I'm currently working on a big tower build and my IDE cables don't reach the top of the case. I was wondering if anyone has made their own IDE cables before? I see that the parts are available online (40 Pin IDC Cable & Mounting Socket) but would I need any special crimp tools? How do you secure connectors on the ribbon cable?
you don't need special crimp tools... though a vice can be of great help.
the connectors themselves cut into the flatcable.
Also if you want to use CS functionality make sure to break the 28th wire between the second and third connector.
If using for very old harddrive, leave it connected.
Great! Thanks for the info.
mpe wrote on 2020-04-10, 11:36:Also if you want to use CS functionality make sure to break the 28th wire between the second and third connector.
I assume that's only required for CS functionality? Not normal Master / Slave?
What's the best way to "break" the wire? Just carefully cut it?
CS means "cable select". If you have such cable you don't need to configure devices by jumpers and master/slave role is assigned by position of the device on the cable. This was default factory configuration of more modern IDE devices.
You can cut it. Or can also remove the pin from the end device connector.
I know you used to be able to buy the ribbon cables and the connectors (which snap on as people have already mentioned) as some old cases like the proper 'full towers' more commonly used as Servers would sometimes need them but no idea if you can still get the parts today so I'd be interested in seeing how you get on and if you find all the bits hopefully see some photos of your efforts! 😀
My personal website blog: https://www.retrocomputing.co.uk/ and my new Retro Computing YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL8UT2gm3EvNl2tvomN7reg
yes, ribbon cables and connectors are still widely available luckily 😀
imi wrote on 2020-04-11, 00:06:yes, ribbon cables and connectors are still widely available luckily 😀
Ah good! In that case I can't wait to see the OP's efforts - assuming you can get the parts delivered at the moment that is.
My personal website blog: https://www.retrocomputing.co.uk/ and my new Retro Computing YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL8UT2gm3EvNl2tvomN7reg
FazzaGBR wrote on 2020-04-11, 00:09:imi wrote on 2020-04-11, 00:06:yes, ribbon cables and connectors are still widely available luckily 😀
Ah good! In that case I can't wait to see the OP's efforts - assuming you can get the parts delivered at the moment that is.
Yes. I found an Aussie online shop, so getting parts should not be a problem.
Now, on the other hand, the quality of my self-assembled cable might be, though. I will report back when I've assembled and tested one. 😀
Anyone tried making the 80 wire 40 pin connector one for Xbox OG (they have connectors on other side of cable i think) ??? In UK??
I'm pretty sure the original xbox used 40 conductor IDE cables. Those are quite easy to crimp on in a small vise
