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TTommy
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Q: 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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TTommy

Q: Problem connecting PB 1400 to Iomega Zip Drive

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  • by Jan Hedlund,

    Jan Hedlund Jan Hedlund Jan 20, 2009 8:59 AM in response to TTommy
    Level 6 (9,894 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

  • by jpl,

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

  • by TTommy,

    TTommy TTommy Jan 20, 2009 6:32 PM in response to Jan Hedlund
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 20, 2009 6:32 PM in response to Jan Hedlund
    Dear Jan,
    Thank you ever so much for solving the problem. I was using the wrong connector (30-pin vs. 29-pin.) All is working now.

  • by TTommy,

    TTommy TTommy Jan 20, 2009 6:33 PM in response to jpl
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 20, 2009 6:33 PM in response to jpl
    Dear JPL:
    Thank you so much for solving the problem. I was using the wrong connector (30-pin vs. 29-pin.) All is working now. Best, Ben

  • by Jan Hedlund,

    Jan Hedlund Jan Hedlund Jan 20, 2009 10:02 PM in response to TTommy
    Level 6 (9,894 points)
    Jan 20, 2009 10:02 PM in response to TTommy
    Hello TTommy,

    You are welcome. Glad to hear that it is working.

    Jan