Re: SCSI HD question

["Seth D. Kadesh" <thes+@CMU.EDU>]

tobin@ecn.purdue.edu (Tobin R Ford) writes:
> Hi!

Hi!
 
> I'm currently thinking about purchasing a hard drive for my IIGS
> and would really like to get an internal one.  I've heard a lot
> of you talking about how much cheaper it is.  What you've also said
> is that, as long as it's SCSI, any HD will work.  However, can
> you just plug a Mac internal drive into a slot in a GS?  Or, are
> there modifications you have to do?  If so, could you please tell
> me what they are?  I've never done this before, so painstakingly
> explicit directions would be appreciated.

Actually, what you would do is plug the interface card into the slot
inside your GS, and run a cable from the card to the drive.  Buying an
internal drive is cheaper than buying an external drive because you're
not paying for the case or the power supply.  You don't really need a
case (it helps to keep the drive from getting dusty, but since all the
important stuff is sealed...) but a power supply is absolutely
necessary.

The cheapest way to do this would be to purchase an IBM type power
supply (should cost about $40 - $60).  The power supply will have a
connector that will fit you hard drive (it's a four pin plastic
connector that only fits one way).

The other connection that needs to be made is from the drive to the
SCSI card.  The SCSI cable is a 50 pin cable at the drive end, and
probably a 25 pin cable at the card end (there are lots of ground
wires).  You can make your own cable (I did) or you can buy a cable.

There are other options (buying an external drive, buying a
replacement power supply for the GS - Pegasus? - that has a space for
a hard drive, etc.), but these are more expensive (although they may
be easier), and your question didn't seem directed towards those
options.

> Thanks for your time,

Well, it's not really *my* time.... ;-)

  Seth ---> thes+@cmu.edu		It is not enough to watch.
"I said 'Forget Topsoil, Think Tinfoil, There's tons of kids who want
to get tanned.'" - Think Tree