Help with SCSI drive

[pmack]

Hello all

I bought a DATA CardDock (http://page2.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/b124846402) which is supposed to work as a SD card reader that works as a SCSI driver. I got a few problems here:
- Even though the CardDock has a SCSI output, the cable that came with the device has the computer end in the SASI format. So question #1 is, can I use a regular SCSI cable to try to connect this device to my XVI compact?
- Since I couldn't connect the device to the XVI, I tried to connect it to my Expert since it has the SASI input. However, I don't currently have a computer that allows me to burn 5.25 disks so I cannot create a MasterDisk according to Eidis instructions. I do have the original boot disks for this computer so I can log in to human (2.1). Is there any way I can enable this drive using the programs in that disk? I can run switch.x for instance, but it is not allowing me to change the HDID.

Thanks

[eidis]

 Hi !

Sorry for the late reply.

According to:
http://gamesx.com/wiki/doku.php?id=x68000:hard_disk

All X68000s (even the SASI-based models) seem to have standard pinouts for the external hard disk connector:
* Original model, Ace, Expert, Pro: Centronics 50-pin with /ATN, PARITY and Termination Power unconnected.
* Super, XVI: Standard Centronics 50-pin.
* Compact XVI, X68030, X68030 Compact: High-Density Centronics 50-pin.

I personally was able to connect external PC CD-ROM drive with a CN50 male to CN50 male cable and get it to work so I guess that every X68000 could be compatible with standard external SCSI pinout.

If I'm right you need to connect the DATA CardDock to your XVI compact with CN50 male to HD50 male cable. Please see this site for reference:

http://www.ramelectronics.net/scsi_connectors.ep

There is a listing for Ext SCSI Adapter HD 50 Pin Male to CN 50 Female on eBay for ~15 USD which could be used together with CN50 male to CN50 male cable.
All SASI X68000 machines need SxSI driver in order to access SCSI1 type hard disks. That is why your device did not work with your Expert.
On Compact the scenario (if you have Human 68k v3) would look approximately like this:

- Boot from floppy which contains Human OS
- switch.x
- alter "BOOT" parameter to SCSI<your ID>
- restore my image with Active @ Disk to SD and try to boot from it.

Best of luck and keep us posted !

Eidis

[pmack]

Thanks a bunch Eidis. I will get the cable and try it out. I will update the thread once I have news.