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SCSI2SD in Apple Tape Backup 40SC

Posted by: elbaroni on 2019-05-06 21:59:18 I’ve used the little mounting plate to sit inside the mouth of the tape drive case, which means I can access the SD card and USB port. Because I have it plugged into a Mac Plus which doesn’t supply termination power I’ve got it hooked up to the power supply of the tape drive using moles to floppy converter from Inertial Computing. Pretty clean solution IMHO that works nicely, but here’s my question: is the fan necessary to keep the power supply cool or was it fundamentally there for the drive mechanism itself?

Posted by: Trash80toHP_Mini on 2019-05-06 22:03:29 Mostly to cool the supply itself for the DAT or CD in the series. Use a wall wart, it'll be safer and silent.

Posted by: Crutch on 2019-05-08 05:12:52 While I agree a wall wart would be safer/better, for what it’s worth I did something very similar (mounted a SCSI2SD inside an HD-20SC using the original PSU, because I wanted the switch to work and kind of just liked that the 20SC still felt sort of heavy...).  I removed the fan, use it daily and have had no issues, nor does the PSU ever get noticeably warm at all.

Posted by: elbaroni on 2019-05-08 05:24:36 Thanks both for replies. Take the point on the wall wart, but like you Crutch I also like the original switch. Might give it a go without the fan. See if it kerplodes.

Posted by: Trash80toHP_Mini on 2019-05-08 10:12:09 If you're not worried about releasing the magic smoke, opening the can shouldn't be a problem. [}🙂] I don't want to take the tape off mine until it goes from natural causes. Check inside and take some pics. If it's anything like the IIsi PSU there'll be a removable power board in there or a fuse you can pull to take the PSU out of circuit and retain function of switch and power connector. Just wire your wart up to the power circuit using stuff off the shelf from your local hardware store. One alternative would be removing the switch for use on a new wiring harness. Remove the RFI shielding so you have access to the nice big SCSI connector opening.  install one of the short, cute little power strip/surge protector inside and hook the  whole thing up to a power module assembly built fro UL approved parts. Upshot would be that you can snake short power cords for Mac and HDD thru the back and power the entire system up with your switch. Lots of possibilities for baseline case/chassis based hacks from the real deal or an @PotatoFi printed replica  versions for power distribution and assorted goodies besides the SCSI2SD.

Posted by: Trash80toHP_Mini on 2019-05-08 16:06:14 Found the other one, pretty sure it was from the CDSC: Harness is good to go for removal of the PSU for safekeeping along with the Tap Drive. UL approved case wit standard power connector to source for your wall wart or better yet, a real tiny PSU. More pics to come in a SC internals hacking thread. If you could post some pics of your tape drive, its front bezel/door and the like it would be a big help.

Posted by: Trash80toHP_Mini on 2019-05-08 23:14:43 Does anyone know the name/model# of that power connector? Haven't found it yet and I'd like to source it in the opposite sex for cable match-up. PCB connector name/model# would be good to have as well.

Posted by: Trash80toHP_Mini on 2019-05-09 10:31:16 Note height of the opening in the back of the case when SCSI/Fan assembly is removed. Plenty of room for a few power cables to enter for a one switch PowerCenterSC. Info on male versions, PCB and Cable of that connector would be greatly appreciated.

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