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External Swappable HD - Kit ?

New MessageExternal Swappable HD - Kit ? (modified 0 times) davethewave
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OK - I searched for this in the postings and did not see it so if I missed I apologize. I have a HD that is working and bootable, however, instead of sticking this thing inside, I would like to either build or buy something that will connect to the IDE connection inside the WP, then I can run this cable outside of the unit (drill a hole in the side piece), and have an exterior Hard Drive that I can swap out. My goal is to have a LINUX image, NT image, 98 image, etc. on different HDs so that I can swith the OS out on the fly by swapping the HD and making the appropriate changes in the bios. If ther is already a device like this for a laptop I would love to get one (or two). Or, if anyone has any suggestions on howe to build one I would appreciate it...
04-16-2001 10:16:12

New MessageRE:External Swappable HD - Kit ? (modified 0 times) eddavis
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I'm sure there are USB -> external IDE enclosures for something like this, but...

But with some cable, a female connector, a male header, and a dremel, you can "relocate" the mini-IDE connector to the side (back?) of the unit and be set. Just a question of mounting. Might want to search cablesonline.com for a mountable male header, they may have something.

04-16-2001 10:53:39

New MessageRE:External Swappable HD - Kit ? (modified 0 times) NoXray
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Once you have the IDE cable going out of the case this should be easy.. Any external case (ala SCSI) should work to mount one of those removable IDE drive racks in, and supply power to the drive. Sometimes you can find external 5.25 drive cases with power supply at electronics surplus shops.. Not sure about your area..

Good luck, let us know if you get something working, and how you like it..

04-21-2001 18:08:24

New MessageRE:External Swappable HD - Kit ? (modified 0 times) NormConquest
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I'm doing exactly this. I found that the case from a DAT tape is a great fit for the 12mm HDs I had available. Opened up one end to the width of the HD. Cut a ribbon-cable sized slit at the top of the opposite end and pushed the cable through. Mounted female connector, then glued connector down to the bottom of my box, pulling the excess cable out as I seated it. The box is actually a few millimeters too wide, but I had some lovely soft and smooth spacer plastic that filled out the excess. Drives slide in and out quite smoothly, with no wiggle room to endanger my pins. Cable goes thru the RAM door, box mounts horizontally on the face below, et voila!

As a bonus touch, I made custom color ID decals for each of my HDs. Tux, W98 and QNX. They look quite cool all lined up. Looking forward to adding OS/2, BSD and BeOS eventually.

04-21-2001 19:19:57

New MessageWell, DUH! (modified 0 times) NormConquest
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This was my i-o, not my Webplayer. Principle is the same, but there is no ram door or back of the case to hang the box.
On the Virgin, I'd cut a rectangular hole in the side panel and mount the box inside. Leaves more than an inch of HD sticking out.
04-21-2001 19:25:27

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