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From: thad@cup.portal.com (Thad P Floryan)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.amiga
Subject: Re: Hard Disk Drive Cables (You've scared me!)
Message-ID: <12081@cup.portal.com>
Date: 4 Dec 88 01:26:43 GMT
References: <719@pdp.cs.OHIOU.EDU>
Distribution: na
Organization: The Portal System (TM)
Lines: 36

Re: John Gordos' concern about cables for his (pending! :-) SCSI drive ...

I can see why you're apprehensive; there's NO need to be.

With the exception of the Centronics-connectored 50-wire cables that come in
lengths of 3', 6' and 12', and the "Mac-type" system cables that adapt the
25-pin DB-25 host adapter connector to the 50-wire Centronics plug, everything
else is "custom" since every installation is fairly unique.

Rephrasing:

1) MOST people purchase a drive that's already mounted in a box having a power
supply and fan.  The ONLY cable needed in this situation is one that will
connect the drive box to your system (i.e. the host adapter).  Cables to
perform this task are COMMON and readily available.

2) most the discussion here recently focussed on the "internal" box connection
between the case-mounted Centronics connector and the 50-pin, dual row
connector that is physically on the disk drive (or a translator, such as
Adaptec's 4000A or 4070).

Most of the 3rd party manufacturers of SCSI disk drive "sub-systems" sell a
box that contains everything; all you need is the cable from that box to your
computer, and such cables are readily available at walk-in computer and
electronics stores (approx. price from $15 to $50 depending on length).

If you don't mind getting electrons all over your hands (:-) and want to make
your own disk sub-system to save a few $$$, THEN you have to make your own
(internal) cables.  Making such cables is really straightforward; in terms of
the skill level involved, I'd equate it with, say, being able to replace the
oil and filter in one's car (though, obviously, not as messy).  A recent
article I posted here detailed the CORRECT method to wire the box to remain
compliant with SCSI standards and assure proper expansion capability.


Thad Floryan [ thad@cup.portal.com (OR) ..!sun!portal.!cup.portal.com!thad ]