Mini G4 Power Adapter

[jdryyz]

So my pet's desire to chew things up has rendered my Mac Mini G4's power adapter non-functional. If you look at the photo, it doesn't appear to have been bitten deep enough to cause a problem, but it is no longer working. Too bad the damage wasn't done on the side that plugs into the wall outlet, because that cord is replaceable.

The photo is showing the part of the cord that plugs into the Mini. Can these adapters be cracked open? I know Apple isn't in the habit of making certain things "serviceable", but even the old iPods can have their batteries replaced with the correct instructions.

It is possible there could be more damage to the internals of the brick section due to a short (the adapter was plugged in at the time of the "attack") and that may make it pointless to repair.



I know these can be found used on eBay and such, but I was wondering if it would be worth any effort to try to repair. I hate to have it go to waste.

 

[Omnius]

Truthfully, on a G4 mini, this "attack" should serve to inform you that it's time to get a newer machine.

 

[jdryyz]

I never said this was my only computer. Not even close. It still serves a purpose for me, though.

By the way, thanks for the useless response.

Truthfully, on a G4 mini. This is "attack" should serve to inform you that it's time to get a newer machine.

 

[Intell]

You may be able to splice out the damaged part of the cable.

 

[Omnius]

Allow me to elaborate. Determining the precise defect with your cable is likely to be time consuming and expensive. Unless you're an electrician, or a true techie, opening the power brick is not only a bad idea, any screw up in a change can render the brick, a huge fire hazard. Nobody wants you to be hurt or suffer a serious financial loss due to an obsolete computer project.

Purchasing a new brick for that model is not necessarily easy. They can be hard to find, slow to ship, and can cost anywhere between 25 and 100 dollars (based on a cursory glance around google).

Given the potential risk of harm to you, others, and your possessions (which apparently include newer machines), the less than reliable nature of purchasing used power supply parts, and the possible cost, this might be one of those rare cases where it is advisable that you purchase a newer machine.

Truthfully, if I were dead set on sticking with a g4 mini, I would look on craigslist and see if I could purchase a whole mini for dirt cheap. A 2006 or 2007 mini could be a reasonable upgrade at a cheap cost for you, however, it might cost you just as much to buy a whole g4 with new brick on craigslist as it would to buy a brick from someone else online.

 

[ivnj]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Apple-Mac-M...425?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2ec09d6e19

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Apple-Mac-m...rs_Chargers&hash=item20c935022f#ht_500wt_1363

 

[Intell]

If you do get one from eBay, make sure it's 85 watts. Anything else is for an Intell Mini and not compatible.

 

[jdryyz]

This was one of the approaches I was considering, but taking it a step further and replacing the whole section of cable. This would require getting into the brick, though, and it is not looking like that is going to be worth it.

You may be able to splice out the damaged part of the cable.

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As it turns out, I already found a replacement. I'm just not in a hurry to discard the damaged one if it can be salvaged.

If you do get one from eBay, make sure it's 85 watts. Anything else is for an Intell Mini and not compatible.

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The G4 is only one of many computers I own, each serving their own purpose. Yes, I even have Intel Minis as well.

My post was intended to focus on the damaged power adapter to gauge the feasibility of repairing it. I know very well whole replacement minis can be found but I do not need more machines right now.

Truthfully, if I were dead set on sticking with a g4 mini, I would look on craigslist and see if I could purchase a whole mini for dirt cheap. A 2006 or 2007 mini could be a reasonable upgrade at a cheap cost for you, however, it might cost you just as much to buy a whole g4 with new brick on craigslist as it would to buy a brick from someone else online.

 

[Orange Furball]

Cut out the bad section. Get some heat shrink tubing from your hardware store. Separate and strip each wire, put a piece of heat shrink on each one (make sure the metal from the inside of each wire is still showing) now take the other end of the wire and strip each one. Now either solder or twist together the wires (depending on how permanent you want this) and then slide the heat shrink over the exposed metal core. Take a lighter and run it over the heat shrunk until it is tight around the wire. Do that for all of them. Put a larger piece over all of the wires and shrink that too, it won't look pretty, but it'll work.