Formatting Hard Drive is it working?

hi4k wrote:

hi4k wrote:

hi4k wrote:I am using an Intel 320 SSD which has a typical SATA connector that fits into the Kingwin adaptor.

On a side note, my Intel 320 came with a very nice SATA -> USB cable which plugs right into my computer. This is *super* fast for dropping large sound sets on to the Akai-formatted drive. Works well. I've already dropped in all the stuff from the old Deskstar and obviated the need for this noisy klunker.

I'd like to retrofit in a cold-pluggable interface into the removable connector in the front, right where the hard drive bay is located. Not sure what the original intention for this hole is, but it seems to be a good match to retro-fit in the removable bay.

Has anyone retrofitted a cold-swap drive bay into the MPC 4000 before? Are there any tips or tricks to accomplish this? I'd prefer to avoid hacking together some poorly rigged removable drive bay; curious if there is a cheap aftermarket solution.

Thanks.

Self-help time. I found this one on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-2-5-Inch-Removable-Expansion-S25SLOTR/dp/B002MWDRD6

I do realize it's meant for a PC expansion slot. However the form factor seems appropriate, and I might be able to just hack off the ends. It looks like the front plate on the MPC 4000 is a standard 3.5" size so if I can find the exact hot swap bay, that would be most ideal. Still looking around.

This one looks *very* close. Just need mounting bracket. This should fit right into the 1" x 4" opening, just need a mounting solution:

http://www.amazon.com/Syba-2-5-Inch-3-5-Inch-Adapter-CL-MRA25019/dp/B0047O2ALM/

edit: I think this, or a similar solution from Startech (http://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-2-5-Inch-3-5-Inch-Converter-25SATSAS35/dp/B00612XNSW), should work. I can re-appropriate the 2.5" -> 3.5" metal bracket by busting off the 2.5" mounting tabs, and simply slip this 3.5" external enclosure right in. Should fit like a glove.. hopefully. Actually, on second note, it probably won't as the outside dimensions of my bracket are 4", not the inside dims. Just having the Startech or Syba solution sit on the Akai stock bracket might work, as long as the enclosure has mounting holes on the bottom.

Again if anyone has done this, please do advise. Thanks.

These self-conversations are funny but do help me to reason this solution out.

Looking at the StarTech enclosure for $17.66 plus free shipping, the description clearly states that the bottom has screw holes:

Standard 3.5" hard drive mounting points along sides and bottom

Thus my only concern is whether the geometry of the Akai's front opening will correspond with the HD tray. I'm tempted to give it a shot and risk the $17.66 because frankly this would be a very cool solution (cold-swappable internal SSD, super fast to perform offline backups and move sounds in and out)... but again (sorry for the bump) has anyone done this before? Any advice?

Thanks.

Like all the great explorers before you, you are in uncharted territory. Godspeed, hi4K.
What's 17.95 in the pursuit of making an SSD the functional equivalent of a really big floppy disk? That sounds awesome.