G3 Beige - No Video Output

[ovalking]

Patient is a G3 300 beige tower, and there is no video output.
It worked when last used about 2 years ago.
Machine chimes, there is a bit of disk whirring but the monitor doesn't glow into life.

I've tried...
different HD,
no HD,
different monitor,
reseated RAM,
no RAM,
booting off CD,
pressed button on m/b,
left powered for a day,
left unpowered for a day,
starting from warm or cold,
starting via main button or keyboard,
new PRAM battery,
no PRAM battery,
zapping PRAM (doesn't seem to work)

any other ideas before I break for parts?
Thanks.

[Mat]

The G3 has the "old" onboard graphics with the Mac connector (I think it´s a Mac-DA15F). If you are using a PCI graphics, it could be possible that you need such a Mac monitor to boot up once. I had a 8600 with a similar behavior, and no PCI graphiccard worked, until I booted it once with my Apple Multiple Scan 14 Display. Subsequently I could use the ATI 7000 with all VGA and DVI displays again.

[nanopico]

I had a similar problem with mine. 
My issue was resolved by pulling and reseating the personality card. I had to do it a few times then it worked.

Since the personality card is part of the video system,  if it can't initialize then it won't boot.
You will get the exact same behavior with no personality card installed.

[ovalking]

Ah, the AV personality card was the clue to success!
I had removed it plenty of times (to get to the battery), but not tried without it. And I can confirm booting without the AV personality card DOES work.
Put it back, and video still working.
Not I've got to find a home for this beast...
Thanks, G.

[nanopico]

Glad it works now.