I tried a 5300cs color LCD assembly: the backlight turns on, but there’s no image. So I’m guessing the color dual-scan display/cable isn’t plug-and-play with the base 5300 logic board.
Now I’m looking for the correct grayscale 5300 LCD/cable, unless someone knows a way to make the 5300cs screen work.
Small update on my PowerBook 5300 resurrection project.
At first I thought it was a regular PowerBook 5300, because the front label is missing and the screen looked like the 9.4" monochrome one. But after powering it on and testing it more, it turns out it is actually a PowerBook 5300c.
I still don’t have the original charger, so I powered it with a bench power supply. It seems to turn on, but the internal display flex cable is cut. I tried to repair the flex, but I couldn’t make it work.
To test the machine, I made a homemade passive DB-15 to VGA video adapter cable, and I was finally able to get an image from it.
I also cleaned the machine with isopropyl alcohol, removed the bad Li-ion battery pack, and checked some parts. The floppy drive seems to work, which is a nice surprise.
For now the next step is waiting for a replacement display flex cable that is on the way. After that I’ll try to get the internal screen working again and continue testing the machine properly.
Hi, I wanted to share my next project: trying to resurrect a PowerBook 5300.
I know this model has a bit of a reputation, but that’s also why I think it could be a fun project. I don’t know yet how bad the condition is or what will need to be fixed, but I want to try to bring it back to life.
For now my plan is to inspect it, check the power/battery situation, clean it, and see if the machine can show any sign of life. If it’s possible, I’d like to document the process and post updates.
I’m not an expert on these machines, so if anyone has advice, things to check first, or common issues with the PowerBook 5300, I’m all ears.