Difference between revisions of "MacBuild Laptop Build"

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| Attach network cable and power cord ||
 
| Attach network cable and power cord ||
 +
||
 +
|-
 +
| Clear the PRAM ||
 +
While starting up, hold the '''Option+Apple+p+r''' keys.  Continue holding the keys until the system chimes three times.  Release the keys after the third chime is heard.
 +
||
 +
|-
 +
| Reset the NVRAM ||
 +
While starting up, hold the '''Option+Apple+o+f''' keys.  Release the keys when the Open Firmware prompt comes up.  Run the following commands in the specified order:
 +
reset-nvram
 +
set-defaults
 +
reset-all
 +
 +
The system will reboot after the '''reset-all''' command is entered.
 +
||
 +
|-
 +
| Set the system clock in Open Firmware ||
 +
While starting up, hold the '''Option+Apple+o+f''' keys.  Release the keys when the Open Firmware prompt comes up.  Run the following command:
 +
decimal dev rtc [sec min hour day month year] set-time
 +
All values aside from the year should be two-digit numbers in 24-hour format.  The year should be a four-digit number.  Additionally, the clock needs to be set to UTC, so remember to add 7 hours to the current time if on regular time or 8 hours during Daylight Saving Time.  For example, to set the clock to 1:58 PM on September 18th, 2009, the command would be
 +
decimal dev rtc 00 58 20 18 09 2009 set-time:
 +
 
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||
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Install Ubuntu ||
 
| Install Ubuntu ||
−
# Attach network cable
+
Please note that any values not explicitly defined here (HTTP proxies and such) should be left blank.
−
# Push power button; immediately press keys '''Option+Apple+o+f''' at the same time
+
# Make sure network cable is attached
−
# When OpenFirmware prompt appears, type:
+
# Insert Ubuntu CD
−
#* '''boot enet:0,yaboot'''
+
# Start up the system while holding the '''C''' key on the keyboard
 
# At '''''boot:''''' prompt, press Enter; eventually the install screen will appear
 
# At '''''boot:''''' prompt, press Enter; eventually the install screen will appear
−
# When the display pauses for entering the machine name, replace whatever is already there with '''macbox'''
+
# Select English as the language for the installation
−
# When installation is complete, the computer will reboot automatically
+
# Enter '''No''' for keyboard detection, and select '''USA''' for all keyboard language options
−
||
+
# If prompted for which network device to use, select the wired network
−
|-
+
# When prompted for a hostname, delete the current entry and enter '''macbox''' in its place
−
| Set HW date/time to UTC ||
+
# When prompted for HD partitioning, select the '''Guided: user entire disk''' option
−
# In a terminal, set system clock with command
+
# When asked about writing the changes to disk, select '''Yes'''
−
#* '''''date -u MMDDhhmmYYYY
+
# When prompted for the user's full name, enter '''oem'''
−
#* '''MM''' month, '''DD''' day, '''hh''' hour, '''mm''' minute, '''YYYY''' year
+
# When prompted for a username for the account, enter '''oem'''
−
#* hour and minute are GMT(UTC) time in 24-hour clock format; GMT time is locak (Pacific) time plus 7 hours (summer, PDT) or 8 hours (winter, PST)
+
# When prompted for a password, enter '''freegeek'''.  You will be asked to verify the password after entering it.  Enter '''freegeek''' again.  If the passwords don't match, it will prompt you for a password again
−
# Set CMOS clock from system clock
+
# If asked to download additional language support, select '''Yes'''
−
#* '''''clock -uw'''''
+
# If asked to encrypt the user's home directory, select '''No'''
 +
# When asked if the system clock is set to UTC, select '''Yes'''
 +
# When installation is complete, select the '''Continue''' option to reboot the system
 
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Revision as of 17:32, 18 September 2009

Building a laptop in MacBuild is a fairly freeform process. Aside from the Laptop Build Checklist, there is no standard method for resolving or repairing laptops with issues. It is not uncommon to swap optical drives and displays in an effort to turn two broken laptops into one working one. We presently only build up a few different models, so it's easy to learn the basics of working with each type.

Laptop Build steps

The idea behind the steps in the Laptop Build process is to provide volunteers with an easy, worry-free way to acquire the skills they need to successfully build Apple laptops. The step sequence is as follows:

  1. Harvesting
  2. Evaluation
  3. QC
  4. Build

Harvesting

The idea behind harvesting is to get volunteers used to working with Apple laptop hardware by having them disassemble and pull out reusable parts that can be put to use in other Apple laptops. Given the intricate nature of these systems, volunteers can cut their teeth on machines destined for recycling or as-is sale without worrying about damaging machines.

We should only harvest components from laptops when we have a need for individual parts and don't have a backstock, as it's easier to get rid of laptops when they're in one piece.

When there is no need for additional parts, only the HD, RAM, and AirPort card should be removed, and all screws and adapters removed from the HD should be taped to the inside of the HD cavity in the laptop.

When there is a need for additional parts, this harvesting process should be followed:

This is a graph with borders and nodes. Maybe there is an Imagemap used so the nodes may be linking to some Pages.

Evaluation

The Evaluation process involves sorting through the incoming stack of Apple laptops and determining whether or not they should be built or have parts pulled from them. The Evaluation flowchart documents the procedure.

QC

Build

What we build

We presently work on translucent white iBook G3s and better, PowerBook G4s and better, and any newer models that come in. The specs we build the most common models to are as follows:

Specs

iBook

iBook G4 Specs
Processor: G4/933 MHz - 1.42 GHz
RAM: 512 MB or better
Hard drive: 20 GB - 60 GB
Optical drive: Whatever it comes with
Wireless card: Airport Extreme

Note: 800 MHz iBooks can be built "as-is"

PowerBook G4

PowerBook G4 (Aluminum) Specs
Processor: G4/867 MHz - 1.42 GHz
RAM: 512 MB or better
Hard drive: 30 GB - 80 GB
Optical drive: Whatever it comes with
Wireless card: Airport Extreme

Note: 800 MHz PowerBooks (Aluminum) and all PowerBooks (Titanium)can be built "as-is"

What we don't build

We don't build anything below the specs listed above.

Tips

  • Use a guide - some procedures for removing/exchanging parts are very complicated, so it's always good to have documentation. iFixit's guides for laptops are particularly good, as they provide not only fairly easy steps to follow but also make note of the different types of screws and parts removed in each step, which makes it easy to keep track of.
  • Keep track of your screws/part - it is not uncommon to end up removing 50+ screws from a system when swapping a HD in a laptop. You can use either an ice cube tray or a screw guide from iFixit (it should be linked in PDF form to whatever guide you reference) to keep track of what came from where.
  • Allot sufficient time for a project - working on Apple laptops can be very time-consuming due to the level of deconstruction one has to go through to swap parts. For example, swapping a hard drive in an iBook can easily take over an hour and a half if you've never done it before (or if you don't do it on a regular basis). If you decide to start a project, make sure you have enough time to at least put the system back together before you leave or develop a good system for keeping track of your progress.

Laptop Build Checklist

Steps Notes/Detailed Instructions Done
Make sure that covers are available for open bays

If covers are missing, check parts storage for replacements

Install hard drive

Refer to MacBuild Spec Sheet for appropriate size

Install RAM

Refer to MacBuild Spec Sheet for appropriate amount

Clean/dust inside

If necessary

Attach network cable and power cord
Clear the PRAM

While starting up, hold the Option+Apple+p+r keys. Continue holding the keys until the system chimes three times. Release the keys after the third chime is heard.

Reset the NVRAM

While starting up, hold the Option+Apple+o+f keys. Release the keys when the Open Firmware prompt comes up. Run the following commands in the specified order: 

reset-nvram
set-defaults
reset-all

The system will reboot after the reset-all command is entered.

Set the system clock in Open Firmware

While starting up, hold the Option+Apple+o+f keys. Release the keys when the Open Firmware prompt comes up. Run the following command: 

decimal dev rtc [sec min hour day month year] set-time

All values aside from the year should be two-digit numbers in 24-hour format. The year should be a four-digit number. Additionally, the clock needs to be set to UTC, so remember to add 7 hours to the current time if on regular time or 8 hours during Daylight Saving Time. For example, to set the clock to 1:58 PM on September 18th, 2009, the command would be 

decimal dev rtc 00 58 20 18 09 2009 set-time:
Install Ubuntu

Please note that any values not explicitly defined here (HTTP proxies and such) should be left blank.

  1. Make sure network cable is attached
  2. Insert Ubuntu CD
  3. Start up the system while holding the C key on the keyboard
  4. At boot: prompt, press Enter; eventually the install screen will appear
  5. Select English as the language for the installation
  6. Enter No for keyboard detection, and select USA for all keyboard language options
  7. If prompted for which network device to use, select the wired network
  8. When prompted for a hostname, delete the current entry and enter macbox in its place
  9. When prompted for HD partitioning, select the Guided: user entire disk option
  10. When asked about writing the changes to disk, select Yes
  11. When prompted for the user's full name, enter oem
  12. When prompted for a username for the account, enter oem
  13. When prompted for a password, enter freegeek. You will be asked to verify the password after entering it. Enter freegeek again. If the passwords don't match, it will prompt you for a password again
  14. If asked to download additional language support, select Yes
  15. If asked to encrypt the user's home directory, select No
  16. When asked if the system clock is set to UTC, select Yes
  17. When installation is complete, select the Continue option to reboot the system
Enable the Ubuntu startup splash screen
  1. In a terminal, edit the file /etc/usplash.conf as root
    • sudo nano /etc/usplash.conf
  2. Change the xres value to 1024
  3. Change the yres value to 768
  4. Save and close the file
    • Ctrl+o, then Ctrl+x
  5. Update the startup files with the changed resolution values with the command
    • sudo update-initramfs -u
    • The command takes a couple of of minutes to complete
Install extra apps, as necessary
  • Use System -> Administration -> Synaptic Package Manager
  • If the machine has a CD-RW or DVD-RW drive, select package k3b
Test USB/FireWire ports

USB:

  • Plug in a USB mouse
  • See that the cursor moves and can interact with things
  • Repeat with all USB ports

FireWire:

  • Plug in an external FireWire drive
  • Insert a data CD in FireWire drive
  • See if it mounts on the desktop
  • Repeat with all FireWire ports

If all ports of one of these types don't work, the machine should be recycled

Test PCMCIA slot

If avaliable

  • Plug in a PCMCIA wireless card
  • See if it lights up
  • Repeat with all PCMCIA slots
Configure/test sound control
  1. Open sound preferences
    • Place cursor on sound icon in top menu bar
    • Press F12 key
    • Select Preferences
  2. In the Preferences window upper drop-down menu, make sure the Alsa mixer item is selected
  3. In the lower combo-box menu, select PC speaker
  4. In the oem home directory, open the Examples sub-directory
  5. Select the 'Ubuntu experience.ogg' file
  6. When the video starts, verify that the sound slider (click sound icon) varies the volume.
Test CD data and sound
  1. Insert, play, and eject a music CD
  2. Insert data CD, inspect directory contents
  3. If machine has a DVD drive, insert a data DVD, inspect directory contents
  4. If machine has a CD-RW or DVD-RW, use k3b to erase a CD-RW disk, and create/burn a new data project.
Test battery life

To start the battery test:

  1. Make sure battery is fully charged
  2. Open a web browser and go to http://llama.freegeek.org/~serge/batterytest.sh
  3. Save file to disk
  4. Insert an audio CD into optical drive
  5. Launch audio player, play disc, and set on repeat
  6. In a terminal, navigate to the directory you saved batterytest.sh to and run:
    • sh batterytest.sh
  7. Disconnect power supply
  8. Leave the system running until it powers off

To check the results of the battery test

  1. In a terminal, navigate to the directory you saved batterytest.sh to and run:
    • sh batterytest.sh
  2. Record the results on the "printme" report generated in the next step
Generate "printme" report for system
  1. Make sure you are on the local wired network
  2. Configure system so it can use network printers
  3. In a terminal, generate a lshw XML file for the printme process
    • lshw -xml > printme.xml
  4. Open a web browser and go to http://data/spec_sheets/new
  5. Fill out the form, upload the XML file, and print out the report
Clean outside cover

Clean case monitor face, connector panel, keyboard, and mouse as well

Attach "printme" report to system
Bundle system with power supply
Take it to store
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