The adapters giving problems are all directly PCMCIA/Cardbus to SD. I successfully set up my 16gb card - the one that had the weird OS 8.5 Disk Tools System Folder on it - with three partitions - Documents, Virtual Memory, and Permanent Storage (because I couldn't think of what to do with all that space). In any event, there seems to be no problem with the PCMCIA > CF and CF > SD adapters (in concert).
However, the Cardbus > CF adapter I bought says it only runs on Windows and OS 10.2.x and after. It registers as "Duo ATA" on the Kanga but I can't open it and it clearly doesn't just show up as ATA (like the PCMCIA > CF > SD does). And it causes Drive Setup to freeze. [On OS 9, Drive Setup shouldn't have problems with non-Apple drives (or accessible PC Cards) - at least in my experience.] But now I can't find evidence there are any Cardbus (or 32-bit) CF or SD adapters that actually run on pre-OS X Mac OS.
I will turn around and check the successful card setup out on the 5300. I'm also probably going to get a cheap 5300cs as a parts-source for the 5300c just in case. In any event, this seems to be an issue with PC Card (generally) to SD directly - manifested most unusually in the 5300c.
I may not have mentioned this crucial detail - the HD problems are all data-issues. Every HD powers up and spins inside the 5300c, but nothing has yet been recognized [since the first Sad Mac]. This includes several HDs I know are both good and bootable. I just got a new HD cable, so I will use the new cable and a few drives when I get the chance.
However, the Cardbus > CF adapter I bought says it only runs on Windows and OS 10.2.x and after. It registers as "Duo ATA" on the Kanga but I can't open it and it clearly doesn't just show up as ATA (like the PCMCIA > CF > SD does). And it causes Drive Setup to freeze. [On OS 9, Drive Setup shouldn't have problems with non-Apple drives (or accessible PC Cards) - at least in my experience.] But now I can't find evidence there are any Cardbus (or 32-bit) CF or SD adapters that actually run on pre-OS X Mac OS.
I will turn around and check the successful card setup out on the 5300. I'm also probably going to get a cheap 5300cs as a parts-source for the 5300c just in case. In any event, this seems to be an issue with PC Card (generally) to SD directly - manifested most unusually in the 5300c.
I may not have mentioned this crucial detail - the HD problems are all data-issues. Every HD powers up and spins inside the 5300c, but nothing has yet been recognized [since the first Sad Mac]. This includes several HDs I know are both good and bootable. I just got a new HD cable, so I will use the new cable and a few drives when I get the chance.