The PB 5xx power adapter has 2 circuits--one for running the PB, the other for charging. Sounds like your charging circuit is fried. You can test your adapter with a voltmeter and a paper clip. Don't worry about electrocuting yourself--the output maxes at 16v DC. Slip a paper clip into the top 2 holes on the plug (as it sits in the PB) that inserts into the PB. Do one hole at a time. Touch one probe to the paper clip, touch the other to the semicircular metal ring on the outside of the plug. Each hole should give an output of 16v. The bottom 2 holes are grounds. If you get less than 16v, it's time for a new adapter. These are pretty cheap on eBay.
Some PB 5xx's do suffer from a weakened solder connection where the power adapter receptacle attaches to the motherboard--it depends on how roughly they were treated when the adapter was plugged in. If this joint is weak you can also experience battery charging problems. If your adapter checks out OK in the voltmeter test but you still have charging problems, try this: gently wiggle the power adapter plug where it inserts into the PB. If your monitor intermittently displays the charging symbol while doing this, then it's time either to find an electronics shop to re-solder the connection, or shop eBay for a new motherboard. Cheers, Don Silver --snip-- >It powers the PowerBook fine, it just won't charge the >batteries. ===== __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Yahoo! Games - play chess, backgammon, pool and more http://games.yahoo.com/ -- PowerBooks is sponsored by <http://lowendmac.com/> and... Small Dog Electronics http://www.smalldog.com | Enter To Win A | -- Canon PowerShot Digital Cameras start at $299 | Free iBook! | RoadTools $30 PodiumPad available at Apple retail stores, $20 Traveler CoolPad at Staples. Both in white for iBooks at <http://roadtools.com>. Support Low End Mac <http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html> PowerBooks list info: <http://lowendmac.com/lists/powerbooks.shtml> Send list messages to: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To unsubscribe, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> For digest mode, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subscription questions: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Archive: <http://www.mail-archive.com/powerbooks%40mail.maclaunch.com/> Using a Mac? Free email & more at Applelinks! http://www.applelinks.com
