[DM-MUG] Power supply for iMac G3

[CW Smith]

Hey folks!

I'm working on a Blueberry slot-loading iMac (350 MHz "5 flavors") that
seems to be having some power issues.  It tries to boot up, sometimes
chimes, sometimes gets as far as finding the system folder (OS9) before it
cuts all power and dies.  I've done some web research on the problem and
have narrowed it down to three possible scenarios:

1) The LED in the center of the power switch would sometimes become
misaligned on these models, causing the switch to stick, in turn causing
problems at startup (similar to the ones I've described) and sudden,
unexpected shutdowns and sleep.  I have opened up the iMac and realigned the
switch, and it seems to be operating properly, but still occasionally hangs
up.  Any suggestions?

2) I know that many models with the square PRAM battery (PowerPC 601's,
603's and 604's) would have boot problems if the battery failed.  This one
has the round PRAM battery, not the square one.  However, since it only read
0.8 volt on my voltmeter (the label says 3.6 volts) I exchanged it for a
fresh one.  Although I seem to get a little further in the boot process, I
have not yet been able to fully boot this machine.

3) The "worst case" would be a bad power supply, which of course could
misread the switch or simply not send sufficient power to the logic board,
drives, display, etc., to boot up.  Anyone agree with this scenario?  If so,
has anyone got a shelled-out iMac of this vintage from which I could extract
a power supply?

Email me on-list or off-list, or contact me at home.

Peace,
CW

-- 

Curt (CW) Smith
   Musician
   Audio/Video technician
   Windows/Macintosh consultant

705 Maple Street
Atlantic, Iowa 50022 USA

Phone:  (712) 243-1200
Mobile: (515) 554-5080

cwsmith@mchsi.com