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Hi
Im trying to retrieve some files from an old Mac IIci.
its a 50-pin SCSI HD Quantum ProDrive 210S
does a reader exist? I been searching and can't find anything. this is my last resort.
thanks in advance!
Sookie
iMac Line (2012 and Later)
Hi,
There have been some USB-to-SCSI adapters. You could try, for example, an eBay search. However, you will probably find that these adapters are expensive, and there is no guarantee that they will work with a modern Mac (that is, suitable drivers may not be available).
It may after all be better to make an attempt to use the Macintosh IIci, if you could locate/buy/borrow an old Mac monitor, as well as an ADB mouse and a keyboard. This may or may not work (one cannot rule out bad electrolytic capacitors in old computer equipment).
Alternatively, a pre-1998 PowerBook computer (with an HDI-30 SCSI port) could be used, but would require an external drive enclosure and appropriate cables/adapters.
Unfortunately, there is not a really simple way.
I would not buy an expensive USB-to-SCSI adapter without knowing that it will work.
The design of the Macintosh IIci video circuits makes it difficult to use anything but an old Macintosh monitor with the special 15-pin (two rows) connector in this case (later Macintosh computers could be adapted for use with VGA).
Older Mac computers/monitors/mice/keyboards can sometimes be found in (thrift/charity) second-hand shops.
Do you have an Apple/Mac user group in your area/country?
Once you have access to the SCSI disk and its files via a working pre-1998 Macintosh computer, it would be relatively easy to carry out transfers to a modern Mac or PC. Depending on the old Macintosh model/specifications, there are several methods. Mac- or PC-formatted 1.44 MB diskettes could be used, with a USB floppy drive connected to the modern machine. A serial null-modem or modem-to-modem connection could perhaps be an alternative. If the old (intermediate) Macintosh computer has Ethernet, a network transfer may be used. If it is a pre-1998 PowerBook with PC Card (PCMCIA) slots, a transfer on a CompactFlash memory card would be possible.
Does the mac have aUSB port which you can use to plug in a flash drive? if so, use that to transfer the files onto. Then they can be copied onto another computer. Try plugging a flash drive into your keyboard. It should have a USB port on it.
Hi Ronasara thanks for the reply.
However The mac is from about 1990 waaaaay before USB. (even before firewire)
I have the mac IIci computer but no serial monitor nor adb mouse or keyboard to start it.
I pulled the hard drive out and now need to plug the 50pin HD to something so I can transfer files to my computer via usb
My goal is NOT to start up the drive/computer but just access the files on the HD.
just hoping if theres any photos or files on it.
thanks
Thank you for explaining. I understand your issue. If it were me. I would spend time researching web sites that sell equipment on th possibility that something might be found/ Otherwise do a search of the web for used parts, etc. Good luck.
Hey!
thanks for the response. I just found 1 adapter for 107.00 on ebay.
don't know if its really worth it. the HD is only 210MB and not even 100% unknown if it works or if there is any old photos on it.
if it was around about 25.00 then worth the gamble.
if anyone know where I can get one for about 50.00 or lower please let me know.
and do you think its really worth asking around some friends about the monitor and keyboard/mouse.
and as you say things may or may not work...
thanks
Sookie
Jan,
Thanks for your help.
I didn't even think that far... now that you mentioned it. even if I get a monitor/keyboard/mouse, and manage to get it started... transferring the files off the mac to my newer mac is a mission.
maybe its not really worth the effort and $$
I live in Miami, FL maybe I can find user group locally and see if they have an adapter available and I can bring the drive and transfer it at a meet.
appreciate all your help!
Sookie
You're welcome!
Yes, at least according to https://appleusergroupresources.com/find-a-group/, there are several user groups in Florida, so you may be able to find someone in one who could help. Good luck!
is there a 50-pin SCSI Hard Drive reader/adapter (HD from IIci)
