My Pismo and a VST 3400 Auto Adapter

Question

Level 7

21,998 points

My Pismo and a VST 3400 Auto Adapter

I've been a long time PowerBook G3 Wallstreet user. Before that I used a PowerBook 520c. Recently I purchased two used Pismos, one for myself the other for my wife. And I've sold the Wallstreet.

Rummaging through a drawer where I keep computer accessories I found a VST 3400 Auto Adapter. I seem to remember that, before I retired in 1999, I used it to power my Wallstreet while on the road. But I can't remember for sure. Can I use this adapter with my Pismo?

In searching the forums I found info from jpl that, "The PB1400, 3400, any black G3, and first generation iBook adapters are interchangeable, all 45 watt output with the same connector at the powerbook port."

The VST 3400 Auto Adapter says it is for a PowerBook 3400 and 1400 series. It's listed input is 12-18v DC, 5.0 A and it's listed output is 24v DC, 2.0 A.

QuickSilver G4 DP800, Mac OS X (10.4.11), iMac Slot loading, G3 Pismo powerbook, WildBlue

Posted on Jun 11, 2008 4:43 PM

Reply

Answer 1

jpl

Level 7

28,285 points

Jun 11, 2008 7:17 PM in response to Ralph9430

Ralph,

You will have no problem powering the Pismo with the VST 3400/1400 Auto Adapter. You most likely have a VST model that sold when the PB3400 was the latest version powerbook. The output specs are the same as the 120v AC adapter for the Pismo: 24v DC at 1.87A; also, 24v x 1.87A will give you 44.9 watts. As you referenced, the VST will work for the models I mentioned earlier.

Reply

Answer 2

Ralph9430 Author

Level 7

21,998 points

Jun 12, 2008 6:28 AM in response to jpl

jpl,
Thanks for the quick reply. I thought that was the case but wanted to make sure.

Reply

Answer 3

Jul 4, 2008 12:02 PM in response to Ralph9430

Related question I think.
Re: the Apple M7332 original power supply, upgrades/replacements?

I'm way out of date on power supply questions
Just now starting to travel with my old Pismo again.

Questions: does this need more AC wattage as modified? IF so, what to get?

Pismo G3 with a 900mhz aftermarket CPU, and 1GB RAM
one NewerTech and one FastMac aftermarket battery.
OSX 10.3.9.
(The FastMac support folks already replaced their battery once, but claim something may be wrong with the Pismo power supply -- it quit taking full charge after 18 cycles. No problems with their replacement)

The original Apple AC "flying saucer" 45w power supplies (I have two) never did anything odd with the original Apple batteries, even with the 900mhz CPU.

With the NewerTech battery, no difference.

With the FastMac battery -- higher capacity -- the power supply buzzes.

I have two of the original M7332 Apple "UFO" power supplies.
Both of them buzz exactly the same way
(One bought long ago as an office spare, the other from AppleCare years ago, after the original started sparking in the DC wire)

I also have one of the VST3400 adapters, also bought long ago.

Question is

Is the original Apple 45w UFO power supply safe, or do they have problems?
Is the modified Pismo apt to need a higher wattage power supply?
If so, what to do?

Reply