SCSI-IDE converter
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Most classic Macs use a hard disk drive as their main mass storage medium. Some of the latest 68k Macs and the majority of PPC Macs use IDE harddisk drives. The majority of 68k Macs uses SCSI hard disk drives of a kind not in production any more, but. An option to replace a defective SCSI harddisk drive is the use of a recent IDE harddisk drive in combination with a SCSI-IDE converter / bridge device. This allows to use almost any IDE harddisk drive just like a common SCSI harddisk drive, with a jumper table to set SCSI ID number, termination, parity etc. Usually the device will be mounted piggybacked onto or below the IDE drive. Different makes are available in 3.5" and 2.5" form factor. Some devices protrude a bit in lenght, so it might be neccessary to adjust the mounting position slightly.
More information
In case you look for an alternative have a look at the following article in this wiki: SCSI harddisk replacement options. Because IDE technology will reach end of life, as well, it might be useful to consider an IDE-SATA bridge solution.
Using a PowerBook as a peripheral
In case you have an unused PowerBook, consider using it as an external drive adapter or media reader. Follow suggestions in the thread The -ultimate- SCSI accessory.
External links
Several products to support vintage SCSI systems are available. Some are developed for this purpose and are in production, currently. Some of the products are intended for use in recent server arrangements, to provide a "low cost" alternative compared to recent high speed SCSI drives, which needs not to be a low cost solution in a hobbyists terms. In some cases one might need to get an additional passive adaptor plug to provide pin compatibility with older SCSI connectors (more or smaller pins to 50 pin IDC). Some of the following links lead to product pages of products probably not in production any more. Manufacturers might have "end of life" listed items in stock, still. In case of demand contact the manufacturer and ask for a quotation.
If you have recent information about additional devices or availability, update this page, please.
- Acard 7720U IDE (40 pin) to SCSI (50 pin) Adaptor (jumpers for SCSI ID, disk activity LED, termination power and termination enable).
- Addonics Technologies Dual ports or single port IDE to SCSI adapter (available)
- Addonics Technologies ATAPI to SCSI Converter LVD SCSI 68-pin (available)
- Addonics Technologies Ultra LVD160 SCSI-IDE converter (discontinued)
- Artmix PowerMonster RX IDE to SCSI adaptor in 2.5" form factor (This device is engineered especially to use recent 2.5" IDE drives to replace a defective SCSI drive in a PowerBook. To make use of this high speed / low noise / low power solution in other computers, Artmix offers an adaptor plug to fit the mini SCSI pinout to a standard 50 pin IDC connector. Status: available. )
- The Hantz & Partner collection of several SCSI-IDE or SCSI-SATA bridge devices has reached end of life. (The SCSI-bridge device products have been removed from this page completely.)
- Yamaha V769970 IDE (40 pin) to SCSI (50 pin) Adaptor
- The Redrocktech product page contains several SCSI-ATA bridge solutions for blade servers. Probably not an option for the average mac hobbyist as of the uncommon form factor and a price range starting in the hundreds of Dollars.
