Re: OT: Swapping hard drives

[Harry Binswanger hb@xxxxxxxx]

> Back in 2001, Harry Binswager and Otis Port were talking about using a
> system in which they put hard drives into carriers, put an adapter in an
> external bay, and swapped hard drives in and out of the bay to use
> different configurations, operating systems, etc.
>
> I've decided that's the way to go.
>
> What do you call those carriers, and where do you get them?


Before I answer, I've moved on to a better implementation of the same idea:
external drives that communicate via USB, Firewire, or both. The advantage
over the shuttled-in, IDE drive is that you don't have to reboot with USB /
Firewire.


That said, the IDE shuttle system should cost about $35, and I think Jordan
is right, that they are called "mobile racks" (but I've also heard
"shuttles" and "carriers.")


E.g., http://www.pcgate.geomerx.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category&categoryID=95

I bought mine from a little computer shop in mid-Manhattan (Worldline at
37th, north side of street, between Mad. and 5th). Since you live in
Manhattan, I'd recommend Worldline (aka WL)--they are helpful, and they
have good prices on the cheaper things, like cables.


If you want USB/Firewire, the thing is called a drive enclosure. A Canadian
one that I tried wouldn't install. The one that did install, and that I now
use, has absolutely no name on it, nor in its accompanying little "manuals"
(one for USB one for FW). But for the enclosure (sans drive) you should pay
about $70.


If you only have USB 1, as I do, then you'll either want to upgrade to USB
2 (tried that, couldn't get it to work) or get a FireWire card (works for
me). Of course, for just backup, even USB 1 is probably fast enough.



> I think it was Harry who recommended Computergate
> http://www.computergate.com for the carriers and DriveGuys
> http://www.driveguys.com for hard drives.


Nope, it wasn't me.


Harry Binswanger
hb@xxxxxxxx