Re: hard drive for Laser

[supertimer@aol.com (Supertimer)]

Robert Steinmetz <rob@steinmetznet.com> wrote:

>Supertimer wrote:
>
>> Corey SN Walker <walkerc@unbc.ca> wrote:
>>
>> >Can a person get a small hard drive for the Laser 128 EX/2, or did they
>> >not come out until the IIGS?  What would I need to fully and safely
>> >install such a drive on my machine if one exists?
>>
>> Take a look at the Focus drive from http://www.allelec.com/
>> Alltech Electronics.  500MB for $79.  It is a "hardcard" that
>> plugs into an Apple II expansion slot.  Since the Laser has
>> an expansion slot on its left side, you can run this hard
>> off of it.  As mentioned before, the slot must be activated
>> by making sure the switch behind the metal ROM door
>> on the bottom of the Laser is set to External Slot 5.
>>
>> There IS however a problem.  First, an exposed card
>> hanging off the side of the Laser is kind of electrically
>> dangerous for both the Laser and the hard drive.  A little
>> push and everything can short circuit!
>>
>> I am trying to make an extension cable to extend the
>> slot back inside the Laser's case.  If successful, I plan
>> to remove my internal disk drive and put the hard drive
>> there.  I would gladly trade the internal floppy drive for a
>> hard drive.  Floppy drives can be plugged into the floppy
>> port as needed.
>>
>> I'm also investigating the possibility of fabricating a
>> case and support for the hard drive hanging off the
>> side slot.  I'm thinking of something that wraps around
>> and supports the Focus card and screws tightly onto
>> the Laser's existing case making a sealed enclosure
>> and sturdy protective support.  This second method
>> would make the Laser bigger, though.
>
>Laser actual sold an expansion chasiss for the Laser 128 which added 2
>slots I ran anexternal harddrive from one for a long time. I still have the
>computer and all of the accessories but am not sure it works , I haven't
>used it in years.

The problem with the expansion box is the fact that it is
not integrated with the Laser 128EX/2.  My main
motivation for this project is to make a Laser with an
internal hard drive of some sort.  This will go a long way
in making the Laser complete.

However, the parts of such a box could provide the raw
materials for the project.  For example, the ribbon cable
connecting the Laser to the box is perfect.  Just cut off
that cable (depending on how long it is) and wire it to a
single slot connector that can be placed inside the Laser
after removing the internal floppy drive.  The Focus card
can then be installed in that slot.

A Laser with an internal hard drive would be interesting
at KansasFest 2000.  I'm surprised Dr. Buggie or Tony
Diaz have not done something similar already.