Scsi To Firwire Thunderbolt Converter For Mac

SCSI long ruled the performance peripheral category for storage and other devices. With many advantages over competing busses, including flexibility, speed, and reliability, SCSI devices are found everywhere. However, as computing platforms move towards cheaper internal busses and serial busses in general, finding SCSI host adapters capable of interfacing with older SCSI devices has become difficult. SCSI itself is transitioning to SAS (Serial Attached SCSI). On the newer desktop realm, the few PCIe SCSI host adapters are expensive. For newer laptops, there aren't any ExpressCard to SCSI host adapters we are aware of. This brings us to SCSI host adapters utilizing external busses like high performance FireWire and prosaic USB. While Ratoc's FireWire and USB to SCSI adapters have been on the market for quite some time, they are beginning to grow in popularity since they are an inexpensive and accessible way to work with older SCSI devices. This document is intended to clear up some of the confusion over deploying Ratoc adapters with SCSI devices.

Scsi To Firewire Thunderbolt Converter For Mac
Thunderbolt To Firewire 400

FireWire To Ultra SCSI: FW-USCSI-01; Ratoc FireWire to Ultra SCSI Converter; FireWire to Ultra SCSI adapters have the advantage of a much faster host connection than USB, and FireWire is superior to USB in every regard.

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USB To Ultra SCSI: USB-USCSI-01; Ratoc USB 2.0 to Ultra SCSI Converter; USB 2.0 to Ultra SCSI adapters can be used with a number of SCSI devices.

USB To Ultra Wide SCSI: USB-UWSCSI-01; Ratoc USB 2.0 to Ultra Wide SCSI Converter U2SCX-LVD; USB 2.0 to Ultra SCSI adapters can be used with Ultra Wide SCSI Devices.

Ratoc offers three SCSI host adapter models: The FR1SX (FW-USCSI-01) FireWire to Ultra SCSI, the U2SCX (USB-USCSI-01) USB to Ultra SCSI, and the U2SCX-LVD (USB-UWSCSI-01) USB to Ultra Wide SCSI. The FR1SX and U2SCX feature a HD-50 connector and are native Ultra SCSI devices. They are backwards and forward compatible with many other SCSI standards when used with connector adapters. While both rated to handle Ultra SCSI throughput of 20MB/s, the FR1SX tends to realize much better sustained throughput since FireWire isn't hampered by USB 2.0's CPU utilization overhead. The U2SCX-LVD features a HD-68 connector and is a native Ultra Wide SCSI device. It is also backward and forward compatible with many other SCSI standards when used with connector adapters. U2SCX-LVD is rated as handling Ultra Wide SCSI throughput of 40MB/s, however this maximum is doubtful since nearly any real world benchmark of USB 2.0 sustained throughput maxes out at around 33MB/s. That said, it is faster than the U2SCX, albeit considerably more expensive. When the better performance of the U2SCX-LVD isn't paramount, many customers prefer the U2SCX with a High Density 50F to High Density 68M Adapter combination over the U2SCX-LVD since is over $150 cheaper.

Termination Power or Term Power

All Ratoc SCSI host adapters require power to operate. That power is supplied either by an optional (purchased separately) AC adapter, or through drawing power off the SCSI buses' Term Power. In order to use Term Power, the SCSI device the Ratoc adapter is connected to must provide it. This invariably brings up two questions: what is Term Power, and does my device provide it? Answering the first question, according to the SCSI Trade Association:

'Terminators are powered from the 'term power' line on the SCSI bus. Term power can come from any device on the bus, and is provided by either the host, a drive on the bus, the backplane, or any combination thereof. Term power is provided through a diode and fuse - historically - the drop across the diode and cable allows for a term power range of 4.0 to 5.25 volts.'

As for the second question one must consult with the SCSI device's manufacturer or documentation. If the SCSI device doesn't provide Termination Power, then purchase the optional PS-5V2A 5VDC 2A External Power Supply/Adapter ST (USB/SCSI) power supply, or find an AC adapter with the same specifications at a local supplier.

Bear in mind termination (ie. terminating resistors) and termination power are not the same thing. The presence of an external terminating resistor, or a switch for an internal terminating resistor, have no bearing or whether a SCSI device provides termination power.

SCSI Connectors

There has been a whole range of SCSI connectors over the years. Part of the confusion people run into is that there is overlap between SCSI standards and connectors. In other words, several connectors are applicable to single SCSI standards. As this document focuses on device compatibility with Ratoc SCSI adapters, it will not address internal SCSI connectors. While roughly ten different external SCSI connectors exist, there are four in particular that are the most commonly found. The following drawings depict the four more common SCSI connectors with the types featured on Ratoc's host adapters indicated in parenthesis.

If your SCSI device's connection doesn't match the connector present on a Ratoc host adapter, then a low cost adapter plug employed between the connectors will allow its use. Synchrotech carries three types of adapters that take the FR1SX and U2SCX HD-50 connector and provide an alternate connector on the other side. Synchrotech doesn't stock any converters for the U2SCX-LVD since it is typically used with 68-pin LVD type devices to begin with.

Using the Ratoc FR1SX or U2SCX with a SCSI device featuring a HD50F

Ratoc's FR1SX or U2SCX plug directly into SCSI devices featuring female HD50 (50 pin) connectors.

Using the Ratoc FR1SX or U2SCX with a SCSI device featuring a C50F

To use Ratoc's FR1SX or U2SCX with a SCSI device featuring a female C50 (50 pin Centronics style) connector, use the SCSI-RCL3005 High Density 50F to Centronics 50M adapter (Ultra to Fast SCSI I/II).
The bottom four images are the SCSI-RCL3005 pin-outs as a line drawing on the left and a photograph on the right. One side of the connector receives the FR1SX or U2SCX (images in top row) and the other side plugs into the SCSI peripheral (images in bottom row).

Using the Ratoc FR1SX or U2SCX with a SCSI device featuring a HD68F

To use Ratoc's FR1SX or U2SCX with a SCSI device featuring a female HD68 (68 pin) connector, use the SCSI-RCL3068 High Density 50F to High Density 68M Adapter (Ultra to Ultra Wide/LVD SCSI).
The bottom four images are the SCSI-RCL3068 pin-outs as a line drawing on the left and a photograph on the right. One side of the connector receives the FR1SX or U2SCX (images in top row) and the other side plugs into the SCSI peripheral (images in bottom row).

Using the Ratoc FR1SX or U2SCX with a SCSI device featuring a DB25F

To use Ratoc's FR1SX or U2SCX with a SCSI device featuring a female DB25 (25 pin 'Mac' style) connector, use the SCSI-RCL3025 High Density 50F to D-Sub 25M Adapter (Ultra to Fast SCSI I/II Mac).
The bottom four images are the SCSI-RCL3025 pin-outs as a line drawing on the left and a photograph on the right. One side of the connector receives the FR1SX or U2SCX (images in top row) and the other side plugs into the SCSI peripheral (images in bottom row).

Using the Ratoc host adapters with other types of SCSI connectors

There are other types of SCSI connectors, converter plugs, and gender changers on the market. Some companies to investigate for alternate connectors and converters are Granite Digital, The Mate Company, and Paralan Corporation. There are several to choose from and the preceding list is provided as a service, not an endorsement or recommendation.

Important FR1SX FireWire to Ultra SCSI Information

Before purchasing the FR1SXFireWire to Ultra SCSI host adapter, check Ratoc's system requirements and compatibility lists carefully.

Important U2SCX USB 2.0 to Ultra SCSI Information

Before purchasing the U2SCXUSB 2.0 to Ultra SCSI host adapter, check Ratoc's system requirements and compatibility lists carefully.

Important U2SCX-LVD USB 2.0 to Ultra Wide SCSI Information

Before purchasing the U2SCX-LVDUSB 2.0 to Ultra Wide SCSI host adapter, check Ratoc's system requirements and compatibility lists carefully.

More Useful SCSI Information

Overview of SCSI Standards and Cables: http://www.scsita.org/terms/SCSI_Overview.html
Visual Guide to SCSI Connectors: http://www.scsita.org/aboutscsi/Pictures.html
The 7 Generations of SCSI: http://www.scsita.org/aboutscsi/7gen.html
Overview of SCSI Standards and Cables: http://www.scsita.org/aboutscsi/SCSI_Overview.html
SCSI Termination Tutorial: http://www.scsita.org/aboutscsi/SCSI_Termination_Tutorial.html
STA-Endorsed Terms and Terminology for SCSI: http://www.scsita.org/aboutscsi/SCSI_Termination_Tutorial.html#Table1

Ratoc FireWire and USB solutions for Internal SCSI Devices

The connectors on internal SCSI devices differ from those found on external devices. Further, pre SCA style devices also require power connectors (typically Molex style). None of the Ratoc FireWire or USB (FR1SX, U2SCX, or U2SCX-LVD) work with IDC Header or SCA internal SCSI devices.

A solution to this is to purchase and external enclosure for the internal SCSI device and then connect it to the host system using one of the Ratoc solution. External SCSI enclosures can be special ordered from specialty stores.

Most recent revision for this page dated June 14 2010 On this Web page I describe a USB to SCSI conroller, and how a customer connected his G5 Mac to his older Mac's SCSI drives. Most photos and the description of methods are courtesy of Joe Hunt. I also mention FireWire to SCSI adapters. - Herb Johnson.

To return to my Mac SCSI drives page, follow this link.

Background

In Feb 2008, a customer named Joe Hunt contacted me about connecting his older Mac's SCSI drives to his G5 Mac. Like most modern Macs, it does not have a SCSI controller to operate SCSI drives, it uses 'IDE' or 'ATA' type drives. The older Macs of the 1990's and earlier used SCSI drives. I told him I don't offer USB to SCSI products, so he looked around the Web and found such a product. Joe came back to me, to provide an external case for his SCSI drives which would have physical connections to match the USB to SCSI controller's SCSI-2 connector. He then successfully connected his G5, the USB to SCSI controller, the case and his SCSI drive.

What I sell for SCSI drives

I provide external SCSI drive cabinets on this Web page. That page also has SCSI hard drives, ZIP drives, and CD-ROMS, and brief discussions about these devices. A more technical SCSI Web page is at this Web page which has more technical information. As of Feb 2008, I don't provide the USB to SCSI controllers or devices; I can't buy them cheaper than YOU can, so I can't sell them at a competative price. Find them on the Web.

USB to SCSI conroller and issues

The controller he found, was as he put it, 'a USB to SCSI 2 CABLE - IOMEGA Jaz, reseller is no name brand. In fact the one I bought had stickers over the IOMEGA. The [software] disk supplied for it was for [a Windows-type] PC, not MAC.'. Here's an image of the device.. I've seen such devices for sale on Internet auction sites and by some Web-based computer product vendors; a Web search like 'USB to SCSI controller' will find some available, for well under $100 as of 2008.

The SCSI end of the controller has a SCSI-2 'male' connector; that connects to a SCSI cabinet with a complimentary SCSI-2 'female' connector. Inside the cabinet, the SCSI-2 connectors are on a cable with a 50-pin connector which mates to the SCSI-1 type drives used in most older Macs. Here is a photo of the back of the SCSI drives which shows their connectors. The drives also need DC power, and the cabinet has an A/C power supply to provide the power through standard DC power connectors. Those are the four-pin connectors also shown on the back of the hard drives.

There are issues about setting up SCSI hard drives. ONe issue is called 'SCSI address' or 'SCSI ID'. A SCSI controller can connect to and control ONE to SEVEN other SCSI devices, so each one must have a unique 'address' from zero to six. 'Addressing' is determined by jumpers on the SCSI device. The other issue is called SCSI 'termination', which is something needed when you connect one or more SCSI devices to a SCSI controller. It's done on the LAST device at the far end of a chain of SCSI devices, or the ONLY device. I discuss these considerations on my Mac drives Web page.

Another issue is a software issue called 'drivers'. Macs and Windows PC's have pieces of software which are either part of the operating system (Windows or OS X) or which are provided with devices you add to your computer. That software allows and supports the operating system to communicate and use the added device. Then software programs you run, can use those and other devices on your Mac in a consistent and correct fashion. All this is generally automatic for NEW devices you add. When you add 'old' stuff, like SCSI drives on a G5 Mac, OS X (or your particular operating system) may or may not 'expect' those devices, and not know how to use them, unless you find and 'install' a device driver. ('Drivers' for Windows will not work with OS X or OS 9 on Macs; drivers for OS 9 will not likely work with OS X.)

Joe came up with a method which seemed to work, to resolve these issues. He did not seem to have problems with software drivers. I suggest you review the information you get with your controller; the information linked above; the information below. But I make no warrenties whatsoever that all this information is correct or complete. Use this information at your own risk. I am not responsible for any loss, injury or damage of any sort.

Methods for use

From Joe Hunt:

The configuration of the external drive went like this:

COMPUTER to (USB to SCSI 2 cable) to (peripheral box SCSI2 external to SCSI internal)

The USB to SCSI 2 CABLE - IOMEGA Jaz, reseller is no name brand. In fact the one I bought had stickers over the IOMEGA, disk supplied for PC, not MAC.MAC G5 (OSX 10.4.10) had no trouble mounting the Jaz USB module without a supplied driver.

INSTALLING HARD DRIVE to peripheral box.

I had read when trying to mount a SCSI drive this way to set the drive to 0, Termination seems to be dependent on drive manufacturer. Set drive to 0 and connect drive to box SCSI cables

CONNECTING TO COMPUTER

Power up box and plug in USB - if drive does not spin up, unplug USB and power down

ry adding termination jumper - Power up and plug in USB - if drive spins and does not mount - unplug USB and power down

RESOLVING SCSI ID

check SCSI ID again - move jumper to new position - power up box and plug in USB - if drive spins and does not mount - unplug USB and power down - repeat

NO JUMPER METHOD: Remove all jumpers - power up and plug in USB

Using a combination of these methods worked for me on 3 different drive manufacturers, by process of elimination. - Joe Hunt

Another customer's experience with USB SCSI

Text below by Edward Schmidt during April 2008, used with permission. Ed had a 2.5' SCSI drive from a Powerbook 140, a model 'Conner CP2045'. I told him to get a 2.5inch SCSI laptop drive adapter card. It's a circuit board that converts to a full sized SCSI connector, as is on 5.25 inch SCSI drives. Then you can connect that to some external SCSI box and access that box. Those adapters are sold by many vendors on the Web. Search for [SCSI 2.5' drive adapter] to find one.

I had two USB-SCSI converters; one from Ratoc, another from Xircom. Found both on eBay. First I tested both with known good SCSI drives. The Ratoc worked out of the box on OSX 4 (no drivers needed), though the adapter required an external 5V supply (not included) to work; the Xircom only worked on XP (not on OSX), and then only after forcing XP to install the NT drivers.

My old PowerBook drive was sufficiently broken that none of the utilities I tried on OSX or XP would mount or recover it, so I burned this Linux CD …

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SystemRescueCD

… and used that to boot my Mac. Strangely, under Linux, only the the Xircom converter (which hadn't worked at all under OSX) would recognize the drive.

'ddrescue' is a utility on that boot CD, and was able to do a block-by-block clone of my bad drive to an image file on a separate (FAT32) hard drive I had plugged in and mounted. Then OSX was able to fix and mount that image file, and my old documents were all there.

[Regarding setting the SCSI address of the laptop drive.]The 2.5' drive doesn't have visible jumpers, but they're on the driveadapter card [I purchased seperately]. So I just hooked up the jumperlead from the enclosure to that card and it seemed to work. I left the id at 0 and everything worked fine.

The ddrescue utility doesn't recover individual files, it just copiesthe block data from the drive and writes it to a single img file.What's useful is that it can do this not only for mountable partitions,but for the entire drive if boot blocks are damaged and no partitionsare visible.

I believe the sysrescue cd defaults to write-protect mode for non-FAT32drives, though there should be a way to override this. But writing theimg file to FAT32 is fine, even for HFS drives on old macs, because it'sjust a raw image of the drive. If the image file is in good shape, then it can be copied to OSX and opened/mounted. Then the underlying files should be visible.

Scsi To Firewire Thunderbolt Converter For Mac

If the directory structure of the image file is corrupt, then OSX DiskUtility (and 3rd party software like Disk Warrior or Data Rescue) havefeatures to repair damaged image files. This approach didn't work in mycase, though Disk Utility let me burn the image to a CD anyway. The CDwas then effectively a clone of my old hard drive, and while it wouldn'tmount on the desktop, Data Rescue was able to read it and recover mostof the underlying files. [Those files are] based on the dual data/resourceforks from the old Apple [hierarical] file system (HFS).

FireWire to SCSI

In 2010 a customer alerted me to the existance of FireWire to SCSI adapters. For example,this company offers both USB to SCSI and FireWire to SCSI devices. THey are I presume one example of other company's products, this is not a recommendation only an example. A Web search may find other company's products, or find used products at Web auctions or personal sales.