IDE to CompactFlash adapters?

[Yvan256]

Is there such a thing as an IDE to CompactFlash adapter? No, I'm not talking about a CompactFlash to IDE adapter.

I'm wondering if it'd be possible to interface the Neuros MPEG-4 Record 2 to a 2.5" or 3.5" hard drive. Yes, CompactFlash prices are going down, but 2GB and 4GB cards are still very expensive. Being able to connect an old 40GB or 80GB hard drive to the Neuros would allow for extremely long recording times, even at best quality settings.

Since CompactFlash to IDE adapters exist, I'm guessing the opposite is possible too. Has anyone ever seen something about this? (even a hacker page)

[Mortal_Elf]

*bump*

I know I've seen something hacked together like this (on a PSP hacks page).  The PSP only recognises 4 GB of any drive connected to it, however.  Of course, now that I try to find it. . .

I think the gist of it was to take a CF-to-IDE adaptor (like http://www.mini-itx.com/store/?c=16#p2607), then tear apart an old CF card, and hard-wire it to the CF/IDE adaptor, as an extension to reach the CF slot on the target device.  The CF card itself would be gutted, see, just using its pin connector wired to the adaptor.  Plus, of course, you need to provide power to the hard drive, via either PC power supply, or an external enclosure.

Well, I'd be quite interested if anyone can find a commercial version, or if anyone creates such a device.



-Thanks.
/Mortal_Elf/

[Ex-Navy]

Yes there is something that exists.
In some embedded systems (automation control) the host systems uses a CF card slot to accept (down) small packets of data.
The same slot is also used to write (up) data from a hard drive.
The adapter is simply a bus (specified data exchange) between two memory devices. So the interface will work both ways.
You need a CF ribbon cable with one male end and one female end

How would you power the drive? If you are thinking of doing this, do not use any power (5 Volts dc) from the Neuros. You most likely will fry the DC power and associated circuits.

You can see one of these adapaters here:

http://www.acscontrol.com/Index_ACS.asp?Page=/Pages/Products/CompactFlash/IDE_To_CF_Adapter.htm

quote:Originally posted by Mortal_Elf

*bump*

I know I've seen something hacked together like this (on a PSP hacks page).  The PSP only recognises 4 GB of any drive connected to it, however.  Of course, now that I try to find it. . .

I think the gist of it was to take a CF-to-IDE adaptor (like http://www.mini-itx.com/store/?c=16#p2607), then tear apart an old CF card, and hard-wire it to the CF/IDE adaptor, as an extension to reach the CF slot on the target device.  The CF card itself would be gutted, see, just using its pin connector wired to the adaptor.  Plus, of course, you need to provide power to the hard drive, via either PC power supply, or an external enclosure.

Well, I'd be quite interested if anyone can find a commercial version, or if anyone creates such a device.



-Thanks.
/Mortal_Elf/

Ex-Navy

[Mortal_Elf]

Thanks for the vote of confidence, Ex-Navy!

The adaptor to which you linked is very much in the same class as the ones I mentioned (and linked to), so that reinforces the feasibility for me.  As I said, power should probably come from a PC power supply, or from an external Hard Drive enclosure (I already have one, so I'd probably use it for any testing I had).

I had an idea about this; putting the Recorder, a hard drive, the aforementioned adaptor, and a power supply into a slimline PC case (such as this, which comes with power supply - http://www.ditcorp.com/itemdesc.asp?ic=CSEAPXDM317) and having a nice, stand-alone PVR.  Extend the IR receiver from the Recorder to the front of the PC case, and you're set.  As the Recorder runs off of 5V DC, you might even be able to pull its power from the PC power supply (though, as I'm not very practiced at hardware hacking, I'd be leary of trying it).  All in on nice, warrenty-voiding package.



-Thanks.
/Mortal_Elf/

[Ex-Navy]

Mortal Elf,
Sounds very exciting. I would love to see it when it is finished.

Some of us like to hack hardware, some of us love to hack software.

I love the hardware. The Neuros is a very nice size and excellent
little product to do just that. It's great for DIY Hack projects.

Here are some another great links:
http://www.engadget.com/2005/03/14/the-300gb-ipod-and-you/
http://www.addonics.com/products/io/default.asp?PageType=Print

I am contemplating on building a sort of critter cam, light enough to
be worn by a smalll dog. Seeing what they see, complete with audio.
Some of us just don't have enough time in the day.............

If you need any help, just email me: info@olson-engineering.com

Have fun!!!

Ex-Navy

[Mortal_Elf]

Wow, looks like we might not need to do any hacking, after all.  Advantech appears to sell exactly what we need:

http://www.advantech.com/epc/newsletter/v28-07-15_00/4IDEsup.htm

This looks pretty promising.



-Thanks.
/Mortal_Elf/

[Ex-Navy]

Here is a link with prices:

http://www.logicsupply.com/default.php/cPath/47_67?referrer=googleAd

Ex-Navy

[Mortal_Elf]

Looks like these folks are trying to do much the same thing:

http://www.linux-hacker.net/cgi-bin/UltraBoard/UltraBoard.pl?Action=ShowPost&Board;=MSNCompanion&Post;=80&Idle;=0&Sort;=0&Order;=Descend&Page;=0&Session;=

The device they're hacking is different, but what they're trying to do (or, rather, are doing) is more or less the same.  So, this is turning out to be quite feasible.  Now, to wait for a decent-sized paycheck. . .   *sighs*



-Thanks.
/Mortal_Elf/

[Ex-Navy]

Good plan!
Keep up the good idea.

Keep in touch!



Ex-Navy

[Yvan256]

Wow, thanks for all the infos and links, everyone.

Funny thing is, I now have a 40GB drive lying around doing nothing.

Not anymore, I guess!