IDE ribbon cable connectors orientation

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt (More info?)

"Conor" <conor_turton@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:MPG.1af546faf4dfd39b98a46e@news.claranews.com...
> In article <7bqdnbFmbeTBABfdRVn-sw@adelphia.com>,
> ERASETHISart@ERASETHISadelphia.net 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 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?
>
> --
> Conor
>
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

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt (More info?)

Conor <conor_turton@hotmail.com> wrote:
| In article <7bqdnbFmbeTBABfdRVn-sw@adelphia.com>,
| ERASETHISart@ERASETHISadelphia.net 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.