On Wed, 13 Jul 2005 22:26:04 +0100, Nullcode <dev@null>
wrote:
>Im looking to build my own external dvd drive enclosure using Internal
>Drives.
>
>I already have more than enough drives, so I dont really want to buy an
>external drive. What I want to do convert the molex and ide to connect
>into the back of the base system via USB, Im happy to have some mod to
>convert the molex to the mains AC.
Frankly, "do some mod to convert" makes me wonder if you'd
end up electrocuting yourself. The solution is not a mod to
power it from AC, it is a complete switching power supply.
There are other ways, not as optimal, efficient, or tidy.
>Ive seen IDE->USB adapters which look
>ideal, but they are a little big and expensive.
Big? It's an adapter, a circuit not just a pin converter so
it can only get so small. You make no reference to specific
products though so there is no frame of reference for how
big, "big" is.
>The power cabling is the
>most troubling part as I dont really know where to start, what would be
>the best way to achieve this and what parts would I be looking for. Help
>and resources would be greatfully recieved.
>
>Thanks
Either get an extension cable to take the computer power
over to the enclosure or buy an adapter that comes with a
small power supply. For example,
http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?inv...2IDE-N&cat=CBL
However, if your system supports SATA, you might be better
off getting an SATA to IDE adapter (since the drive is
presumably IDE, PATA) as it will be significantly faster
than USB2 and less system overhead.