I have my sister's old bondi blue iMac that I'm trying to restore. I have been considering turning it into a monitor. I desperately needed to see something like this. It gives me hope!
HDMI would be have to be your source, like your laptop or a raspberry pi. you would then need an HDMI to VGA converter like the one I'm using for these videos. I think you want to know if you can send video from something with an HDMI out? If so then yes, mostly.
Rocky Hill all connected up, I can get the relays to click by sending 5v but the ivad code doesn't seem to work. I'm in the UK so wondering if there are different codes for different regions. I haven't touched the project for a month now so will have another look over it soon. I'd be interested to know what vga connector it uses, would rather make an adapter than splice the eMac cable. I looked into it and learnt about pin pitch but couldn't match it to anything.
@@luke255x Different initialization codes for different regions hadn't occurred to me... Do you think you could make an i2c sniffer with your arduino? all you would need are the 3 lines SDA, SCAL and GND. If you can sniff the comms between the IVAD board and the logic board I could implement it in a sketch.
@@rockyhill3 Yeah that could be it, or I've just messed it up somehow! I'd be happy to try that, although the motherboard needs some repair. At some point in its life someone tried to replace some capacitors and some of them have desoldered. I'm hoping to get some time this weekend to have a tinker so I'll update you.
In theory, someone can make a custom-made board to act as a controller board for the G3, and you would be able to repurpose the CRT and create a monitor/TV. I wonder if anyone has already done it
Thanks! I think my next step is to design and make a printed circuit board to which the connector plugs into and has a VGA connector on it to make my next G3 easy to mod.
Is this a slot losing or tray iMac? It’s been years since I looked into iMac using a g3 iMac as a display but I would like to do it at some point if it got a bit easier. If you end up making a vga out PCB that works with the slot loaders let me know.
This was done with a slot loader, actually two slot loaders. I've made the pcb's and they work but I'm actually waiting on a second revision of two of the pcbs. They should be here in under a week. Check out the repo with the designs.
Hi, I hope you can help me ... My imac G3 500 DV stoped working last week. I can't find the issue ... What makes me confused ist this 24 Vac source. Is this now 24 or 48 V ac ? In one pinout it is labeled "24 Vac Phase1" and "24 Vac Phase2" ... I tested 24Vac on these both pins to power up the power converter and the logic board, but did not start. Is this 48 Vac and the GND is between the both, so if meassured from one "phase" to gnd I see 24 V ac? I build a adaptor now to start up the logic board with an atx psu, the logic board works fine. Following your infos it should be possible to bridge these 3 pins at the video connetor and the CRT should switch on, also if the logic board is missing? Just to see, if the AV board works = crt works and without sending the edid datas, just to see and hear the high voltage powering up Thanks and a happy new year!
Unfortunately I don't have a tray loader as a reference to design one and I will happily design one when ever I do get one. That said, If you or anyone else has any sort of specs/instructions on how the mod was done, I could design one against that.
@@kit7une_ I would like to get my hands on a tray loader to test it out but unfortunately I have not been able to. I did however just buy a pristine ruby for $25.00 Great deal!
The Super Nintendo outputs 15khz (240p) natively, which is out or range for a VGA monitor. However, with an OSSC (Scan Converter), you can upscale the signal to 31khz (480p), which should work on VGA monitors and presumably this modded iMac G3 monitor. Note that this method is viable if you want to tap on the RGB signal from the SNES for the best picture quality.
My problem is with the high voltage supply to the CRT. My goal would be to replace the CRT and Logic board both with a 15” lcd screen and an Mac Mini. Basically keeping the shell and using it while I source and troubleshoot the original components. If I could keep the CRT and redo the logic to a mini would be my ultimate goal. Any schematics available online for the power supply to the CRT?
@@rockyhill3 thanks for the link! Will check out the project but I think I have to change out some if not all of the electrolytics on the power supply board(s) to curb overheating.
Actually, yes. My first time doing something like this was with an eMac and the iMac mod is based on what I learned from modding my eMac. The eMac work is not as documented and I don't have boards but there is sort of a guide and people have been able to do it. Take a look through my older vidoes and read this wikibook. en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_modify_an_eMac_to_use_as_an_external_monitor
Sorry I’m having some trouble transferring the code to the arduino uno because of the two missing libraries that i just can’t get installed can you please help me.
Well, it's hard to say how much I've spent on this project given that I've made several revisions of the boards and I've had to purchase spare parts here and there. I can tell you that if you order the boards & components it will run you around $70.00. This doesn't include the time you'll have to put into actually assembling the boards.
Very cool. I have the older tray loader model so I'm guessing the process would be different. :( Would be cool if I could do this without taking out the mobo though. (Would be easier for that route too. Just have to create a Y connector and switch it to an external input. Just let the mobo boot up like normal then hit the switch. That's probably how folks did it before you RE's the init stuff. If i were to do this I'd go that route since I still want to keep the original mobo in mine. :D
Thanks! The tray loader is actually very different and the mod is easier. Unfortunately I don't have a tray loader so I can't really explain much about it other than you sound like your on the right track. There are several people that have successfully done the mod and shared. Elvisa on macrumos forum recently got his to display video. forums.macrumors.com/threads/imac-g3-mod-video-connector.1712095/post-28757361
I'd love to buy one of those boards. Would the iMac still work through the CRT or does it completely replace it? I was thinking of using the G3 display as a Raspberry PiCade.
PiCade is one of my goals too! To answer your question...... It depends on the degree to which you want to modify your G3. Adding these boards essentially converts your G3 into a VGA monitor with speakers allowing you to use it with almost any computer. Space is tight in the logic board are of the G3 so if you are willing to use your G3 mobo external to your new VGA monitor then yes. This is a well documented mod and one that I myself have done with a standard ATX power supply and knowing what I know now you can probably do it with the down converter board and a 48 VAC power supply instead of an ATX power supply. You can also opt to leave the mobo installed and and just pull out the wires needed for video and connect the pi to that. You could probably even use a video selector switch to change sources. You can probably route audio through the mic input of the G3 mobo and have it play through the speakers(that would really cool if you can get it to work). You could also mount the pi the analog board area(the part visible through the transparent plastic) because there is plenty of room there. I hope this answers your question
I'm not sure which iMac you're referring to. This mod will only work with the DV version or the slot loader G3's. If it's a tray loader, then there is another mod that works for you. It's easier than this one.
@@QwentynRC I think the first model can be easily modified. Here is one person who was able to do it. whatdoyouguyswannado.com/Zotac_Powered_Grape_iMac_revD/
The PCB design is on github but you will have to order and build it yourself. However, I am currently working on a design that can be ordered mostly assembled so that I can sell them or anyone else can order them and finish assembling them. If you're comfortable with soldering you can fins instructions and videos here, just scroll down. github.com/qbancoffee/imac_g3_ivad_board_init
I am not available right now because I have spotty internet access were I am but I haven't sold these boards at all actually. Most people take the files and make it themselves. That said, I plan on making a batch and selling some because parts are now available.
well i was excited when i saw the title of the Video.. Says uploaded in 2020.. What crappy camera you using? even an iPhone 5 Camera would have been better..
I have my sister's old bondi blue iMac that I'm trying to restore. I have been considering turning it into a monitor. I desperately needed to see something like this. It gives me hope!
I love it. Imagine a repurposed IMac G3 for retro gaming. If you create a PCB that outputs hdmi then I'm a willing customer :D
HDMI would be have to be your source, like your laptop or a raspberry pi. you would then need an HDMI to VGA converter like the one I'm using for these videos.
I think you want to know if you can send video from something with an HDMI out? If so then yes, mostly.
Thanks for keeping the updates going. Feeling motivated to retry my eMac project, just need to get that IVAD initialisation working!
How far have you gotten?
Rocky Hill all connected up, I can get the relays to click by sending 5v but the ivad code doesn't seem to work. I'm in the UK so wondering if there are different codes for different regions. I haven't touched the project for a month now so will have another look over it soon.
I'd be interested to know what vga connector it uses, would rather make an adapter than splice the eMac cable. I looked into it and learnt about pin pitch but couldn't match it to anything.
@@luke255x Different initialization codes for different regions hadn't occurred to me... Do you think you could make an i2c sniffer with your arduino? all you would need are the 3 lines SDA, SCAL and GND. If you can sniff the comms between the IVAD board and the logic board I could implement it in a sketch.
@@rockyhill3 Yeah that could be it, or I've just messed it up somehow!
I'd be happy to try that, although the motherboard needs some repair. At some point in its life someone tried to replace some capacitors and some of them have desoldered.
I'm hoping to get some time this weekend to have a tinker so I'll update you.
In theory, someone can make a custom-made board to act as a controller board for the G3, and you would be able to repurpose the CRT and create a monitor/TV. I wonder if anyone has already done it
Fantastic progress!
Thanks!
I think my next step is to design and make a printed circuit board to which the connector plugs into
and has a VGA connector on it to make my next G3 easy to mod.
@@rockyhill3 I'm looking forward to seeing that, and would love to use one myself. My Bondi Blue iMac G3 is itching for a modernisation.
sign me up, my g3's logic board is kinda very dead so like using it as a monitor would be cool for a raspberry pi based retro gaming machine
Pretty cool path to upgrading that old mac
Thanks, pretty fun too.
Wow. If you ever offered a service to convert an iMac G3 to a monitor that took HDMI input, I would be a happy and eager customer!
Maybe one day!
This is lovely!
so you are planning a board to allow vga/hdmi input?
Is this a slot losing or tray iMac? It’s been years since I looked into iMac using a g3 iMac as a display but I would like to do it at some point if it got a bit easier. If you end up making a vga out PCB that works with the slot loaders let me know.
This was done with a slot loader, actually two slot loaders. I've made the pcb's and they work but I'm actually waiting on a second revision of two of the pcbs. They should be here in under a week.
Check out the repo with the designs.
github.com/qbancoffee/imac_g3_ivad_board_init.git
@@rockyhill3 Thanks and great work on this stuff! Hoping to do something like this with one of mine so I'll keep an eye on your channel and repo.
Hi, I hope you can help me ...
My imac G3 500 DV stoped working last week.
I can't find the issue ...
What makes me confused ist this 24 Vac source.
Is this now 24 or 48 V ac ?
In one pinout it is labeled "24 Vac Phase1" and "24 Vac Phase2" ... I tested 24Vac on these both pins to power up the power converter and the logic board, but did not start.
Is this 48 Vac and the GND is between the both, so if meassured from one "phase" to gnd I see 24 V ac?
I build a adaptor now to start up the logic board with an atx psu, the logic board works fine.
Following your infos it should be possible to bridge these 3 pins at the video connetor and the CRT should switch on, also if the logic board is missing? Just to see, if the AV board works = crt works and without sending the edid datas, just to see and hear the high voltage powering up
Thanks and a happy new year!
Thank you for commenting. I just replied to email. let me know how it goes.
If this was 2006-7 I wish I knew how to do this coulda save soooo much money.
I'll have to watch this later, hopefully I can accomplish the same.
Chances are this is far above my skill level.
Jut go ahead and try it, you'll never know until you try it.
There should be a PCB for the tray loader g3 as well.
Unfortunately I don't have a tray loader as a reference to design one and I will happily design one when ever I do get one.
That said, If you or anyone else has any sort of specs/instructions on how the mod was done, I could design one against that.
@@rockyhill3 You don't need one for a Tray Loader, as the monitor is just DB-15 on the inside and you could get an adapter
@@kit7une_ I would like to get my hands on a tray loader to test it out but unfortunately I have not been able to. I did however just buy a pristine ruby for $25.00
Great deal!
That PCB would be great
It's already done and it works. you can get the gerbers from the repo.
github.com/qbancoffee/imac_g3_ivad_board_init#Ordering-Boards
Damn I would love to do this. Is there a tutorial or something?
an imac G3 can be used as a tv monitor? to play super nintendo as example with some sort of AV Component Cable?
In theory with this mod you can theoretically use any VGA source. If you can get a composite to VGA adapter then
you're in business.
The Super Nintendo outputs 15khz (240p) natively, which is out or range for a VGA monitor. However, with an OSSC (Scan Converter), you can upscale the signal to 31khz (480p), which should work on VGA monitors and presumably this modded iMac G3 monitor. Note that this method is viable if you want to tap on the RGB signal from the SNES for the best picture quality.
2 yrs later…. I imagine a modded G3 with a Nintendo Wii stuck in place of the old logic board… would make an incredible tournament set up for SSBM.
My problem is with the high voltage supply to the CRT. My goal would be to replace the CRT and Logic board both with a 15” lcd screen and an Mac Mini. Basically keeping the shell and using it while I source and troubleshoot the original components. If I could keep the CRT and redo the logic to a mini would be my ultimate goal. Any schematics available online for the power supply to the CRT?
github.com/qbancoffee/imac_g3_ivad_board_init
@@rockyhill3 thanks for the link! Will check out the project but I think I have to change out some if not all of the electrolytics on the power supply board(s) to curb overheating.
Very nice!
Thanks!
Do you think it would be possible to do this on an eMac G4?
Actually, yes. My first time doing something like this was with an eMac and the iMac mod is based on what I learned from modding my eMac. The eMac work is not as documented and I don't have boards but there is sort of a guide and people have been able to do it.
Take a look through my older vidoes and read this wikibook.
en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_modify_an_eMac_to_use_as_an_external_monitor
I have an old iMac G3 I want to do this to do you have a tutorial?
Yes, good luck!
github.com/qbancoffee/imac_g3_ivad_board_init/wiki/Convert-and-iMac-G3-slot-loader-into-a-standard-VGA-monitor
Sorry I’m having some trouble transferring the code to the arduino uno because of the two missing libraries that i just can’t get installed can you please help me.
That's a great idea! How much did the project cost you if you don't mind me asking?
Well, it's hard to say how much I've spent on this project given that I've made several revisions of the boards and I've had to purchase spare parts here and there. I can tell you that if you order the boards & components it will run you around $70.00. This doesn't include the time you'll have to put into actually assembling the boards.
Very cool. I have the older tray loader model so I'm guessing the process would be different. :(
Would be cool if I could do this without taking out the mobo though. (Would be easier for that route too. Just have to create a Y connector and switch it to an external input. Just let the mobo boot up like normal then hit the switch. That's probably how folks did it before you RE's the init stuff. If i were to do this I'd go that route since I still want to keep the original mobo in mine. :D
Thanks!
The tray loader is actually very different and the mod is easier. Unfortunately I don't have a tray loader so I can't really explain much about it other than you sound like your on the right track. There are several people that have successfully done the mod and shared. Elvisa on macrumos forum recently got his to display video.
forums.macrumors.com/threads/imac-g3-mod-video-connector.1712095/post-28757361
This is awesome
Thanks!
I'd love to buy one of those boards. Would the iMac still work through the CRT or does it completely replace it? I was thinking of using the G3 display as a Raspberry PiCade.
PiCade is one of my goals too!
To answer your question...... It depends on the degree to which you want to modify your G3.
Adding these boards essentially converts your G3 into a VGA monitor with speakers allowing you to use it with almost any computer. Space is tight in the logic board are of the G3 so if you are willing to use your G3 mobo external to your new VGA monitor then yes. This is a well documented mod and one that I myself have done with a standard ATX power supply and knowing what I know now you can probably do it with the down converter board and a 48 VAC power supply instead of an ATX power supply. You can also opt to leave the mobo installed and and just pull out the wires needed for video and connect the pi to that. You could probably even use a video selector switch to change sources. You can probably route audio through the mic input of the G3 mobo and have it play through the speakers(that would really cool if you can get it to work).
You could also mount the pi the analog board area(the part visible through the transparent plastic) because there is plenty of room there.
I hope this answers your question
Any movement on the completed board? I will purchace now,
Well, sort of. some parts are available for purchase again so I might be able to make some in the near future but they might be pricey.
Can I use an iMac g3 1998 because it uses a 50 pin video cable? Also because the main bored is damaged so it won’t install an OS
I'm not sure which iMac you're referring to. This mod will only work with the DV version or the slot loader G3's. If it's a tray loader, then there is another mod that works for you. It's easier than this one.
@@rockyhill3The first model
@@QwentynRC I think the first model can be easily modified. Here is one person who was able to do it.
whatdoyouguyswannado.com/Zotac_Powered_Grape_iMac_revD/
@@rockyhill3 can I just connect the video Connecter to the computer with an extension cable?
@@QwentynRC I'm not sure because I haven't modded a slot loader before. From what I've read though it seems that it's probably something like that.
PLEASE make a pcb, Ive wanted to put custom hardware in one of these for ages.
The PCB design is on github but you will have to order and build it yourself. However, I am currently working on a design that can be ordered mostly assembled so that I can sell them or anyone else can order them and finish assembling them.
If you're comfortable with soldering you can fins instructions and videos here, just scroll down.
github.com/qbancoffee/imac_g3_ivad_board_init
Where can I buy it? Zero technical competence here.
Unfortunately I dont have any for sale but I plan on putting some boards up for sale in about 2 months.
Are still selling these custom boards?
I am not available right now because I have spotty internet access were I am but I haven't sold these boards at all actually. Most people take the files and make it themselves. That said, I plan on making a batch and selling some because parts are now available.
@@rockyhill3 is there a way I can contact you?
Can I just put all the stuff into the case?
If you can make it fit then yes.
I think this would be easier to do on a tray load imac
There are some people that have done it with a tray loader and it is easier.
WHOA, NEED A HARDWARE GORE DISCLAIMER
4 sure
Cool
Thanks!
So now is just a CRT monitor
Yes and it's reversible too.
@@aIwl89 on who's pages? Mine or his?
@@aIwl89 LEAVE ME ALONE NOW
@@aIwl89 I AM NOT A SPAMMER LEAVE ME ALONE NOW
@@rockyhill3 can you block alwl89
maybe you can use another arduino to stabilize your camera
One day.
well i was excited when i saw the title of the Video.. Says uploaded in 2020.. What crappy camera you using? even an iPhone 5 Camera would have been better..
?????
@@rockyhill3 I think he's referring to the video looking grainy and to the lack of stabilization
Video quality it's ok but there's just so much ghosting and motion blur. 2010 vibes.
Всё довольно просто
Yes, it isn't too difficult.
arcade
Great but the camera is crappy as f*ck
Thanks! and yes it's my phones camera.
GET A TRIPOD! It looks like watching Cloverfield. Completely distracted from the point.
Seems stupid.