HDD mounting

**Dhaark** · 12-10-2005, 10:14 AM

Hello
I've searched and did not find anything, so I'm asking here.

I was wondering how to connect a HDD and DVD drive that is going to be mounted in the dash to a computer that is going to be in the trunk?

I've googled it, been at a local computer store and they did'nt have the cables to do this. Where could I buy such cables?

Thank's for your help.

**binary.h4x** · 12-10-2005, 10:16 AM

Maybe an IDE to USB converter and run a usb cable to the trunk?

**pip** · 12-10-2005, 10:29 AM

Why would the hdd need to be in the dash?

You'll need a nice, long USB cable running from the PC in the trunk to a non-powered USB 2.0 hub in the dash (male to female A extension cable). Then you'll need a USB/IDE connector or enclosure for the DVD and a HDD USB enclosure. Both will require vehicle power supplies from RS and short USB 2 cables to connect to the hub.

I like to use newegg.com:
Example USB hub
Example USB cable
Enclosure for 2.5" HDD (comes with USB cable)

Some things are harder to find...but MP3Car stocks some good stuff:
USB/IDE converter/enclosure
Slim slot DVD drive (comes with usb cable)

I assumed you'd want to go notebook drives for low power etc etc.

**Dhaark** · 12-10-2005, 11:05 AM

i want the hdd in the dash because it's cold where I live in the winterand I would like to take the hdd out every time I leave the car.

Can't i use the "ribbons" that are used to attach the HDD to the Motherboard and dvd to motherboard? or it won't work?

**DarquePervert** · 12-10-2005, 11:08 AM

The issue is the spec for IDE. It's 18", per the spec. Some have used longer cables with success, however.
You'd be better off putting the HDD just inside the cabin area with the PC mounted against the back of the rear seat.

**binary.h4x** · 12-10-2005, 11:16 AM

maybe :

**pip** · 12-10-2005, 11:25 AM

No, for any distance you really need to go USB...some will surely claim success with long IDE cables but its not the best way to go. Performance may be bad...and may not work at all.

I would use the enclosure I mentioned (though make sure your m/b can boot from USB). If you cant boot from USB then use a removable HDD device like binary mentioned...but internal:

Image s of:
Removable IDE HDD rack

**Spaghetti** · 12-10-2005, 11:31 AM

or use firewire maybe....?

**TruckinMP3** · 12-10-2005, 11:42 AM

Originally Posted by Dhaark

Hello
I've searched and did not find anything, so I'm asking here.

I was wondering how to connect a HDD and DVD drive that is going to be mounted in the dash to a computer that is going to be in the trunk?

I've googled it, been at a local computer store and they did'nt have the cables to do this. Where could I buy such cables?

Thank's for your help.

Searched:
on usb to IDE cables:
System Planning...

USB extension info:
CarPC Setup Advice...

discussion on power over usb and hardware options:
another USB slot dvd thread!

Good luck and keep reading