Problem connecting PB 1400 to Iomega Zip Drive

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Problem connecting PB 1400 to Iomega Zip Drive

I am having difficulty connecting an iomega zip drive to my pb1400. I have the adapter that goes into the 1400 connected to wide scsi-type plugs that are mated and then into smaller scsi on zip. But when I power on, I get a flashing "2" enclosed in a diamond. I may have some kind of termination problem. Not sure. Any suggestions? TTommy

Powerbook 1400 CS, Iomega, Mac OS 8.6 or Earlier

Posted on Jan 20, 2009 7:01 AM

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Answer 1

Jan Hedlund

Level 7

24,289 points

Jan 20, 2009 8:59 AM in response to TTommy

The system is operating in SCSI Disk Mode (HD Target Mode), which is not what you want. See the PowerBook 1400 manual ( here) for details.

The square plug of the cable (or a separate adapter without a switch) should have 29 pins if used with an external SCSI device (such as a hard drive). Alternatively, if an adapter with 30 pins and a switch is used, make sure that the switch is in the correct position.

Jan

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Answer 2

jpl

Level 7

28,285 points

Jan 20, 2009 9:02 AM in response to TTommy

TTommy,

It sounds like you have a SCSI Disk Adapter for SCSI Disk Mode instead of the SCSI System Adapter for adding external SCSI Devices. The HDI-30 SCSI Disk Adapter will have 30 pins or the adapter will have a small switch for 'disk' or 'system'. A standard HDI-30 SCSI System Adapter will have 29 pins; the 30th pin forces the computer into SCSI Disk Mode.

If you have the Zip 100 drive, make sure the termination switch on the back panel is turned 'ON'.

Here is a good article on SCSI devices; please read it carefully, especially the part where all devices must be powered off when making any changes to the SCSI chain.

http://support.apple.com/kb/TA21592?viewlocale=en_US

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