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Topic: FAQ (Read 8556 times) |
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Blackstealth
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FAQ
« on: Mar 20th, 2003, 11:08am » |
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Please review this thread and the Acceptable Use Policy before posting.
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| « Last Edit: Aug 18th, 2003, 1:31pm by Tom Owad » |
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Blackstealth
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1 - Applefritter and the Quest for the Holy Grail
« Reply #1 on: Mar 20th, 2003, 11:10am » |
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Q: How do I turn this laptop screen into a monitor?
A: Put simply you don't. Whilst it is possible to use a laptop screen as a monitor it takes a large cash investment and a good understanding of electronics. If you are lacking in either of these departments don't bother, buy a cheap LCD with VGA connection on eBay instead.
If you really want to know more about using a laptop display on another computer then do a search of the hacks sections with 'holy-grail' as your keyword. You can also try visiting Earth LCD for more info regarding the required convertor boards.
Here's one of the best explanations of why using a laptop LCD for a monitor is a difficult project I've seen so far, courtesy of Eudimorphodon:
Laptop displays simply don't speak the same language as CRT monitors, electrically speaking. It requires a complex wad of electronics to turn output meant for a CRT into input suitable for an LCD, and that wad of electronics is referred to as the 'controller'. You won't find a controller you can salvage in your laptop anywhere, because it 'speaks LCD' directly, and thus doesn't need one.
It's not just a matter of pasting wires together, which is what everyone wants to think. Those controllers sell for anywhere from $150 to $300, and for most installations require custom cables and power supplies which may well run you another $150.
Q: Lets say I've got this crazy idea into my head to run two LCD screens off one Powerbook - both spliced from the same feed on the motherboard. How might I go about doing that?
A: Once again it's Eudi and Dr. Bob to the rescue:
Mirroring two LCDs off a powerbook motherboard is technically an edge case which I don't believe I've seen before... Anyway.
In theory, if you had two *identical in every respect* LCDs, you could probably construct buffer circuitry to mirror the same input signal on both of them. The signals you'd have to replicate are low voltage, low power, and extremely timing-critical, so it wouldn't be easy, and it would probably involve parts not available at Radio Shack.
If the LCDs you have differ *at all* in the timings they'll accept, then it also won't work. LCD controllers have to be programmed to deal with the idiosyncracies of a given panel, which is why you can't easily just willy-nilly swap screens between laptop motherboards, and why those controller boards you buy seperately to work with eBay LCD panels are so expensive.
You would also have to provide an EDID code that would work for both displays to the host controller.
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| « Last Edit: May 7th, 2003, 10:13am by Blackstealth » |
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Blackstealth
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2 - iMac in a Box
« Reply #2 on: Mar 20th, 2003, 11:31am » |
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Q:'I want to put my G3 iMac into another case', or 'My G3 iMac PSU died what can I do?'
A:If you're using a revision A - D iMac (All the trayloaders - the ones with a CD tray that slides out of the front) then you're in luck, converting one of these early iMac to use an ATX power supply is a relatively straightforward job - as long as you are happy tinkering with high voltages. A good guide to the conversion can be found here.
However, if you're using any of the slot loading flavours of iMac then you are currently rather limited in your options:
1) If your PSU/downconvertor board has died then you might be best looking for the required replacement parts on eBay.
2) You could spend a large amount of cash on an iRack DV, a 1 unit rack mount solution for slot loading iMacs
3) You could bide your time until a similar solution to that for the trayloading iMacs is found. A good solution progress report can be found here.
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| « Last Edit: Apr 12th, 2003, 2:08am by Blackstealth » |
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Blackstealth
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3 - Be Creative
« Reply #3 on: Mar 26th, 2003, 9:58am » |
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Q: I have 'XYZ' Mac, what can I do with it?
A: To quote one of Applefritter's more creative members:
"My favorite is always the "yet-to-be-imagined" hack, Thats the one where you come up with a new creative idea that no ones done before - followed up by doing it."
If you need inspiration, take a look at AppleDesign (that big book of many typos but cool pictures), TheAppleCollection.com, Applefritter's Hacks section and if they're still out there ... Damamania's vHacks.
If it's the case that it's a computer that you you rarely use, try to find a function for it - use it as a server, router, terminal, or even a fish tank.
Otherwise dispose of it (properly), unused computers just take up much needed space in most peoples homes. Give it to charity if they'll have it, a number of organisations will take your old computer(s) and redistribute them to the third world to help societies develop and skills grow.
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| « Last Edit: Apr 12th, 2003, 2:09am by Blackstealth » |
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Blackstealth
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4 - Don't Pester
« Reply #4 on: Nov 14th, 2003, 9:02am » |
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Q: I've just found Applefritter and I think it's really cool and I'd like to be a moderator, what do I have to do?
A: We don't advertise we're hiring, selections are based on members experience, their history of assistance on the boards, relative merits, the possible need for new moderators, and other critical factors. But until you've been hanging around for a few years might you be added to any shortlists.
Sending e-mails asking if you can be a moderator or asking what you need to do to get into our good books will see you make a rapid descent to the bottom of the pile...
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| « Last Edit: Nov 14th, 2003, 9:03am by Blackstealth » |
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