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Wiring on/off switch for CD writer

M

mallard

Junior Member
Installing a replacement CD writer, would like to install an external switch for on/off function to keep CDRW totally off when not needed. As I understand the wiring in the power connector, one is 12v. and the the other is a lesser value, 5v. I believe. My question is, do I need to switch both "hot" leads or just one and why if it is only one? I am trying to prolong the life of the device since my first failed prematurely in my estimation.
 
I am not sure if it is a very good idea to have an unpowered device on the IDE channel - particularly if there is another drive on the cable. However, keeping the grounds connected as you have planned might limit any possible problems. But remember, you will have to switch the drive on before you switch on your computer (or before you do a reboot) when you plan to do some burning, otherwise the drive won't be recognized either by the BIOS or the OS.
. I would recommend switching both voltages - the 12V is for the motor(s), the 5V is for everything else. All you need is a DP/ST switch (double pole, single throw - not much more expensive than SP/ST) and some wire, soldering pencil, solder, and some small wire nuts. Good luck.
.bh.
😕
 
Hmm, interesting. What if you wanted to do something like this to a backup hard drive? The idea being that it cannot be destroyed by virus. If I had the backup drive on its own ide channel, which would be enabled / disable in the bios, could I leave the power connector on with the ide channel in either state?
 
To morkinva,
. Turning on and off the IDE channel will drive Win nuts! You will probably already find your secondary IDE channel already configured in Dev Mgr. It will be undetected and redetected and ask for drivers every time you change the state of the IDE channel. Probably better to go the power switch route - or even better, a removable drive rack.
.bh.
😕
 
Best way IMO, is to 4PST switch (4 pole, single throw) and kill all power to and from the drive (+12 yellow, +5 red, -ground) Also, you would need to restart the comp to re-detect the drive as well. I have used the removable racks with 3.5" devices with some success, but over time the connections in the back wear out and the drive 'can' come loose during use. NOT GOOD!

Edited for stupid spelling...
 
Thanks for the advice Zepper, I once read an article on doing this very thing and I cannot remember the specifics or where the article came from. But I think it would be safe to switch both "hot" leads.
 
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