I wanted to create a resource page with all the sources/ parts I used in my journey. First and foremost, my imac G3 is a tray versiion. If you search "imac g3 monitor" you will mostly find resources on the conversion of the disc version (DV). I did spend far too long thinking mine was a DV because it takes discs- they all take discs, but unfortunately I didnt think hard enough about this and bought custom circuit borads for modding a DV, slot loader, which is completely different. Here's some handy resources if you yourself have a disc version- good luck and godspeed.
The fantastic news for us tray loaders is that its wayyyyy eassier. The issue for me was the lack of resources. This amazing fellow uploaded a video a few months ago, when I had already been struggling in disc version hell for many months. Please, save yourself and watch his video.
I also found this excellent post that documents making an imac g3 monitor for the poster's daughter. Great parenting and excellent photo/text guide, for those of us who prefer it over video.
I will still go through my process because I have some unique goals, and I also wanted to create an easy to follow parts list with sources and numbered steps.
My unique goalsss
- No soldering. I have a hand tremor and while I can and do solder things, its easiier not to. In addition to this I hope to make this more accessible for people whi have less experience with electronic surgery.
- No perma-damage to the imac G3- its a relic, I want to perserve it in case I decide to become a ludite and return to the beautiful world of OS 9.
- I want this sucker to be able to maintain as much of its exterior as possible, including the beautiful venticular port cover- the goal is to build around this and to take it as an opportunity to beef it up,
- I want it to be as useful/usable as possible. I want that tray disc reader working. In addition, I'd like speakers functional,
PARTS
- imac G3 tray version
- VGA to DB15(F) -https://www.ebay.ca/itm/271137033572
- toggle switch (I used a replacement electronic switch from a local hardware store)
- resistor (5W 10 ohms) -https://www.amazon.ca/uxcell-Tolerance-Resistors-Electronic-Experiments/dp/B07RWF466H (I caved and bought from the devil's website)
- shrink tubing or twist wire caps (at least 2)
- wire! I'd recommend circuit cables- two M/M minimum
SUPPLIIES
- phillips head screwdriver
- wire cutter & stripper (or scissors if you're talented!)
- second monitor connected to same source PC as the imac G3
