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Using SCSI2SD v5.5 in a Powerbook
Posted by: 360alaska on 2020-09-08 13:19:55
So here’s a thought,

During my work on my Powerbook 100 battery, I was trying to find a suitable hard drive replacement as the Conner 20mb hard drive was clearly on last legs. I first looked to Inertial Computing who did not have any SCSI2SdD Powerbook variations in stock. Second, I looked to Codesrc who apparently does not ship to the US. Lastly, I looked to and ordered from ARTMIX who sells a clone of the SCSI2SD. I ordered it on August 6th and while it does appear they shipped it, it seems to have been lost in the mail. So I continued to limp along the 20mb hard drive which seems to do okay when it works. If you look on Ebay, people are selling 2.5” 50-pin scsi drives for 40,60,80, even 100$. This is crazy! So I think I have a solution, I was browsing Inertial Computing’s website and SCSI2SD v5.5 aka the DB25 version seem to be aplenty.

IMG_2816.JPEGIMG_2817.JPEG

The SCSI2SD v5.5 is the smallest SCSI model yet and fits perfectly within the size limitations of the 2.5 hard drive, so I have designed an adapter. While I can claim success of the concept, unfortunately I reversed the DB25 connector on the PCB so I have a revision on order. But hey it works!

IMG_2823.JPEGIMG_2818.JPEG

I successfully, installed and booted to 7.1, as well as did a quick benchmark:

IMG_2821.JPEGIMG_2824.JPEG
Posted by: NJRoadfan on 2020-09-08 23:16:53
Inertial should sell these on their site.... hint hint. The 160MB Quantum GoDrive in my 180c bit the dust, so this adapter is well timed. If clearance is a problem, one can remove the plastic casing.
Posted by: 360alaska on 2020-09-09 00:28:13
We’ll be excellent for clearance with the new version with the correct db25 orientation.
Posted by: techknight on 2020-09-09 02:07:38
I thought there was a powerbook version of the SCSI2SD, I have a couple. 
Posted by: 360alaska on 2020-09-09 02:25:08
You must not have read the full thread. 
Posted by: techknight on 2020-09-09 02:29:37
Nope, all I saw was pretty pictures. 

🙂

Posted by: 360alaska on 2020-09-09 03:10:47
LOL yeah, those powerbook scsi2sd cards have become unobtainium.
Posted by: techknight on 2020-09-09 05:30:13
LOL yeah, those powerbook scsi2sd cards have become unobtainium.
Dang. I used to order them directly from the guy in Australia, no problem. but. COVID....
Posted by: Fizzbinn on 2020-09-13 07:23:43
With this adapter I’m not sure there would be a need for the special PowerBook version of the SCSI2SD. Are there any height considerations for later SSCI PowerBooks? 500 series?
Posted by: 360alaska on 2020-09-13 07:32:09
If you take the scsi2sd out of it’s case, it and the adapter should fit in any scsi powerbook.
Posted by: sutekh on 2020-09-14 10:48:32
LOL yeah, those powerbook scsi2sd cards have become unobtainium.
Unobtanium indeed. Been looking for one for my PB 180c :/ Wish I knew if/when they'd be available again and whether on not to keep waiting or get creative like you have. My inquiries to @inertialcomputing have thus far gone unanswered.

What are the overall dims of your arrangement? 
Posted by: 360alaska on 2020-09-14 11:11:56
It will be smaller than a hard drive, I can probably design and 3d print a mounting solution. Anyhow, the new board comes tomorrow so expect an update then.
Posted by: 360alaska on 2020-09-15 13:36:19
So the original 40mb hard drive is 101.7 x 70.1 x 18 and the SCSI2SD and adapter is 99.5 x 55.1 x 17.1 (with the cover on the scsi2sd).

IMG_2840.jpgIMG_2841.jpgIMG_2842.jpgIMG_2843.jpg

I have also designed a caddy of sorts with the correct mounting holes:

Capture3.JPG
Posted by: pax on 2020-09-15 13:44:55
Man, that looks great. Inertial should sell these instead of the 2.5 inch SCSI2SD.  😀

If not I'm sure a bunch of folks here are interested if you make a few.
Posted by: 360alaska on 2020-09-15 17:43:33
Here is the final Design:

s-l1600.jpgs-l16002.jpg
Posted by: techknight on 2020-09-15 20:22:02
I absolutely love what youve done here. 🙂

Posted by: ScutBoy on 2020-09-15 23:14:59
This is great!
Posted by: rabbitholecomputing on 2020-09-19 03:34:11
Unobtanium indeed. Been looking for one for my PB 180c :/ Wish I knew if/when they'd be available again and whether on not to keep waiting or get creative like you have. My inquiries to @inertialcomputing have thus far gone unanswered. 
Apologies, It's been a long month for us, with fallout from local wildfire, and an overall lack of time to do anything but fulfill orders. New employee starts Monday, which will shed an immense burden. We're have developed a SCSI2SD V5.5-based/derived solution, to replace the legacy V5.0 Powerbook Edition. Stay tuned.
Posted by: sutekh on 2020-09-19 12:27:41
Apologies, It's been a long month for us, with fallout from local wildfire, and an overall lack of time to do anything but fulfill orders. New employee starts Monday, which will shed an immense burden. We're have developed a SCSI2SD V5.5-based/derived solution, to replace the legacy V5.0 Powerbook Edition. Stay tuned.


Thanks for the update (I was just about to pull the trigger on an ARTMix) and sorry for piling on. Happy to keep waiting knowing something is in the works.
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