68kMLA Classic Interface

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Question about the Macintosh Portable
Posted by: Froggy814 on 2026-05-15 07:56:03
Okay, Thanks!
Posted by: Froggy814 on 2026-05-17 13:26:25
I did the two diode mods. Here are some photos in case one of you wants to do it. I went to the resistor because there was a steady 5v there.

Zener Diode Mod
20260515_104711.jpg

External SCSI Mod
20260515_104718.jpg
Posted by: Froggy814 on 2026-05-17 14:47:25
Also, does anyone know if I can restore the original silicone rollers on the trackball? I don't like the 12 dollar price tag on the ones on ebay.
Posted by: Froggy814 on 2026-05-17 19:10:08

@Sideburn
Do you remember or know what pin on the portable is 5v for the floppy drive? Can you label it? Thanks!
Posted by: finkmac on 2026-05-18 04:51:02
Also, does anyone know if I can restore the original silicone rollers on the trackball? I don't like the 12 dollar price tag on the ones on ebay.
no.
just buy some silicone earring backs in an appropriate size.
Posted by: David Cook on 2026-05-18 10:46:35
Also, does anyone know if I can restore the original silicone rollers on the trackball? I don't like the 12 dollar price tag on the ones on ebay.

Posted by: Froggy814 on 2026-05-19 10:33:48
if I put a potentiometer on one of the speaker leads would I be able to turn the sound up and down in volume or would it just not work. Or is there a way in system 6.0.8?
Posted by: SuperSVGA on 2026-05-19 11:31:15
if I put a potentiometer on one of the speaker leads would I be able to turn the sound up and down in volume or would it just not work. Or is there a way in system 6.0.8?
Do you mean in addition to the volume control in the control panel, or is that one not working?
Posted by: Froggy814 on 2026-05-19 11:34:03
I couldn't figure out where the volume controls are. Can you maybe show me where? This is technically my first mac experience so I don't know where volume controls are.
Posted by: SuperSVGA on 2026-05-19 11:49:12
I couldn't figure out where the volume controls are. Can you maybe show me where? This is technically my first mac experience so I don't know where volume controls are.
I believe in 6.0.8 you go to the Apple menu in the top left, Control Panel, and then the volume control I think is in both the General section and the Sound section, so you can adjust it from either location.
Posted by: Froggy814 on 2026-05-19 12:37:54
Alright, I'll try that. Thank you very much.
Posted by: Froggy814 on 2026-05-19 20:41:38
Do you have any mods for the portable you would suggest? Thanks!
Posted by: Froggy814 on 2026-05-20 10:26:18

It says that I need to download their .hda to install wifi activity. How would I install the os that I want to use if they want me to use that .hda file? Wouldn't that mean that I wouldn't be able to use my .hda? I want to enable wifi activity on my portable but don't quite understand that part. Thats it. Would I be able to make my own .hda with macTCP installed then I would be able to not have to use their .hda, or is that not how it works? Thanks!
Posted by: Froggy814 on 2026-05-20 12:22:35
Do all the grounds on the video out need to be hooked up? For cable.

1779304951933.png
Posted by: Froggy814 on 2026-05-20 12:41:14
Also do I have to use all three 5v's or can I have only one?
Posted by: SuperSVGA on 2026-05-20 13:29:24
Do all the grounds on the video out need to be hooked up? For cable.

View attachment 99014
Also do I have to use all three 5v's or can I have only one?
You could probably get by with leaving some out, but it depends on how much current you are drawing. Ideally each +5V should have a GND for current return, and then the signal lines can usually share grounds. It would probably still work with just one ground as long as there's not too much current return for the wire, but it's not recommended.
Posted by: Froggy814 on 2026-05-20 14:08:27
Alright, So still keep all the grounds and 5v rails would be what you would recommend?
Posted by: Froggy814 on 2026-05-20 14:17:33
Would I be able to have a plane for the 5V rails, or should I have them seperate?
Posted by: Froggy814 on 2026-05-21 10:26:12
*I finished a adapter FPC for the video out for the internal video curcuit of the macintosh portable. It utilizes the same pins as the external video and I will use a idc connector to lengthen it to the battery box to hide all of the curcuitry.

*Might buy everything in the future. Not right now because I still haven't gotten the Waveshare PiZero to test Rezafoulidians external video out and how it acts.

1779384165461.pngScreenshot 2026-05-21 102226.png
Posted by: Froggy814 on 2026-05-21 10:53:16
This is my schematic that will plug into the internal video. (I just modified Rezafoulidian's design to accomadate the internal video...)






1779385888499.png
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