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Webplayer site

New MessageWebplayer site (modified 1 times) BlueAdept
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I finally got around to putting up some content on my webplayer section of my site. It includes step by step instructions on how to install an internal cd-rom drive. I also got my links and picture pages up. Soon I will include a "how to" on installing a modem/ethernet mini-pci card and jacks.

http://www.blueadept.com

06-02-2003 13:33:13

New MessageRE:Webplayer site (modified 0 times) nleahcim
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Very nicely done. I didn't even realize that you could do that. I think that will be my next project. One question though: How much space is available above the two serial ports? There's a circuit I've been working on that will be attached to one of those ports - and I am really hoping that there will be enough space for both it and the CD-ROM. Anyways - again - awesome work. I'm very impressed!
06-23-2003 23:06:03

New MessageRE:Webplayer site (modified 0 times) BlueAdept
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The modem port needs to be disabled because the cdrom pretty much sits on the pins. Really the modem pins should be clipped or covered so it doesnt short anything. (I just ripped the connector off the board to cover the pins).

As for the serial pins, they should be in the clear (right now I have my WP in pieces so I cant tell absolutely).

You have to lose the ability to use the built in modem (since it wont fit with the cdrom drive) but a minipci card works great (if you can get the connector or make your own).

I did have to switch to WinME because on a reboot, Win98 doesnt seem to reset the minipci modem/nic properly.

06-24-2003 07:39:54

New MessageRE:Webplayer site (modified 0 times) nleahcim
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One more thing: How exactly is it attached? I read your write up on it - but you only talked about carving out a hole for it - not attaching it. And what is it sitting on top of?
06-26-2003 09:15:23

New MessageRE:Webplayer site (modified 0 times) BlueAdept
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It sits on top of the motherboard. There are pictures in the picture section. I will probably be taking more pictures to illustrate the different sections of my how-to, but currently I dont have time to do it.

The ide cable attaches to the ide header on the motherboard, it then goes under the motheboard to the hard drive, then attaches to the cdrom drive. So, the cdrom drive rests on the IDE cable that is sitting on the motherboard. When I put it back together again, I think Im going to see if I have enough space to get the cable out from under the cdrom. It would reduce the bulk a bit and prevent the cable from being pierced by the pins from the old modem.

06-26-2003 12:11:35

New MessageRE:Webplayer site (modified 0 times) nleahcim
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I would strongly reccomend rounding the cable - so that you don't need to worry about it at all. I ordered a laptop CD-ROM today off of ebay - and I'm going to look into the whole adapter thing (I'm going to try to find that plug and make a laptop CD-ROM to 44 pin cable adapter. Shouldn't be too hard to make - I'm just worried that with 44 traces - the board might be a little hard to etch...
06-26-2003 18:15:03

New MessageRE:Webplayer site (modified 2 times) BlueAdept
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Well you could do what I did. I just bought the laptop cdrom to a 40 pin adaptor. I just made a custom 40 pin connector on the 44 pin ide cable. And for the power, I just cut one of the extra floppy connectors from my computer and attached it to the power wires on the 44 pin ide cable.

http://www.cablesgroup.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=751

06-27-2003 15:36:28

New MessageRE:Webplayer site (modified 0 times) nleahcim
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Yeah - I saw that - but I would prefer to not have to individually attach each of 40 wires to the 40 pin plug like you had to... And having a wierd cd-rom plug - to 44 pin adapter would be way cooler! Especially since it would be custom! Anyways - I'll let you know how it turns out!
06-28-2003 10:10:46

New MessageRE:Webplayer site (modified 0 times) BlueAdept
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I wish you luck. I looked quite a bit for the centronics adapter and was going to try my hand at etching a pcb for it, but I came across the premade 40pin adapter and felt that would be easier (and smaller than I could do). Let me know how you make out on it :)
06-28-2003 18:57:17

New MessageRE:Webplayer site (modified 0 times) nleahcim
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Well - I finally found the manufacturer of that CD-ROM plug: http://www.jae-connector.com/en/slist_en.cfm?app_code=A0030&app_detail_code=AS080 Now I'm going to see if I can get samples. And it should be rather easy to find the 44 pin plug.
06-29-2003 10:06:21

New MessageRE:Webplayer site (modified 0 times) nleahcim
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Well - Molex is sending me the 44pin plug - I still need to get the wierd 50 pin connector though. Anyways - on your adapter - are there any components besides the plugs?
06-30-2003 14:26:04

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