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G4 Internal Modem - what is it...?
Posted by: raoulduke on 2015-01-12 14:40:20
This may be utterly stupid.  My knowledge of Macs, while anyway very limited, is primarily limited to pre-G3 machines.  I just got my first G4.  It works fine, although I'm starting to question whether it was worth it for OS 10.4 (which I have on a core duo; I do not have classic mode on said duo, however).

Inside is a 56k modem - like wired into the motherboard.  There's a modem port in the back; but it's blocked by what (from inside the case) looks like a metal cube - so that one cannot insert a phone cord.  This doesn't really matter to me as I don't plan to use a modem or the G4 for anything specific; however what is that... what is the internal card?  What is it supposed to be used for?  Anyone have any idea what I'm asking here?  This is just pure curiosity.

Posted by: TheWhiteFalcon on 2015-01-12 14:42:10
Looks like someone swapped the board into a case not made for one, perhaps? Pictures might help.

Posted by: raoulduke on 2015-01-12 15:12:30
That actually makes a lot of sense (the graphics card Radeon 9800) is clearly not original; it's a Quicksilver (867 mhz).  The case Model Number says M8943, which is possibly correct; and the thing blocking the modem port is actually connected (only) to the case.  

Sorry for the pics, I used a flash.

(The first shows the modem - the wire running under the board); the second shows this little metal cube; the third shows how the cube blocks the port.)

Posted by: TheWhiteFalcon on 2015-01-12 15:17:44
Yep, I'd imagine someone swapped the board.

Posted by: raoulduke on 2015-01-12 15:31:00
Thanks.  I was pretty confused.

Posted by: TheWhiteFalcon on 2015-01-12 15:40:48
If you want, that metal piece should be removable, you'd just pull the board and probably punch out the panel there (not positive).

Posted by: raoulduke on 2015-01-12 15:58:10
I tried - it's not loose but it probably comes out.  What would go there in its stead, though?  A part, presumably, is missing, no?  (The actual modem port)

Posted by: markyb86 on 2015-01-13 07:59:07
You're missing a little cube about that same size/shape that has the RJ45 connector in it, and a short wire to the modem board. 

Posted by: HoneyDoe on 2015-01-13 10:24:05
if you need one i can give mine up

Posted by: raoulduke on 2015-01-13 14:27:15
Lol.  QUICK!  I haven't checked Prodigy since 1991!

I appreciate the offer, but I have no specific plans to remedy this.

Posted by: HoneyDoe on 2015-01-13 15:51:37
Well, its still use full for faxing.... so i guess thats a thing....

Yeah oh well, im to lazy to pull out my g4 anyways lol

Posted by: CC_333 on 2015-01-15 15:15:15
I've found that the port *is* there, but is hidden. The "cube" is designed such that it can be mounted one way (with a blank side facing out) or another (with the port facing out). If you remove it, I think you will see what I mean.

c

Posted by: flashedbios2012 on 2015-01-19 07:15:22
I was just about to say what CC 333 Said. The port is there but hidden. Some models came without modems, I'm guessing they were education models for schools. I can't imagine an individual consumer requesting a modem NOT be present would really save any off the price, and back when these machines were new, Home internet was almost exclusively dial up.

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