Installing MCD Reader on MPC 2kXL

I've just purchased a used MCD drive. Before installing it, I wanted to make sure I had the proper cables. I also wanted to make sure I installed the cables correctly. I wasn't sure which way the the 4 pin cable was oriented. Does the red cable face out (towards the 8 outs)? Does it matter if the blue or black end of the ribbon is connected to the MPC or the MCD? Thanks for any help.

I think it's the 40 pin cable. You should check the sticky, there's a ton of information on there.

If the 40 pin cable isn't seated correctly, the drive won't work. Not sure about the black and red one but I don't imagine it will cause you a problem.

If the power is connected correctly, and it still doesn't work, I would try using a 40 pin/40 wire IDE cable, rather than the cable in the photos which looks like a 40 pin/80 wire cable.

chrisrob101 wrote:Not sure about the black and red one but I don't imagine it will cause you a problem.

The black and red power cable might cause a problem, if connected the wrong way around.

The power connector on the MPC main board has a 12 volt and a 5 volt DC pin.

The MCD probably runs on 5VDC.

If the power cable is the wrong way around on the MPC main board end, it would send 12VDC to the MCD, which 'might' damage it, or it 'might' not work, if sending that 12VDC into the 5VDC input on the MCD.

If the power cable is the wrong way around on the MCD, it 'might' send the power into the 12VDC power input on the MCD, which 'might' not be connected to anything, and therefore 'might' not work.

It really seems to be the incorrect power cable, for those reasons, as the connectors do not seem to be keyed to prevent incorrect orientation at both ends.

Do yourself a favor and just get your hands on a voltmeter and probe the MPC power connectors on the MPC main board so that you identify what is 5V and 12V. The MCD is probably 5V so once you identify the MPC main board 5V you can connect there and stay from the 12V. Do not take any wild guesses and risk damage. If you are not sure then it will be worth finding someone with experience to help you. Better to be safe than sorry. Peace.