IDE ribbon cable connectors orientation

[Art]

Ordinarily I setup up my IDE/ATAPI devices in the following configuration
(from top to bottom bays):
CD/DVD ROM - Primary Slave
HDD (removable rack) - Primary Master
HDD (removable rack) - Secondary Master
DVD/CD burner - Secondary Slave

For my purposes, this is an ideal configuration, however, there is a problem
in connecting my two Primary devices with the usual IDE ribbon cable (18").
The middle (Slave) connector on the cable is always keyed so that it's
necessary to make a very sharp twist in the cable in order to connect that
middle connector to the Primary Slave device that is installed above the
Primary Master. Some time ago I came across an IDE ribbon cable whose middle
connector was oriented in such a way that I could connect those two devices
without sharply twisting the cable. But I've never been able to locate
another one with the same orientation.

I do not wish to change my hardware configuration as indicated above. Also,
I realize I could use a round cable to achieve my objective as well as a
longer (24") ribbon cable, however, I would prefer to use an IDE ribbon
cable not exceeding 18" in length.

If anyone could point me to a source (in the U. S.) for the item I want, I
would be grateful.

Art

 

[Conor]

Ordinarily I setup up my IDE/ATAPI devices in the following configuration
(from top to bottom bays):
CD/DVD ROM - Primary Slave
HDD (removable rack) - Primary Master
HDD (removable rack) - Secondary Master
DVD/CD burner - Secondary Slave

For my purposes, this is an ideal configuration, however, there is a problem
in connecting my two Primary devices with the usual IDE ribbon cable (18").
The middle (Slave) connector on the cable is always keyed so that it's
necessary to make a very sharp twist in the cable in order to connect that
middle connector to the Primary Slave device that is installed above the
Primary Master. Some time ago I came across an IDE ribbon cable whose middle
connector was oriented in such a way that I could connect those two devices
without sharply twisting the cable. But I've never been able to locate
another one with the same orientation.

I do not wish to change my hardware configuration as indicated above. Also,
I realize I could use a round cable to achieve my objective as well as a
longer (24") ribbon cable, however, I would prefer to use an IDE ribbon
cable not exceeding 18" in length.

Why is the extra length a problem?

 

[Art]

Why is the extra length a problem?

The official specification for any ATA interface calls for a maximum cable
length not to exceed 457 mm, or 18". This applies to both 40-wire and
80-wire cables. I'm aware that longer cables (both flat ribbon and round)
have been used without any apparent performance degradation, however, I
desire to stay within specifications.

Art

 

[Toshi1873]

Ordinarily I setup up my IDE/ATAPI devices in the following configuration
(from top to bottom bays):
CD/DVD ROM - Primary Slave
HDD (removable rack) - Primary Master
HDD (removable rack) - Secondary Master
DVD/CD burner - Secondary Slave

For my purposes, this is an ideal configuration, however, there is a problem
in connecting my two Primary devices with the usual IDE ribbon cable (18").
The middle (Slave) connector on the cable is always keyed so that it's
necessary to make a very sharp twist in the cable in order to connect that
middle connector to the Primary Slave device that is installed above the
Primary Master. Some time ago I came across an IDE ribbon cable whose middle
connector was oriented in such a way that I could connect those two devices
without sharply twisting the cable. But I've never been able to locate
another one with the same orientation.

I do not wish to change my hardware configuration as indicated above. Also,
I realize I could use a round cable to achieve my objective as well as a
longer (24") ribbon cable, however, I would prefer to use an IDE ribbon
cable not exceeding 18" in length.

If anyone could point me to a source (in the U. S.) for the item I want, I
would be grateful.

www.cyberguys.com would be my only guess... (they have
lots of bits and pieces).

However, it may be much simpler to just buy a PCI IDE
card and hook the last 2 devices to that on their own
cables.

 

[Kevin Lawton]

| In article <[email protected]>,
| (e-mail address removed) says...
|| Ordinarily I setup up my IDE/ATAPI devices in the following
|| configuration (from top to bottom bays):
|| CD/DVD ROM - Primary Slave
|| HDD (removable rack) - Primary Master
|| HDD (removable rack) - Secondary Master
|| DVD/CD burner - Secondary Slave
||
|| For my purposes, this is an ideal configuration, however, there is a
|| problem in connecting my two Primary devices with the usual IDE
|| ribbon cable (18"). The middle (Slave) connector on the cable is
|| always keyed so that it's necessary to make a very sharp twist in
|| the cable in order to connect that middle connector to the Primary
|| Slave device that is installed above the Primary Master. Some time
|| ago I came across an IDE ribbon cable whose middle connector was
|| oriented in such a way that I could connect those two devices
|| without sharply twisting the cable. But I've never been able to
|| locate another one with the same orientation.
||
|| I do not wish to change my hardware configuration as indicated
|| above. Also, I realize I could use a round cable to achieve my
|| objective <snip>

- and that's the solution ! Use a round cable.
Wouldn't be too surprised if the inside of your case is a bit 'full of
cables' anyway, so round cables will probably tidy things up a bit and give
the airflow a chance.
The alternative is to modify an IDE cable so that either / both the drive
connectors are on the other side of the cable - keeping the pin1 orientation
correct, of course. The flat cable and connectors are cheap and easy to come
by.
Kevin.