Retro computing fan [Dandu] has developed a Hackaday-approved Frankenstein’s monster that enables a PowerMac G4 to use a USB-C port.
While it uses USB 2.0 rather than the latest USB specification, the upgrade still allows the nearly 20-year-old device to operate with contemporary hardware such as Dandu’s phone.
The project was challenging because the G4’s operating systems, OS X Tiger and Mac OS 9, do not natively support USB-C.
Additionally, finding the right USB PCI card, with the correct chip to work with the operating systems and an internal header connector to wire the USB-C port was difficult.
However, the upgrade works, enabling the retro computer to connect with contemporary devices such as smartphones and digital cameras.
