PC MASTERS HERE-----> QUESTION

[ps2modder]

Well, i am trying to have 2 HDD in my ps2 and run a simple switch between them. There is 1 12v postive, 1 5V postive and the 2 grounding wires in a molex plug on the ps2. i would like to know if running a switch between the 12v supply and the two hdds and leaving a constant 5v connection to BOTH HDD will work and NOT DAMAGE the HDDs. Can 5v without a 12v power hurt the HDD?


BAsically when it is switched to one hdd----> it will get 12v+ 5v+ 12v- 5V+
the other that is switched off has-----> it will get 5v+ 12v- 5V+ NO 12V postive

[ps2modder]

i have been thinking and if i am right, i dont need a switch, cant i just connect both with the same power suplly, just solder a double molex connection like in power supplies?

[w1ze0ne]

or you could just get a larger hard drive.............

[Thinkdiff]

You could have both powered at the same time.. problem would be switching the IDE cable between the two.

[ps2modder]

dude you can connected 3-5 IDE devices using a regular ide cable, just need an gender change

[ps2modder]

larger....no because one is for linux and one is for game backups

40 and a 120

[zabolyx]

OK try setting one as a master and one as slave.... if it only reads the master then you will only need to make a switch for master and slave settings.....

If I had 2 HDDs at the moment I'd give it a try... I think that the system only can read a master drive.... SOME ONE PLEASE CONFIRM.... if so then the switching is easy as pie... no need to power switching... most drives now will idle if not read from for 10-20 min.

[Thinkdiff]

I am well-aware of the amount of drives an IDE chain can hold. The problem is, if you did any research at all, the PS2's IDE controller will only read the HD using at most a 6" IDE cable, and I do not believe it has any support for dual drives. So a switch must be put in place.

I've not looked at PS2Linux, but i'm positive HDA and all other PS2 apps only see one HD.

[EspI69]

if u have 2 HD's hooked up.. set up a switch so that when u flip it, the 5v and 12v turn on ONLY 1 , and when u switch it , the 5v and 12v turn on for the other.... i dont recommend letting the 5v run thru a HD not in use , might case sum data to get lost...plus if only one HD is powered, then its basically the save and switching

[eight_heads]

i would suggest wiring a switch to the jumpers on the back to set one or the other as master, i wouldn't mess with the molex...

[seal_broken]

This is a goog idea but if you need to get up a and press the switch why not change the cables

[SHadoph]

This is a goog idea but if you need to get up a and press the switch why not change the cables


Because it's cooler! ;)

[ZaTHRaS]

Check this thread http://www.ps2-scene.org/forums/showthread.php?t=21734

[jeex]

how about this?

build a caddy that will hold 2 laptop hdd's that fits inside the ps2 hdd bay?

run & mount a toggle switch to the back of the ps2 that will let you switch between drives?

[Thinkdiff]

That'd be pretty awesome.. INSANELY expensive, but awesome none the less.

[jeex]

well aside from the cost of the drives, building the caddy, switch, adapters & stuff wouldnt be that expensive.. $50/60 at most.

[Thinkdiff]

I meant the drives ;) .. 60GBs can be upwards towards 250-300 dollars.

[ps2modder]

Hmmm....i dont knwo fo any switches that can do molexs....2 switches are dangerous, i am guess there is no such thing as a IDE switch.....

[ps2modder]

i think i might go witht the double switch set up....that mean 1 for 12v, 1 for 5v. I WILL HAVE to switch them when the power is off though

[zabolyx]

a simple DPDT switch will handle the whole power thing... but I'd think about the simple low voltage master/slave switch... has anyone tested this out yet?

not like the 12v ihas much power behind it.... hell even a blue lit DPDT rocker switch can do the task of the power.... but like yuo said it has to be powered off before switching.. or the drives will poop data.

[EspI69]

if u can find a switch that would be able to cut off u wires at the same time , then ud be set , one for 12v and one for 5v in one switch, im sure u can rig one up but it would be slighly big aud have a small box mounted to the side of your ps2... i did it to an amp , but i dunno where the hell i found the sitch , i added a couple fans in the top opf the amo to cool down when i blast music at parties

[zabolyx]

Radio Shack carries 12v rated Double Pole Double Throw switches.... prob. about $3 - $5 for the lighted rocker switch.

wire like so....

switch will have 2 rows of 3 posts....
= = = +5v
= = = +12v

| | |
| | Drive 2
| Power
Drive 1

2 at one end are for one drive, 2 at other end for other drive.... 2 in middle for power

top 3 posts in a row are for +5v and bottom 3 for +12v

don't need to wory about the negatives... flip 1 way powers 1 drive othe way the other...

[EspI69]

niceeeeeeee

[HypERSoniC]

not insanely expensive.. but alot more expensive none the less :p

[zabolyx]

well an IDE switching setup is about $50 - $100... and very bulky.... most are made to fit in 5.25" PC drive bays... and some use PCI cards to do the controlling and switching...

a power switch is easy and very do-able with the limited space of the PS2 case... still teh master/slave switch is smaller and safer.... using a simple key switch so that you can't accidentally flip it while the system is on...