Slot loading drive in an Indigo Clamshell?

#1 Wed, 19 Oct 2011 - 00:44

I am wondering if its possible to install a slot loading dvd drive in an indigo clamshell?

This is the drive I have:

http://www.welovemacs.com/app6154.html

I have done a little research into the matter at hand and came up with this:

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=386264

If it won't work in the clamshell, might I be able to get it to go in my Pismo?

Any help and advice much appreciated!

#2 Wed, 19 Oct 2011 - 02:08

If it works in the Pismo, it should work in a Clamshell. Double check the positioning of the ATAPI connector, some do vary in their positioning. In fact, you'll probably find it easier to test in the Pismo as you only need take apart the plastic enclosure it comes in, and not have to tear the machine down nearly as much as you could in a Clamshell. Also keep in mind you may have to force master/slave setting.

Obviously in both you'll have an ugly bare drive visible, but you could consider slicing the existing fascias to fit a slot CD into.

I've come across so many dead PC laptops with tray-loading DVD burning drives though that it's easier and cheaper to find one of these and put them into the Macs in question. Both plastic fascias needed slight adjustment of the eject button.

JB

#3 Thu, 20 Oct 2011 - 00:36

I've installed the drive into the Pismo and it works fine.

I already have a DVD drive set to master in the clamshell that was pulled from a busted white ibook.

I won't be able to burn and it is ugly and tricky to eject, but at least I can play dvd's on it

Also keep in mind you may have to force master/slave setting.

I had a gander at this:

http://hints.macworld.com/article.php?story=20060329123602853

A bit too much nitty gritty for me.

Thanks for the help Byrd

#4 Thu, 20 Oct 2011 - 01:55

Forcing master is actually pretty straight forward, just find the pins and short the two using a conductive ink pen - no need to solder. I reckon slot-load drive, with a modified fascia would look pretty sweet - thoughts of cutting the Clamshell's fascia longways in half using a bandsaw, and making spacers to fit a slot in the right position ... mmmm future project here

#5 Tue, 8 Nov 2011 - 16:11

I can be done and I have seen it done to an Indigo iBook. The ugliest part of the mod is making the conversion of the bezel from tray to slot loading to look nice.