SCSI Zip Drive just arrived. It's noisy. Advice needed.

I just received my SCSI Zip drive from someone on ebay. I just tested it it out and it works. However, it's really noisy. I can hear the motor spinning rather loudly compared to my external parallel drive that's hooked up to my computer. So my question is, is this SCSI drive gonna die on me soon? Should I use fader lube to quiet down and lube up the motor?

I don't think it's worth returning to the seller when it only cost me $14.99. It's not easy finding a deal like that. So I'm considering the self-repair/lubrication of the motor and hope that it will last for a little while. Maybe I should buy another drive as a backup? I'm not too sure. But I need some expert advice from those who have a lot of knowledge and experience here. Thanks in advance.

distortedtekno wrote:So my question is, is this SCSI drive gonna die on me soon?

yes.

distortedtekno wrote:Maybe I should buy another drive as a backup?

no.

distortedtekno wrote:I need some expert advice from those who have a lot of knowledge and experience here. Thanks in advance.

quit using zips. theyre a death sentence.
get a card reader.


not trying to be harsh, but this is very serious. they are just totally unreliable and will die at any moment.

Yeah I hear ya. But I don't think 's worth it to drop $200 on a CF reader. If they're hard to come by and the prices increase, then I might end up buying one. For now, I'll do what I can with this drive and keep all my zips backed up to my PC. I know the parallel port reader I bought back in the '90s still has a lot of life left in it.

yeah get one on the cheap for now... but never use it to save important shit. I also suggest tracking every beat (at least two track it) before shutting down because there is not much that will piss you off more than losing hours of work.

Buy the addonics card reader, it's only $24.99, or buy the atapi 741, slightly more expensive but hot swappable unlike the addonics card reader.

EliteTurk wrote:Buy the addonics card reader, it's only $24.99, or buy the atapi 741, slightly more expensive but hot swappable unlike the addonics card reader.

I have an MPC2000 classic. Do you have links for working models?

EliteTurk wrote:Buy the addonics card reader, it's only $24.99, or buy the atapi 741, slightly more expensive but hot swappable unlike the addonics card reader.

Not going to work with an MPC2000 without an external case and SCSI-IDE bridge.

MPC2000 does not have internal IDE or SCSI connections.

Thanks for the info.

Again we always get back to the same point or position.
With the file system on the 2k and some other missing features it's better to go with the 2kxl.
Not so much as to put the 2k down but more of a with the current prices and these aspects the xl works out to be a cheaper deal.

ntalec wrote:Again we always get back to the same point or position.
With the file system on the 2k and some other missing features it's better to go with the 2kxl.
Not so much as to put the 2k down but more of a with the current prices and these aspects the xl works out to be a cheaper deal.

Yeah I have to agree with you, Lamp, and everyone else who've mentioned the same thing. The 2000 is a great machine. But the reality is that if I want to prevent future headaches, I would have to either buy an external SCSI CF reader or buy a 2kXL. I'm not expecting any problems in the near future. But it's still a gamble. Having said that, I really should compare the AD/DA converters between the two models. Then again, the XL is still warmer than the 1000.

external MO-Drive that allows 230MB discs (If you want more, many drives also allow 640MB discs). These discs/drives are very durable.

peace

The MPC2000 flashrom option sometimes shows up on eBay at around $200.

It might be of interest.

Though at that price, most would probably go MPC2000XL anyway.

peterpiper wrote:external MO-Drive that allows 230MB discs (If you want more, many drives also allow 640MB discs). These discs/drives are very durable.

peace

But you still have to deal with the 2k file management which makes for a headache on most media.

The ease of upgrading and the improved file structure makes the XL pretty appealing when looking at the 2k.

FWIW I still have several ZIP, JAZ and JAZ-2 drives that work perfectly but then again the units I use them with are not my main units.

Probably the best path will be to continue with the ZIP while making backups but keeping your eyes open for as deal on a 2kxl.
Just seems a bad move to invest in a storage medium that cost any real money when that same money would put you in the XL seat.

Thanks for all the replies. I really appreciate it a lot. But ultimately, this would make more sense, as I've come to this conclusion as well...

ntalec wrote:Probably the best path will be to continue with the ZIP while making backups but keeping your eyes open for as deal on a 2kxl.
Just seems a bad move to invest in a storage medium that cost any real money when that same money would put you in the XL seat.

So yeah, I'll make the best of what I got now. The investment in the Zip drive and a brand new 10 pack of discs was a small investment, since I hunted down the best possible deals anyone could find... $10 + shipping for the discs and $15 + shipping for the drive. The 2 MPC 2000s cost me nothing. So I'll flip some spare parts (I got an extra 8 out board up on ebay right now with a few watchers) and sell this rebuilt tank for a decent price after Christmas. I don't believe I'd be able to sell it now.... but if I sell the whole package with the Zip drive and the new discs, maybe I might have some luck. Yeah I should get on with that before I get any more attached to the 2000.