Re: IIGS MOTHERBOARD: Dual power connectors

[dalloff@freenet.columbus.oh.us (Dave Althoff)]

stephen e buggie (buggie@musca.unm.edu) wrote:

: I noted today that one of my IIgs motherboards has TWO power connectors:

: Standard IIgs Molex-7 in-line connector,

: and also

: IIE-style AMP 2x3 clamp-on connector.

: Has anyone connected a IIe power supply to that 2x3 power point?   How 
: well does it work???

The original IIgs motherboards were designed so that they could be used
either in "native" IIgs's, or as "upgrades" in ][e cases.  An upgrade
option was available in which the ][e baseplate and motherboard were
removed, and the IIgs upgrade baseplate (with ][gs motherboard) would be
installed.  The original ][e power supply, keyboard, case, and (if
applicable) external numeric keypad would be retained.  This is why there
is also a non-ADB keyboard connector on your ][gs motherboard.  Later GS
motherboards didn't have the connectors, since they weren't likely to end
up in ][e cases, but the board layout didn't change, so the solder points
(maybe even the holes?) were retained.  I understand that the ROM 03
machines, which have an upgraded motherboard, do not have these "IIgs in a
][e case" upgrade features at all.  But don't take my word for it...I've
never seen a ROM 03 machine.

As to, "does it work?", obviously, the answer is "yes".  8-)

: I note also that my other IIgs LACKS the connector ---- but you see the 
: 2x3 solder points at position J14.   (

I think I just covered that point 8-)

: A motherboard-hacker could move that connector from a junked II+/IIe 
: board to point J14 ----- I'm a hardware hacker but motherboard hacking is 
: the next level up -----   ;-)    Gotta earn my "Eagle" badge before 
: hackin' a good motherboard....

Sure...shouldn't be too hard.  Anyone reasonably proficient at soldering
could handle it (that is, someone who knows not to touch the pointed
end...).  Question:  Do the newer ROM 01 motherboards have the holes
driled, or do they just have the solder pads?

--Dave Althoff, ][.
-- 
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