets. I'd add a dab of flux and reflow each side, to be sure.

Thanks for the tip - after reflowing the connections on both this MLCC and also on both sides of the power jack, the condition has improved some but a degree of wiggling/coercion is still required. Could just be my lackluster soldering skills and equipment. I've got a tested-working replacement board on the way for a hopefully better solution.

 

[JDW]

I'm watching this thread with interest because I too a PDQ (Pretty Darned Quirky) and it has power-on issues too.