Making an 80-pin IDE cable...

[jagec]

Originally posted by: sqInside
Well let me explain my project....

I have a Mini-ITX PC in the trunk of my car, and I want a slot-load DVD player up front. Unfortunately, slot-load DVD players do not come in USB flavor, furthermore, I already have the slimline slot-load DVD player from an IMAC which I've rigged up to use a 40-pin IDE cable (it was 50-pin on one end). There are plenty of details on how to do this on mp3car.com.

I thought about going the route where I had a USB adapter, but decided not to because it requires yet another extra +5v power wire and source, and just complicates things.

I'd like to just run a long IDE ribbon up front and be done with it, but I'm quickly finding this is no easy task.
.

well that makes it easy then! If all you want is a DVD drive hookup (not hard drive), you can use a 40-pin cable. No need for 80-pin unless you want ATA 100 or so.

To do that, all you need is to take the connectors off a spare cable (making sure none of the pins are bent), and clamp them down on both ends of your bulk cable, at the length you want. Check it and see if it works. Be CAREFUL when you clamp it down, so that you get proper connections (one pin to a wire).

Data corruption shouldn't be a huge deal if it's a DVD...the worst that'll happen is it won't play right.

Shield that sucker well though.

 

[horhey]

You can get cable here pay by the foot at $0.80
or 100ft roll for 34 bucks

edit:
reseller rating doesnt look Good.

 

[sqInside]

Hmmm, I think I need 80-pin because of automotive interference, in which case 80-pin will help with grounding and reducing signals...

Yes, this is ONLY FOR DVD...

Damn.. maybe I'll just get some bulk 40-pin IDE ribbon and try it out...

I'll try this link for $0.80/foot.. Sounds like a deal to me..


You guys know where I can get this locally??

Thanks!

 

[horhey]

Here is the only other spool I have been able to find. $99 for 100ft though
but Reseller rating of 10
Good luck. I think i would take the chance to save 70 bucks.

 

[Markfw]

You buy an external hard drive enclosure for $30-40 (find one that is very square and will install into the dash nicely), put the DVD drive in it, and run the USB cable to the trunk.

 

[sqInside]

It's a slimline slot-load DVD drive.. It doesn't fit in your average 2.5" or 3.5" USB HD/DVD enclosure..

It won't fit in anything, in fact.. It's way to small. It's like a laptop DVD drive almost..

It's an SR-8185-C made by Matsushita..

 

[Markfw]

You're correct. What was I thinking ? However, I'll bet you could mod one if the 3 1/2 cases to fit the 5 1/4 drive, then back on track......