How to relocate xbox dvd drive? IDE to usb?

osnola22 · 01-30-2006, 03:18 PM

I want to relocate the dvd drive from an Xbox to my dash and have the rest of the xbox under my center console or under a seat in my truck. Extending the power isn't a problem, I'm just going to cut one end of the harness of and solder and extend the wires. The IDE cable is my only problem. I can't really find any long IDE cable extensions, and have heard that 2-3 feet is usually max with an IDE cable (aside from a few exceptions i've seen on here.) How else could I get the drive that far away. I'm thinking at least 6 feet of cable to be safe. Could I convert the IDE cable to USB at the xbox and then back to IDE at the drive? Do they make adapters to go both ways? Is this possible? I've also heard of using a SATA converter. Would there be any signal losses over a longer distance? Anyone have any other suggestions? What would be the best method to do this? Thanks alot.

EsKALad · 01-30-2006, 05:51 PM

i have 1 foot ide extension cables if your interested. 3 bucks each.

DarquePervert · 01-30-2006, 06:11 PM

The Xbox uses IDE only.
You're limnited to the length of IDE cable. You could go with a cable that's longer than the IDE spec, but it may or may not work.

The XBox isn't going to recognize USB or SATA or anything else.

osnola22 · 01-31-2006, 12:17 AM

would I be able to just chain 5 of the one footers together? would I have problems with this, or would I be better off trying to buy one long cable. Anyone know where I can get one 5' or longer?

DarquePervert · 01-31-2006, 04:04 AM

You can find or make them, but don't expect them to work. THey might. They might not.
The maximum spec for IDE cable length is 18". 24" cables are common, primarily because of better materials & manufacturing processes.

osnola22 · 01-31-2006, 11:06 PM

Is this the proper connecter I'd be looking for?

http://www.stonewallcable.com/produc...++++++++++++++

I realize it may not work, but I want to give it a shot. Can you think of any better way to relocate the drive 5ft or so away? Is there anything I can convert the IDE to so I can run a different type of cabling? Also, how hard is it to put the connectors on if I were to just buy a large roll of the IDE cable? Thanks alot for the help. I appreciate it.

EsKALad · 01-31-2006, 11:16 PM

ill give you 5 of the extension cables for 15 shipped.

jesse123 · 02-01-2006, 12:14 AM

You can build a 5' ide cable out of cat5 if you have the time

ROMbler · 02-03-2006, 05:09 PM

Just a thought:
Put a mod chip in your xbox and upgrade the HDD. Then you can backup all your games and movies to the HDD and not have to access the DVD drive as often. Then extend the dvd drive cable from the xbox under your seat just far enough so you can get to it directly (still under your seat, but within reach) once in a while to add games.

turbocad6 · 02-03-2006, 05:28 PM

does an EXTERNAL usb drive work?.... instead of extending the original just leave it as is & add another drive external.... don't know if this is an option w/xbox though....

I once extended an ide cable almost 40" in my "first windows pc install"(car in my sig).... it worked..... kinda........ the best way to do this is go to any place that builds computers(there on almost every block around here).... they by ide cable by the roll & just add connectors to it.... make any length you want....

weather it works or not is another story... much better chance with an optical drive than a hardrive I would think... trying it is the only way to find out, & I wouldn't just get extra long to be sure, I would measure to see what's the absolute shortest you can get to work for you & go from there..........

osnola22 · 02-03-2006, 05:33 PM

It already has a mod chip in it. I can just play games off the hard drive if I want to, but that's no fun. I know I can put an xbox in vehicle, that's easy. The fun and challenging part is the fabrication. Modifiying the dash to mount the drive, controller ports, power/eject buttons, etc. That's the only reason I'm putting it in anyways is just to have some fun going through the process. I'll rarely even use it, I just think it would be a fun project.

As far as the external drive goes, I'm not sure. I'll probably have to ask on an xbox forum, they would know for sure.

ROMbler · 02-04-2006, 10:56 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by osnola22

...The fun and challenging part is the fabrication. Modifiying the dash to mount the drive, controller ports, power/eject buttons, etc. That's the only reason I'm putting it in anyways is just to have some fun going through the process. I'll rarely even use it, I just think it would be a fun project...

That's true. Good luck

metwono · 02-12-2006, 04:18 AM

Why dont you ditch the drive all together? I know its not what you intended, but if your low on space, you could cut the xbox like a inch shorter.
Does that make any sense? That way it would fit under a seat. If its modded, you could ftp to the xbox with your car computer, and make changes that way...

Just a thought.

GuessWhosBack · 02-12-2006, 06:13 AM

I made a three foot IDE cable, and it worked

TheLlama · 02-12-2006, 09:17 AM

Cool. I was going to mention that the Xbox controller ports are usb. So if the xbox is modded you can easily add a usb harddrive to one of the controllers.