Can a 1400 operate an iBook slotloader?

#1 Tue, 23 Apr 2013 - 07:00

Just wondering if there was any chance of using this ultra-thin CD/ROM slot loader with a PowerBook 1400 MoBo? :?:

Connectors don't matter in this application, just the I/O interface compatibility.

#2 Tue, 23 Apr 2013 - 12:25

Theoretically, the 12x (Teac?) CD-ROM for the 1400 uses a drive with a modern connector. (The older mechs had an interface like a hard disk.) It should be possible to use a slot loader with the interface from a 12x.

#3 Tue, 23 Apr 2013 - 16:36

Interesting, THX!

Is there any intelligence on the interface? I'm not planning to use it in a 1400 CD assembly and I need to build an extension cable anyway.

#4 Tue, 23 Apr 2013 - 17:18

I don't think so, but I'm not positive. I just assumed it was ATA and power.

#5 Tue, 23 Apr 2013 - 18:10

That's what I figured, I've already got the IDE+Molex adapters for a pair of SuperDrive slot loaders. I wonder if a 1400 could read a Data DVD at all? Drivers for that would be amazing. It certainly couldn't play a Video, even with the G3, no hardware decoder . . .

. . . that's Pismo territory. :approve:

#6 Tue, 23 Apr 2013 - 18:31

I would assume that the only real limitation to reading a DVD would be the UDF filesystem driver. Maybe if you had Toast loaded as well...

#7 Wed, 24 Apr 2013 - 17:41

MEH!! :-/

I got the SuperDrive slot loader into the 12x carrier for the 1400 and I get mixed results depending on OS.

8.1 Bombs at startup and when installed during sleep mode blanks out the Desktop in Beater/G3

9.1 Bombs at startup and when installed during sleep mode blanks out the 1400c/G3

It doesn't really matter though, the 12x mechanism is just as thin as the slot loader and ought to work with the IDC40/Molex adapter . . .

. . . the faceplate on the tray loader actually reduces the body & fender work necessary for the hack. [}

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