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Last post Author Topic: I Need DC Input  (Read 52467 times)

4wd

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Re: I Need DC Input
« Reply #25 on: February 23, 2012, 05:34 AM »
See SJ, my luck is holding   ;D

First off, whoever put it together really shouldn't be in the business, (sorry if it was you).

OK, I don't know how deep you want to go here but if it was me and working with what I have in the case, I'd do the following:
1) Remove the IDE & SATA optical drives;
2) Remove the IDE & SATA HDDs;
3) Remove the floppy drive.

Then replace them in the following positions:
100_0248.JPG

Given the length of the power connections this positioning should allow for all drives to be powered, (the floppy is discarded).


Otherwise we have two alternatives, both of which require some fiddling.

Option 1: Obtain a set of 3.5 to 5.25 adapter mountings and move the SATA HDD to just below the SATA optical, this would allow the SATA optical to be powered also.

This is a pair mounted on a HDD, then you just screw the HDD into a 5.25" slot.
Bracket-Display.jpg

Doing this means you could disconnect the whole IDE bus because you'd still have the SATA optical drive to install Windows with.
Heck, tell me your address and I'll post you a pair :)

Option 2: We fix the IDE Master/Slave fiasco - the easiest but you still end up with a non-functioning SATA optical.

The problem with the IDE bus is that the HDD is the designated Master device, however it's in the wrong position on the cable to be the Master, (the Master is supposed to be on the end of the cable).

However, the Maxtor is actually in the correct position on the cable for what we want to do, ie. remove it from the system during install.

What you need to do is re-jumper the Maxtor and the IDE optical so that they get swapped around, ie. the optical becomes the Master and the Maxtor the Slave.

On the back of the Maxtor there is a small jumper block something like this, (red star over it):
M_a2_gif.jpg
NOTE: The jumper block might not look exactly like this since they changed the style a few times, you'll need to tell me the exact model number so I can find a diagram.

The back of the optical drive will look like this, (thankfully they're pretty standard):
optical-jumper.jpg

What needs to be done for both the Maxtor and the optical is to move the jumper from whatever position it is currently in to the position marked CABLE SELECT, (or CS, CSEL).
On the optical picture I've marked it as the number 2, the jumper is the little thing marked 1.

This is normally a pretty easy thing to do, a bit fiddly when the drives are installed but certainly doable with a bit of patience and some needle nose pliers - the most fiddly will be the optical drive since the jumper block is on the other side of the IDE cable, (when viewed from the photo perspective).  A good light and a magnifying glass might also be of benefit or a really friendly neighbour with good eyesight and a steady hand.

Don't forget, disconnect the power.

CleverCat

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Re: I Need DC Input
« Reply #26 on: February 23, 2012, 06:19 AM »
I didn't put it together - but my IT guy/friend who has a Degree in Computer Engineering did!  :-[

Yikes - I think I need physical help and I know where to get it..... I don't think Mum's up for all the above!  ;D

Will keep you posted....

Thanks  :-*

CleverCat

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Re: I Need DC Input
« Reply #27 on: February 23, 2012, 06:26 AM »
Which is the best option for maximum result?


4wd

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Re: I Need DC Input
« Reply #28 on: February 23, 2012, 06:31 AM »
The best option would be rearranging the drives as shown at the top and Option 2, OR Option 1 and Option 2.

Doing one of these combined options will get all the drives working and the IDE devices into the correct Master/Slave cabling relationship.

Of the two combinations, doing Option 1 and Option 2 is probably the easiest.

SJ, (I know you were watching when I typed this  :P ), any comments/ideas/alternatives?
« Last Edit: February 23, 2012, 06:39 AM by 4wd »

Stoic Joker

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Re: I Need DC Input
« Reply #29 on: February 23, 2012, 07:04 AM »
SJ, (I know you were watching when I typed this  :P ), any comments/ideas/alternatives?

eek! ...You work for Google?!?

Removing stuff is generally easiest ... So just unplug the IDE cable from the board, run the install with the SATA devices, and if all is well...pull the IDE device power cables. Device removal is optional.

Hell if it was my mom...I'd be lucky to get that far.

4wd

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Re: I Need DC Input
« Reply #30 on: February 23, 2012, 12:38 PM »
SJ, (I know you were watching when I typed this  :P ), any comments/ideas/alternatives?

eek! ...You work for Google?!?

Nothing so evil...but I do confess to staring at the Who's Online sometimes  :-[

Removing stuff is generally easiest ... So just unplug the IDE cable from the board, run the install with the SATA devices, and if all is well...pull the IDE device power cables. Device removal is optional.

I think the only way to get the SATA optical going in it's current position is to unplug both IDE power plugs - I think I can see an extra SATA power connector on that lead.  Otherwise there doesn't seem to be enough lead length between the any of the plugs, (molex/SATA), to enable both SATA devices to be powered.

But then after install it would need to be unplugged again due to the need to have the Maxtor working, so then the IDE optical would need to be powered again, (again because of insufficient lead length between plugs) - leaving that nice SATA optical sitting all by it's lonesome again.
Aarrrgghh!  :wallbash:

Hell if it was my mom...I'd be lucky to get that far.

Mine too ;D

Stoic Joker

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Re: I Need DC Input
« Reply #31 on: February 23, 2012, 01:19 PM »
SJ, (I know you were watching when I typed this  :P ), any comments/ideas/alternatives?

eek! ...You work for Google?!?

Nothing so evil...but I do confess to staring at the Who's Online sometimes  :-[

I always forget about that.

Removing stuff is generally easiest ... So just unplug the IDE cable from the board, run the install with the SATA devices, and if all is well...pull the IDE device power cables. Device removal is optional.

I think the only way to get the SATA optical going in it's current position is to unplug both IDE power plugs - I think I can see an extra SATA power connector on that lead.  Otherwise there doesn't seem to be enough lead length between the any of the plugs, (molex/SATA), to enable both SATA devices to be powered.

But then after install it would need to be unplugged again due to the need to have the Maxtor working, so then the IDE optical would need to be powered again, (again because of insufficient lead length between plugs) - leaving that nice SATA optical sitting all by it's lonesome again.
Aarrrgghh!  :wallbash:

Oops! ...Caught me not paying attention. I was thinking the IDE was all done (and missed the power cable issue).

Pull the IDE optical drive, and move the SATA HDD to its position. Then just bolt it to one side (they don't torque-up that hard), and if it sags a bit it can't go far...it's already at the bottom. Put the SATA optical in the slot above it, now the cables reach ... And the IDE HDD can have the leftovers where it's at.

...Unless there is something else I'm missing.

Innuendo

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Re: I Need DC Input
« Reply #32 on: February 23, 2012, 03:43 PM »
CleverCat, sorry to see you are in South Africa. If you were anywhere close to me I'd have been more than happy to road trip over to fix you up.

4wd

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Re: I Need DC Input
« Reply #33 on: February 23, 2012, 04:06 PM »
Pull the IDE optical drive, and move the SATA HDD to its position. Then just bolt it to one side (they don't torque-up that hard), and if it sags a bit it can't go far...it's already at the bottom. Put the SATA optical in the slot above it, now the cables reach ... And the IDE HDD can have the leftovers where it's at.

Nice  :Thmbsup:

The IDE optical won't be used but then at 8 years old it's probably near laser-death, (depending on frequency of use).

Unplug the IDE cable from the IDE HDD during the install and then plug it back into the last plug on the cable.

No extra parts required, only a screwdriver needed - is that possible CleverCat?

CleverCat

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Re: I Need DC Input
« Reply #34 on: February 24, 2012, 01:38 AM »
CleverCat, sorry to see you are in South Africa. If you were anywhere close to me I'd have been more than happy to road trip over to fix you up.

Now wouldn't that be ideal! It's a very nice gesture... :-*

CleverCat

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Re: I Need DC Input
« Reply #35 on: February 24, 2012, 02:05 AM »
OK 4wd - let me see if I have the 'Ducks in a Row!"  ;)

I have 4 Bays so I'll end up with:
 
Bay 3 - SATA Optical
Bay 4 - Seagate SATA

Maxtor underneath

How do we connect the optical?

Thanks....


4wd

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Re: I Need DC Input
« Reply #36 on: February 24, 2012, 11:17 PM »
What SJ proposes is this:

100_0243.JPG

1) Remove the IDE optical, (*).
2) Move the SATA HDD, (1), to where the arrow points, (bay 4), using only two screws on one side to hold it.  This should be fine if the machine is not moved around a lot.
3) Move the SATA optical, (2), to bay 3.
4) When those two SATA devices are in position then you'll be able to plug the extra SATA power connector, (3), into the back of the SATA optical since it should reach from the SATA HDD.

Optional for neatness:
a) Move the IDE connector, (4), to the IDE HDD.
b) Put the IDE optical in bay 1 to plug the hole, but don't bother connecting it up.

It would be best to unplug the SATA cables, (both data and power), from the devices before moving them.  Try to avoid waggling them up and down as you unplug or plug them in.  They are polarised and the data connector is smaller than the power connector, looking at the back of the device you have the power connector on the left, the data on the right.

sata2.jpg

When you remove the SATA optical, (slide the opticals out through the front of the case), take the time to study both the plug and socket so you're familiar with how they go together.
« Last Edit: February 25, 2012, 03:56 AM by 4wd »

CleverCat

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Re: I Need DC Input
« Reply #37 on: February 25, 2012, 03:38 AM »
Mum says thanks so much for the concise instructions! I think we're good to go now... 8)

Hopefully my next post will report that everything works!  ;D

You're too kind..... :-*

4wd

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Re: I Need DC Input
« Reply #38 on: February 25, 2012, 03:55 AM »
If worst comes to worst, (perish the thought), you have pictures of how it was so you can restore it.

You have printed at least one, right?

;)

CleverCat

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Re: I Need DC Input
« Reply #39 on: February 25, 2012, 04:08 AM »
Yes have printed  ;)

Opticals are screwed in both sides, right? So need to remove both side covers from case?

CleverCat

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Re: I Need DC Input
« Reply #40 on: February 25, 2012, 04:17 AM »
Am gathering pics off net in case we need.. ;D

CleverCat

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Re: I Need DC Input
« Reply #41 on: February 25, 2012, 04:20 AM »
Yikes, the pic of my case from DC is showing up on net  ;D

4wd

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Re: I Need DC Input
« Reply #42 on: February 25, 2012, 06:40 AM »
Opticals are screwed in both sides, right? So need to remove both side covers from case?

Yes, that's correct - HDDs normally as well.

Also, the screws for the HDDs have a different thread to the screws for the opticals so keep them separate, otherwise you might end trying to use the wrong one for the device.

cranioscopical

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Re: I Need DC Input
« Reply #43 on: February 25, 2012, 07:37 AM »
the pic of my case from DC is showing up on net
Fame at last!

I presume it's listed as adult content. I'm not sure that children should be allowed to see it with its cover off.

steeladept

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Re: I Need DC Input
« Reply #44 on: February 25, 2012, 09:22 AM »
Yep.  Definite Nerd-Porn as my wife calls it....

CleverCat

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Re: I Need DC Input
« Reply #45 on: February 26, 2012, 12:50 AM »
the pic of my case from DC is showing up on net
Fame at last!

I presume it's listed as adult content. I'm not sure that children should be allowed to see it with its cover off.
-cranioscopical (February 25, 2012, 07:37 AM)

 :eusa_naughty:

CleverCat

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Re: I Need DC Input
« Reply #46 on: February 26, 2012, 12:55 AM »
Opticals are screwed in both sides, right? So need to remove both side covers from case?

Yes, that's correct - HDDs normally as well.

Also, the screws for the HDDs have a different thread to the screws for the opticals so keep them separate, otherwise you might end trying to use the wrong one for the device.

Duly Noted!

Mum prised off bay cover to make sure we had no metal plate to surprise us - nope, only a hole!  ;D

Now we are good to go - need a free and clear day - Wednesday will be D Day, or should I say 4wd Day?  ;D ;D

4wd

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Re: I Need DC Input
« Reply #47 on: February 26, 2012, 01:21 AM »
Now we are good to go - need a free and clear day - Wednesday will be D Day, or should I say 4wd Day?  ;D ;D

No, no, no - SJ wrote the script, I just drew the picture :D

CleverCat

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Re: I Need DC Input
« Reply #48 on: February 26, 2012, 01:39 AM »
A collaboration then!  ;)

Thanks SJ   :Thmbsup: - almost forgot you...  :-[

CleverCat

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Re: I Need DC Input
« Reply #49 on: February 29, 2012, 01:32 AM »
Well - Wednesday is here and it's time to dive into the case!

Hopefully will report that all is well.... ;D