Slim custom 2.5" hdd enclosure (network adapter) project

[SuicideNinja]

I've actually started working on this (original thread http://psx-scene.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40258 (Need a broken Network Adapter for custom HDD enclosure))

+Hollow out a PS2 network adapter install a 2.5" hard drive in it.
+Add a main power switch (like the old PS2s)
+Ensure the slim PS2 will still work on a vertical stand
-Install the DMS4 Pro
-Install LEDs for activity lights in the network adapter (where the RJ45 and RJ22 jacks are).

I installed the power switch by cutting the + trace coming off the center pin of the power jack and wired accordingly. Then I removed the modem card, and cut the RJ22 hole out to fit the switch. Works great, and now it doesn't have to be in perma-standby. Does anyone even use the modem? The switch was pulled from a broken Sony external burner, but I'm sure one from an ATX power supply would be the same size.

The 2.5 drive won't completely fit inside the network adapter, so I cut out a hole in the bottom of the network adapter. With a dremel, I got the edge of the 2.5 even with the side. I made another plastic piece to cover the hole (not yet pictured).

I finally got pictures posted today (01/03/06). hddoverview.jpg gives you an overall idea of what I'm doing. The 2.5" drive is below the Network Adapter leaving a very tight fit.

hddback.jpg shows the power switch I installed, and where the network adapter with hdd will sit. You can also see the jb-weld-married female IDE and ATX ends in the background. That will go inside the network adapter, and the male ends will go inside the PS2..

naback.jpg is a bad picture, but it's all I've got. It shows the silver plate on the back of the network adapter with the hole cut for the female IDE and ATX ends.

I hope it makes sense now.

[SuicideNinja]

Got a hold of the dremel, and hollowed out the gril portion of the network adapter. I just need to find my drill, and paint some additional plastic black.

Then comes the soldering of the IDE cables and jacks. I'm also putting a yellow activity light in the enclosure. I had pictures, but my friend deleted them so I'll try to take them again.

I've decided not to add 3.5" HDD support to the atx power port that will be mounted in the PSTwo. I'm afraid that the amperage from the USB port will not be sufficient for the 5V portion of the full size drive. I need to look more into that, but I can also add that support later if I'm wrong.

[SuicideNinja]

I've been slacking off on this because of Shaolin Monks and the 360. And I'm trying to get hired out of this job contract.

I did however buy a removable drive bay for this that I'm waiting for. Why? I bought two earlier for my computer and found what I was looking for: a perfect PCB for mounting in the PS2. I previously was going to use IDE ports I cut out of an old slot1 motherboard, but I just wasn't confident in using it.

I'm finding space is EXTREMELY limited in the slim, but I should be able to pull it off. My only concern is heat from the heatsync, but I can get around that if I use care.

Another cosmetic concern is the activity LED that will show through the hole left by the RJ45 and RJ22? jacks. For now, I've cut small squares out of a gallon milk jug for a semi-transparent look. Sounds weird, but I have a feeling it will work out.

Until I mount the male IDE and ATX power plugs in the slim, I can't confidently mount the female ends in the network adapter.

On a good note, I believe my friend wants me to mod his PS2, and all I'm asking for in return is a DMS4 Pro for this project. I'd imagine he'll do it. I'd normally avoid doing it by quoting $200 or something. I don't want people coming to me for modding all the time (which is already happening). I just hope it goes well; I just traded in/sold my remaining extra PS2s.

I'm sorry...pictures pictures pictures...I know.

[SuicideNinja]

I've only been able to do 5 wires with the soldering iron I've got...the tip is just too big. I could get away with it on the old PS2s, but not on the slim. Looking for a better tip for more appropriately doing the job.

I have the holes cut necessary for the job; although I still need to find screws/mounts to finish the job. With some JB Weld and a paperclip for rebar, I modified the female IDE/ATX ends so they will plug perfectly into the male end.

Once I get all the IDE wires soldered in, I will test to the male end and see how it goes. If I didn't damage anything, and it works, then I'll be able to clean up, add the LEDs and resistors necessary, and finish up.

[shuichinz]

pics man? i was thinking of putting a 2.5 in the bit where the heatsync and hot air flows and getting some top fan and better grill going on

[SuicideNinja]

*sigh* I finally got all of the wires soldered in with a better soldering iron. Talk about a pain; I had to redo several points multiple times. I think the wires I'm using are too big (using color-coded wires from a floppy cable). Anyway, the wiring also includes the 5v power off the USB port. However, HDAdvance isn't recognizing the hard drive.

I tried a 3.5" hard drive (powered by an ATX power supply) as well and I get the same results. I'll have to tear apart the PS2 again and see if anything got disconnected while I was routing wires through the PS2 (I had to dremel out some of the plastic case that is behind the DVD drive). It will look great...but it's got to work, too!

Oh yeah, pics posted.

[ChiCubs05]

sounds awesome...dont give up...people like me will never even begin to be able to accomplish something like this, so give us hope!

[SuicideNinja]

pics man? i was thinking of putting a 2.5 in the bit where the heatsync and hot air flows and getting some top fan and better grill going on

I'm not sure there is adequate room in there unless you ground down the heatsink (not recommended). I barely had enough room for the wires and the male IDE/ATX connections! Not to mention having a hard drive directly over the "hotspot" could lead to premature failure, although a fan may help that (as you suggested).

Best thing to do is remove the top of the slim PS2 and see if you can fit the drive in there. Someone did replace the DVD drive with a 2.5", but then you lose the ability to play games direct.

[dan62485]

Keep up the good work! Amazing what u have been doing

[SuicideNinja]

Crap. I broke one of the onboard parts when I was trying to resolder. I tried replacing it with a part from my other V12, but it was just TOO small and I ended up breaking the replacement.

*sigh* Anyone want to sell me a v12 motherboard or slim ps2 with a bad laser or something? All my other parts are good. I prefer to go through ebay.

I don't want to give up yet. This time I can use the good soldering iron for all the points. I think the part was weakened when I used the bigger tipped iron.

Or if anyone knows the specs of the part that #31 is soldered to (is it a cap or a resistor?), my buddy can probably fix what i've got. He's got access to all sorts of parts like that.