68kMLA Classic Interface

This is a version of the 68kMLA forums for viewing on your favorite old mac. Visitors on modern platforms may prefer the main site.

Click here to select a new forum.
M2785 rebuild
Posted by: macman0512 on 2025-04-28 07:00:57
Hi folks,

My Powerbook 5300CE's AC adapter just kicked the bucket. It's outputting random voltages, none of them even getting close to the required voltage to power the machine. I was therefore wondering if anyone has attempted to rebuild one of these (I assume it requires a recap), and what is required to get it going again?

Thanks in advance for any advice.
Posted by: A24A on 2025-04-28 09:50:45
For safety reasons, rebuilding a power adapter would not be my first choice. If you so wish, a good quality universal power adapter with a 24 V DC output at 2 A with an appropriate connector (barrel type with centre +) could be an alternative.
Posted by: macman0512 on 2025-04-28 10:35:25
For safety reasons, rebuilding a power adapter would not be my first choice. If you so wish, a good quality universal power adapter with a 24 V DC output at 2 A with an appropriate connector (barrel type with centre +) could be an alternative.
Why's that? I've done multiple desktop PSUs, so I can't see why doing a laptop one should be an issue?
Posted by: nathall on 2025-04-28 22:05:29
My 1400 adapter gave up the magic smoke a few years back. I bought a replacement from power4laptops.co.uk about 3 years ago and it works great. They don’t look anything like an OEM adapter, but that doesn’t bother me personally.

Looks like they make a 5300CE variant also:


Granted, if you’re in the US I don’t know how the new tariffs might affect the price.
Posted by: 3lectr1cPPC on 2025-04-30 07:12:40
A recap might get it working again. There's one hidden screw under the label, then you can put the brick into a vice and bust it open. Mine opened fairly cleanly.
Posted by: macman0512 on 2025-05-02 00:52:42
My 1400 adapter gave up the magic smoke a few years back. I bought a replacement from power4laptops.co.uk about 3 years ago and it works great. They don’t look anything like an OEM adapter, but that doesn’t bother me personally.

Looks like they make a 5300CE variant also:


Granted, if you’re in the US I don’t know how the new tariffs might affect the price.
Thanks, but that's a bit outside of my budget. I'll keep it in mind though.
Posted by: macman0512 on 2025-05-02 00:53:31
A recap might get it working again. There's one hidden screw under the label, then you can put the brick into a vice and bust it open. Mine opened fairly cleanly.
Did you manage to put it back together again afterwards, or was the case too damaged?
Posted by: lobust on 2025-05-02 01:54:37
A recap might get it working again. There's one hidden screw under the label, then you can put the brick into a vice and bust it open. Mine opened fairly cleanly.
Is the glue in these able to be softened with a hot air gun? I have a 5300 psu that I'd like to do at some point also...
Posted by: 3lectr1cPPC on 2025-05-02 04:17:41
It’s not glued shut, it’s ultrasonically welded. So that won’t work unfortunately.
Posted by: lobust on 2025-05-02 08:36:24
It’s not glued shut, it’s ultrasonically welded. So that won’t work unfortunately.

That's not so bad - engineered USW joints generally have a few sharp edges around which to fracture cleanly...

I'm guessing on your one it left an easily glue-able fracture line?
1