Apple PowerBook PCMCIA Expansion Module
| PowerBook PCMCIA Expansion Module | |
|---|---|
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|
| The PowerBook 500 Series battery bays: the PCMCIA module goes in the left-hand bay (Apple Service Source drawing) | |
| Manufacturer | Apple Computer |
| Type | PC Card adapter |
| Discontinued | September 1996 |
| Interface | Processor-direct slot in the left battery bay (16-bit, 15.7 MHz) |
| Compatible | PowerBook 520, PowerBook 540 and colour models |
| Weight | 113 g (3.8 oz) |
| Model | M2995LL/C |
| Part number | 661-1060 |
The PowerBook PCMCIA Expansion Module is Apple's PC Card adapter for the PowerBook 520 and PowerBook 540 series. It slides into the left-hand battery bay, where a processor-direct slot gives access to the computer's 68030 I/O bus, and takes two Type I or Type II PC Cards or one Type III card.[1][2] Apple discontinued it in September 1996.[2] Later PowerBooks have PC Card slots built in. Their slot assembly is a separate service part that Apple calls the PC Card cage or PCMCIA cardcage.
Specifications
[edit | edit source]| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Standard | PCMCIA Release 2.1; Apple PC Card Manager (Card and Socket Services) |
| Host adapter | Apple-proprietary PCMCIA host adapter ASIC |
| Drivers | Modem and ATA drivers in flash ROM on the module |
| Slots | Two Type I or Type II cards, or one Type III card |
| Card eject | Software-activated |
| Bus | Processor-direct slot, 16-bit data, 15.7 MHz |
| Current, no cards | 8 mA at 5 V |
| Current, with cards | 13 mA plus the cards; 600 mA maximum shared between both slots |
| Size | 24.3 mm high at the bezel, 120.7 mm long, 85 mm wide at the bezel |
| Weight | 113 g (3.8 oz) |
| Operating temperature | 10 to 40 °C |
The figures are from Apple's specification sheet for order number M2995LL/C.[2] Apple's PCMCIA FAQ gives different current figures: under 1 mA idle, and 56 mA typical (58 mA maximum) plus the cards when in use. The same FAQ puts modem cards at 150 mA and rotating-media cards at up to 600 mA.[3] A Type III card goes in the bottom slot, and a card that fits badly in the top slot may fit in the bottom one.[3]
Using it
[edit | edit source]Fit or remove the module only with the PowerBook shut down. Inserting or removing it while the computer is on or asleep resets or shuts down the PowerBook.[1][3] Individual PC Cards can go in and out with the computer running.[3] When the module is out, fit the small cover supplied with it over its PDS connector.[3] Apple did not recommend any PCMCIA module for the PowerBook 550c, which was sold only in Japan.[4]
The first release of the module supported storage, modem and cellular cards through drivers in its flash ROM. Apple planned to add third-party drivers later and said the flash ROM could be upgraded by downloading a new image.[1][2] Storage cards must follow the ATA standard and modem cards PCMCIA 2.1.[3] Most modem and storage cards made for DOS and Windows machines work, as does the Newton Fax Modem card. Newton storage cards do not: they use a different PCMCIA implementation and many are too wide.[5][3] A DOS-formatted card mounts on the desktop with PC Exchange 2.0.2 or later.[6]
Rev. C modules and PC Card Software
[edit | edit source]Apple exchanged Rev. A and Rev. B modules for Rev. C free of charge. A Rev. C module supplied this way is a service part and comes without documentation or software.[7] It needs PC Card Software 2.0, which installs from System 7.5.2 (with enabler 1.2 or later) or System 7.5.3. Do not flash a Rev. C module with PCMCIA Update 1.0 or 1.0.1: that downgrades it and can leave it inoperable, and Apple's remedy was a replacement module.[7] With PC Card Software 2.0, eject a card by dragging its icon to the Trash; the PCMCIA Eject control panel and Control Strip module no longer work.[7]
Removing the module
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- Shut the PowerBook down and disconnect the power adapter.
- Turn the lever at the front of the module towards you with a fingertip.
- Hold the lever and pull the module out. It can need some force.[8]
Faults
[edit | edit source]The module ejects cards with a thin nickel-titanium (NiTiNol) wire that contracts when a voltage is applied and trips the eject mechanism.[3]
| Symptom | Probable cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Card will not eject from the software | Card in use; File Sharing on; modem software set to auto-answer | Quit the program; turn off File Sharing; set the modem software to never answer; then eject[3] |
| Card will not eject at all | Eject mechanism | Push a straightened paper clip into the hole next to the slot. Avoid pulling the card out by hand, which can leave the mechanism in the wrong position[3][8] |
| Card stays in even with a paper clip | Mechanism jammed | Pull the card out with needle-nose pliers, then push the paper clip in again until the springs release. If it keeps happening with different cards, the module needs repair[3] |
| Maxtor hard disk card is hard to eject | Case not perfectly rectangular | Apple said such a card may need removing by a technician[3] |
| Card shows as "defective card" or "unrecognizable card" | Damaged card, or no software for it | Eject the card; install the card's driver[8] |
| Modem card inserted but nothing appears | Normal with the first release: modem cards do not appear on the desktop | Select the upper or lower card slot as the port in the communications software[3] |
| Problems starting up with a card inserted | Some configurations | Remove the card before starting up[4] |
| PowerBook resets or shuts down | Module inserted or removed while on or asleep | Fit and remove the module only with the computer shut down[1] |
Never eject a card manually with a paper clip while the PowerBook is asleep; Apple warns this can damage the card or lose data.[4] Do not use an SRAM card as a startup disk.[4]
PC Card cage in later PowerBooks
[edit | edit source]From the PowerBook 190 and PowerBook 5300 on, PowerBooks have the PC Card slots built in.[3] The slot assembly is a service part. The 190/5300 Service Source calls it the PC Card cage, the PowerBook 1400 Service Source the PCMCIA eject mechanism, and the G3 Series (Bronze Keyboard) and PowerBook (FireWire) Service Sources the PCMCIA cardcage. Apple's symptom charts use it as the last step before the logic board for cards that will not eject, will not go in or do not appear.[9][10][11][12]
| Model | Card will not eject | Card not recognised |
|---|---|---|
| PowerBook 190, 5300 | Not asleep; slot not blocked; paper clip in the hole beside the slot; check the card for warping or damage; replace the PC Card cage | Try the other slot; replace the card; replace the PC Card cage; replace the logic board[9] |
| PowerBook 1400 | As the 5300, with the PCMCIA eject mechanism as the last step | Try the other slot; replace the card; replace the PCMCIA eject mechanism; replace the logic board[10] |
| PowerBook 3400c, PowerBook G3 | Not asleep; slot not blocked; paper clip; needle-nose pliers; check the card | Try the other slot; replace the card; replace the logic board[13] |
| PowerBook G3 Series | Not asleep; slot not blocked; drag to Trash; with the computer off, try the eject buttons; paper clip; remove the top case and push down on the card while ejecting; check the card | Try the other slot; check the card's software; replace the card; replace the cardcage; replace the I/O logic board[14] |
| PowerBook G3 Series (Bronze Keyboard) | Drag to Trash; press the eject button once to release it and again to eject; remove the keyboard and heat sink and push the card out with a finger; check the card; replace the PCMCIA cardcage | Check the card's software; eject and reinsert; try another card; replace the cardcage; replace the I/O logic board[11] |
On the Bronze Keyboard model, a card that will not go in may be upside down: cards are keyed. Check the slot for obstructions and push the card in from the centre of its edge.[11] On the 190 and 5300, a system with a PC Card that runs poorly or hangs during floppy drive operations needs a new logic board, according to Apple's chart.[9]
Removing the cardcage (Bronze Keyboard and FireWire)
[edit | edit source]The cardcage on these two models is mounted on the I/O logic board and is made of two pieces that can come apart. Do not separate them, or they may not line up again.[11][12]
- Turn the I/O logic board over and remove the four Phillips screws holding the cardcage. On refitting, the two short screws go in the holes nearer the outside edge of the board.
- Separate the cardcage from its connector with a flat-blade nylon tool.
- Hold the bottom edges of the cardcage and pull it straight up. Pulling on the top edges can pull the two halves apart.[11]
On the PowerBook 1400, angle the PCMCIA mechanism in when refitting it, so that its two rows of pins line up with the holes in the logic board, and press it gently home.[10]
Related pages
[edit | edit source]- PowerBook 540
- PowerBook 540 Troubleshooting
- PowerBook 5300 Troubleshooting
- Apple PowerBook batteries
References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Apple Computer, Tech Info Library article 15280, PowerBook 500 Series: PDS & PCMCIA Support (3/95), absurdengineering.org library. The 500-series PDS in the left battery bay; 16-bit 68030 bus; module takes two Type I/II or one Type III card; insert or remove only with the power off; flash ROM upgradable.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Apple Computer, Tech Info Library article 16164, PowerBook 500: PCMCIA Expansn Module Q&A & Tech Specs, absurdengineering.org library. PCMCIA Expansion Module Q and A and specifications: PCMCIA 2.1, flash ROM drivers, two slots, software eject, 16-bit 15.7 MHz PDS, power, size, weight, environment, order number M2995LL/C, discontinued September 1996.
- ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 3.11 3.12 3.13 Apple Computer, Tech Info Library article 16167, PCMCIA for PowerBook: Frequently Asked Questions (1/97), absurdengineering.org library. PCMCIA FAQ for the 500-series module and the 190/5300: hot-plugging cards, module removal shuts the computer down, Newton cards, eject mechanism (NiTiNol wire), paper clip and stuck cards, booting from a card, module power draw, PDS connector cover, card fit, modem ports, cards that will not eject, Maxtor cards.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Apple Computer, Tech Info Library article 19688, Macintosh PowerBook PCMCIA Expansion Module ReadMe (5/96), absurdengineering.org library. Read Me for the module: not recommended for the 550c; qualified cards; no SRAM card as a startup disk; never eject manually during sleep; DOS-formatted cards; startup problems with cards inserted.
- ↑ Apple Computer, Tech Info Library article 16166, PCMCIA Expansion Module: Where to Find Available Cards (9/94), absurdengineering.org library. Most DOS/Windows modem and storage cards and the Newton Fax Modem card work.
- ↑ Apple Computer, Tech Info Library article 17155, PCMCIA Expansion Module: Can Read DOS Formatted Volumes (5/96), absurdengineering.org library. DOS-formatted cards need PC Exchange 2.0.2 or later; how to reformat a card for the Mac; Ministor compression software.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Apple Computer, Tech Info Library article 19729, PowerBook: PCMCIA Expnsn Module Replacement Which Sftwr? (5/96), absurdengineering.org library. Rev. C module exchange; needs PC Card Software 2.0; flashing with PCMCIA Update 1.0 or 1.0.1 downgrades it and can make it inoperable; eject by dragging to the Trash.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 Apple Computer, PowerBook 500 Series Service Source, Take Apart, Battery/PCMCIA Module, pp. 1-4 (PDF pp. 64-67); Troubleshooting, Symptom Charts/PCMCIA Module (PDF p. 58); Exploded View, PCMCIA Module 661-1060 (PDF p. 180). Hosted as File:PowerBook 500 Series Service Source.pdf.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 Apple Computer, PowerBook 190/5300 Series Service Source, Troubleshooting, Symptom Charts/PC Card Module (PCMCIA) (PDF pp. 59-60). Hosted as File:PowerBook 190 and 5300 Series Service Source.pdf.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 Apple Computer, PowerBook 1400 Service Source, Troubleshooting, Symptom Charts (PDF pp. 69, 71); Take Apart, replacement note for the PCMCIA mechanism (PDF p. 204). Hosted as File:PowerBook 1400 Service Source.pdf.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 Apple Computer, PowerBook G3 Series (Bronze Keyboard) Service Source, Troubleshooting, Symptom Charts (PDF pp. 68-70); Take Apart, I/O Logic Board, PCMCIA Cardcage (PDF p. 147); Exploded View, PCMCIA Cardcage 922-3843 (PDF p. 194). Hosted as File:PowerBook G3 Series (Bronze Keyboard) Service Source.pdf.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 Apple Computer, PowerBook (FireWire) Service Source, Troubleshooting, Symptom Charts (PDF p. 37); Take Apart, PCMCIA Cardcage (PDF p. 92); Exploded View, PCMCIA Cardcage 922-4176 (PDF p. 107). Hosted as File:PowerBook (FireWire) Service Source.pdf.
- ↑ Apple Computer, PowerBook 3400c and PowerBook G3 Service Source, Troubleshooting, Symptom Charts (PDF p. 66). Hosted as File:PowerBook 3400c and PowerBook G3 Service Source.pdf.
- ↑ Apple Computer, PowerBook G3 Series Service Source, Troubleshooting, Symptom Charts (PDF pp. 79-80). Hosted as File:PowerBook G3 Series Service Source.pdf.