Don't faint - I have a 10 MB HDD that I would like to get into, lol!

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  1. Posts : 5,048
    Windows 10/11 Pro x64, Various Linux Builds, Networking, Storage, Cybersecurity Specialty.
       #1

    Don't faint - I have a 10 MB HDD that I would like to get into, lol!


    Hi friends...

    I acquired a cool piece of computing history for my Man Cave:

    IBM 10MB 5.25 MFM HARD DRIVE - IMI 5012H - November, 1984.

    Excellent condition.

    Does anyone know of some scheme to connect and access it via USB. Even power it up?
    No separate controller card or ribbon cables were supplied. Weighs over 5 lbs - really heavy!

    Just the HDD with electronics integrated on the bottom of it.

    Here's some pictures:

    Don't faint - I have a 10 MB HDD that I would like to get into, lol!-hdd.png

    I do not have the Controller Card or Ribbon Cables!

    Don't faint - I have a 10 MB HDD that I would like to get into, lol!-hdd-rear.png

    Don't faint - I have a 10 MB HDD that I would like to get into, lol!-hdd-electronics.png

    It's from an old IBM XT!

    This is what I could find...

    http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/imi/bro...x_Brochure.pdf

    imi 5012-H

    YouTube

    YouTube

    My "goal" is to -

    1) Power it up and see if it spins.
    2) Find a cheap way to access it.

    Funny thing is that I still have all the knowledge but don't know how to apply it in today's world.

    Many thanks - and good luck!

      My Computer


  2. Posts : 7,724
    3-Win-7Prox64 3-Win10Prox64 3-LinuxMint20.2
       #2

    Hi,
    I have a external enclosure that came with the old ide ribbon attachment
    Amazon or newegg is where i likely got it cheap

    Sabrent USB 2.0 To 3.5-Inch IDE/Sata Aluminum Hard Drive Enclosure | Black | ECS-STU35K
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 5,048
    Windows 10/11 Pro x64, Various Linux Builds, Networking, Storage, Cybersecurity Specialty.
    Thread Starter
       #3

    ThrashZone said:
    Hi,
    I have a external enclosure that came with the old ide ribbon attachment
    Amazon or newegg is where i likely got it cheap

    Sabrent USB 2.0 To 3.5-Inch IDE/Sata Aluminum Hard Drive Enclosure | Black | ECS-STU35K
    @TrashZone -

    It's 34 years old, not IDE - MFM.
    Maybe SCSI?

    Thanks.

      My Computer


  4. Posts : 7,724
    3-Win-7Prox64 3-Win10Prox64 3-LinuxMint20.2
       #4

    Hi,
    No idea then older than I am
      My Computers


  5. Posts : 31,471
    10 Home x64 (22H2) (10 Pro on 2nd pc)
       #5

    Compumind said:
    It's 34 years old, not IDE - MFM.
    You really need an MFM controller card then, and preferably the IMI one as it may have custom features specific to that drive. Here's some relevant background reading....


    Reading data from old MiniScribe hard disk | Słomkowski's technical musings

    ...of course, that will be an ISA card (good luck finding a machine that still has an ISA slot). You could always add an IBM PC-AT or XT to your 'Man Cave' (you know it wants one). Alternatively, there's this....

    If you need to use your ISA card, but your new computer or laptop lacks ISA slots, use our usb2isa card to convert your USB port to a virtual ISA slot.
    ARS Technologies - USB 2.0 to ISA card ROHS



    Back in the day, I was working on a team moving a client's machines from their old office to a new building. The PCs were fine, but an elder Unix server with an MFM drive had problems on arrival. It had never been turned off for long before, so when powered up the drive refused to spin up.

    Top Tip: carry a hammer! The client's server administrator gave the drive a smart tap on the side freeing up the seized bearings, after which normal service was resumed
      My Computers


  6. Posts : 5,048
    Windows 10/11 Pro x64, Various Linux Builds, Networking, Storage, Cybersecurity Specialty.
    Thread Starter
       #6

    Bree said:
    Back in the day, I was working on a team moving a client's machines from their old office to a new building. The PCs were fine, but an elder Unix server with an MFM drive had problems on arrival. It had never been turned off for long before, so when powered up the drive refused to spin up. Top Tip: carry a hammer! The client's server administrator gave the drive a smart tap on the side freeing up the seized bearings, after which normal service was resumed
    I had a similar experience with a CDC unit, lol!

    Any idea on the pinouts just to power it up?

    And *NO* I'm not buying an IBM AT, haha! Been through that "crude" era!

      My Computer


  7. Posts : 31,471
    10 Home x64 (22H2) (10 Pro on 2nd pc)
       #7

    Compumind said:
    Any idea on the pinouts just to power it up?

    Wikipedia to the rescue....

    ST506/ST412 - Wikipedia


    And *NO* I'm not buying an IBM AT, haha.
    Really? Sure I can't persuade you? I have one under my desk. I'm sure we could come to some sort of deal.
      My Computers


  8. Posts : 5,048
    Windows 10/11 Pro x64, Various Linux Builds, Networking, Storage, Cybersecurity Specialty.
    Thread Starter
       #8

    Ah, yes! ST-506!

    Thanks for that, I forgot!

    As for your AT, what shape is it in? Working? Monitor, keyboard, mouse, cables, OS. Docs, etc.

    Just curious!


      My Computer


  9. Posts : 31,471
    10 Home x64 (22H2) (10 Pro on 2nd pc)
       #9

    Compumind said:
    As for your AT, what shape is it in? Working? Monitor, keyboard, mouse, cables, OS. Docs, etc.
    Just curious!

    IBM keyboards are the best in the world, that 'click' has never been equalled. Mine got used on subsequent PCs.

    King of click: the story of the greatest keyboard ever made | The Verge


    I haven't powered up the AT for years, but it worked last time I used it. I should really try it out. Hold on, I may be some time.....
      My Computers


  10. Posts : 5,048
    Windows 10/11 Pro x64, Various Linux Builds, Networking, Storage, Cybersecurity Specialty.
    Thread Starter
       #10

    Let me know for curiosity's sake. That's all!
      My Computer


 

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