Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!swrinde!elroy.jpl.nasa.gov!usc!julius.cs.uiuc.edu!psuvax1!psuvm!jkt100
From: JKT100@psuvm.psu.edu (JKT)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.amiga
Subject: Re: Adding a 2nd hard drive (a VERY basic question)
Message-ID: <90337.233116JKT100@psuvm.psu.edu>
Date: 4 Dec 90 04:31:16 GMT
References: <90Dec3.220431est.8272@orasis.vis.toronto.edu>
Organization: Penn State University
Lines: 48

Interesting:
>
>My current setup is a A2000HD, with a 2091 and a 40MB Quantum.
>I'm long overdue for a second (and bigger) hard drive.  Here's
>my question:  Is there *any* way that I can install a second hard
>drive _INSIDE_ the Amiga (hanging off the 2091) ???
>
>...I am considering buying a Quantum 105MB

I was asking EXACTLY the same question only a few months ago.
What I did was get a non-functional full-length PC board free from
Penn State's computation center that they were throwing out.  I
tore all the components off with a pair of pliers (not pretty, but
MUCH faster than desoldering them all).  Then I cut all the connector
traces on the bottom connector with an X-acto knife so that the
Amiga would not recognize it when it was plugged into a PC slot.
Then it was a simple matter of mounting the 105S on the board by
drilling four holes in it.  Voila!  A do-it-yourself hard-card.
Just run a SCSI cable from the controller to the second drive
and you're set.

I went internal because the reason I bought the 2000 in the first
place was I didn't want peripherals hanging off my computer.  Since
mounting the second hard drive internally, I have taken the 2000
on various trips to the local user's group and various other homes
with no problems at all.  Just make sure the PC card you get is
sturdy and that you use all four mounting screws.

To get a cheap (or free) PC board, check local PC service centers.
Many do not have to return defective boards to manufacturers, and
just trash them.  They may be willing to give you one or sell it
to you for a few bucks.  If you have a choice, obviously choose the
thickest, strongest board you can find.

One last note:  I used some scrap aluminum sheet metal to back up
the mounting of the hard drive.  That way the screws are pulling
against metal, not raw PC board material.  Definitely do this if
the PC board you get is thinner than average.

                                                            Kurt
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