Has anyone attempted to repair the external power adapter port on the PMU in a powerbook 5300? After having read about all the joys that can happen to the unit, the small plastic block that the AC adapter plugs into is clearly cracked. It is not exactly the easiest thing to get at, either. I'd like to avoid spending $40-60 on a replacement PMU for a system that was $5 at a garage sale - but still fully functional - good battery, got a pcmcia ethernet card for it, lots of scsi peripherials to use with it... just can't keep it charged due to the plug being cracked. I think every time I manage to get an electrical connection, it is at the expense of breaking the block more.
If anyone has any ideas, suggestions, or actual experience trying to fix this, I'd really appreciate it. I'm not convined that an epoxy job on the outside of the block is going to do the job, but maybe that would suffice?
While your description of the problem is tad confusing, I take it that your PowerBook's power input port is broken. If there's enough of the old socket still there you can glob some epoxy over the mess and it'll probably be fine, You can replace the socket, digikey sells appropriate parts.
Or, check out what I did.
dan k
interesting... how difficult was it to get the board out of the case? I've had the case open on the system, but I've never tried to life the board out of the frame. I supposed I could see about getting a better power connector and solder it, it's been years since I've soldered - I'd be rather nervous.
i had a 5300 and i had the same problem. however, i didnt replace the plug cause i was too cheap, though i did solder wire to it and make my own connector for the power supply. works fine just make sure you match the polarity. i got my pb5300 already taken apart, and i never had any of the screws to hold it together. i am not sure whats involved in taking it apart other than its probly all torx screws. hope that helps.
-Justin