anybody replace optical drive with a hard drive?

[v1ncen7]

to fatcat23

True, the optibay is more expensive, so you are right, you can probably fit a board from newmodeus

If you manage to do your mod using the bluetooth usb hub, or if you find any information about it, please let me know, I would love to do similar mods on my unibody macbook

But i did not find much information about the bluetooth module and cabling yet on any Macbook. For instance I have no idea how much power you can drain from it..

 

[fatcat23]

to fatcat23

True, the optibay is more expensive, so you are right, you can probably fit a board from newmodeus

If you manage to do your mod using the bluetooth usb hub, or if you find any information about it, please let me know, I would love to do similar mods on my unibody macbook

But i did not find much information about the bluetooth module and cabling yet on any Macbook. For instance I have no idea how much power you can drain from it..

The unibody macbook would probably be a little diff in the layout from my macbook. If you open your macbook try to find the bluetooth antenna then trace it pack to the controller(on a seperate pcb than the logic board). This controller would then be wired to the logic board with 4 wires. Those are your usb wires(+5, ground, Data+,Data-). I would splice them there and solder it to a usb hub with 4 ports and go crazy adding stuff.

For the macbook all the usb ports are running from the usb2 controller but the bluetoth module itself is 1.1, so the usb ports can put out 500mA (all usb2 ports put out the same, unless stated[but this is rare]). 500mA is more than enough for a flash drive or usb modem/gps.

The only thing that would take close to that much power is a non wall-powered usb hard-drive or cd/dvd drive.

I have the 1st edition macbook from June of 06(so apple care is long done) and I have alot of experience with digital electronics. (3rd yr Electrical engineering student). So I'm a little more calm than others when doing stuff like this, especially with no tutorials on the web.

So if I were you, I would wait a while to start modding your macbook. Wait for your warranty to finish and to get used to the insides of your macbook. I took my macbook apart and just tried to identify its guts just by looks at the chips and etc...for about 2 hours. I'm a geek, I know.

I'm so surprised that there's not many posts about mod's and stuff like that with this macbooks. It's much harder to do than those netbooks.

Maybe I'll be the first.

 

[v1ncen7]

to fatcat23

Thanks for the advice, it does make sense indeed.

I do not really care about my warranty, I am myself certified by Apple to do my own repairs anyway

I will try to locate more precisely where the bluetooth module is plugged on the logicboard from the service manual. So far, even using the pictures from iFixit.com, I can not tell for sure

Please let me know what usb hub you will use, and post some pictures of your project when you start it !

I am waiting for the sata cabling and ssd drive to remove my superdrive already, and I would be very happy to do the usb mod as well

 

[fatcat23]

to fatcat23

Thanks for the advice, it does make sense indeed.

I do not really care about my warranty, I am myself certified by Apple to do my own repairs anyway

I will try to locate more precisely where the bluetooth module is plugged on the logicboard from the service manual. So far, even using the pictures from iFixit.com, I can not tell for sure

Please let me know what usb hub you will use, and post some pictures of your project when you start it !

I am waiting for the sata cabling and ssd drive to remove my superdrive already, and I would be very happy to do the usb mod as well

I will post a tut with pictures once i get the mod done. I looked at the unibody guide on ifixit...there doesnt seem to be a user replacable wifi or bluetooth card (on the top or bottom of the logic board), atleast something similar to what the macook has. Perhaps its intergrated into the new nvidia chipset.

Just wondering, what process did you go through to become apple certified? Was the process difficult? Is it training or just an exam? I would be interested in getting that.

 

[v1ncen7]

to fatcat23

Getting Apple certifications for desktops and laptops is very easy, at least while working for Apple. I did get free courses and free exams when I was working there as tech support agent; I do not think it is very expensive to pass them externally, but I do not really know..
If you want to get more info, I suggest you check http://training.apple.com/certification/

Just FYI, it seems that the bluetooth and airport modules are seperated from the logic board, but it seems that the cabling is merged (also with iSight and ambiant ligh sensor..) So it is going to be quite difficult to find what cable is for what... (see attached pic)

 

[fatcat23]

to fatcat23

Getting Apple certifications for desktops and laptops is very easy, at least while working for Apple. I did get free courses and free exams when I was working there as tech support agent; I do not think it is very expensive to pass them externally, but I do not really know..
If you want to get more info, I suggest you check http://training.apple.com/certification/

Just FYI, it seems that the bluetooth and airport modules are seperated from the logic board, but it seems that the cabling is merged (also with iSight and ambiant ligh sensor..) So it is going to be quite difficult to find what cable is for what... (see attached pic)

Ya that applecare certification is $300 for hardware and software. It's too much, would cut into my profit margin too much. lol

The original macbook also had its isight wire together with the monitor data cable. I don't think its a good idea at all to try and seperate them.

Maybe the newer logic board has some free usb ports. Or maybe some other component is wired by itself to the usb port, like bluetooth is on my macbook.

Good luck with the unibody macbook, it sure is worth all the extra work.

 

[Yonyoh]

replacing optical drive with hard drive (macbook pro 1st generation)

Hello,

I just registered, but have been reading macrumors for quite some time. I have a few questions. Like others here I would like to put an extra harddrive in my macbook pro (1st generation). I got mine in late 2007. It has a PATA connector to connect to the superdrive.

I have ordered the newmodeus case (SATA), this does not fit the PATA connector. I have a 2,5" 500GB sata drive. What else do I need? or do I need the PATA case from newmodeus? I have read somewhere, I need a small controller to translate ATA to SATA? Where can I get this. I dont know where to look. I live in the netherlands, so somewhere around here would be nice.

 

[fatcat23]

Hello,

I just registered, but have been reading macrumors for quite some time. I have a few questions. Like others here I would like to put an extra harddrive in my macbook pro (1st generation). I got mine in late 2007. It has a PATA connector to connect to the superdrive.

I have ordered the newmodeus case (SATA), this does not fit the PATA connector. I have a 2,5" 500GB sata drive. What else do I need? or do I need the PATA case from newmodeus? I have read somewhere, I need a small controller to translate ATA to SATA? Where can I get this. I dont know where to look. I live in the netherlands, so somewhere around here would be nice.

This current case is actually to big, its 12.5mm thick. But newmodeus is making a slim 9.5mm casing to be released in late Feb. I just found out about this last night from them by email.

If you want it to fit, you would have to remove the pcb from the case, as I was taking about before. You would then have to secure the drive to your macbook using any method you want. Which PATA connector are you taking about? Do you mean the slim IDE connector from the superdrive?

If you bought the SATA version and have a SATA HD then you don't need an extra adapters.

Clarification: The PCB is the part where the controller/adapter is inside of the case from newmodeus. It is actually pretty small. I think its about 0.8" x 3.5".

 

[Yonyoh]

thanks for replying.

I bought the newmodeus case SATA without opening my macbook pro first and because I have a SATA hard drive. But when I opened it, there was a PATA connector or the IDE connector you talk about.

So I have the bottom one on this picture, but I see now the one on the top will fit. Can I use the sata harddrive in the PATA version? because in that version they talk about pata drives and I dont have one.

This guy also talks about it. Clearly I am missing something here.


"On the 5th gen MacBooks, replacing the optical drive with a harddrive is, at least in theory, trivial because the optical drive is SATA as well. On previous MacBooks, the optical drive has a PATA connector so you’ll need a small controller that translates from ATA to SATA. In either case you’ll want to fit the harddrive into a cage that has the same dimensions and mounting points as an optical drive."


source

 

[fatcat23]

thanks for replying.

I bought the newmodeus case SATA without opening my macbook pro first and because I have a SATA hard drive. But when I opened it, there was a PATA connector or the IDE connector you talk about.

So I have the bottom one on this picture, but I see now the one on the top will fit. Can I use the sata harddrive in the PATA version? because in that version they talk about pata drives and I dont have one.

This guy also talks about it. Clearly I am missing something here.


"On the 5th gen MacBooks, replacing the optical drive with a harddrive is, at least in theory, trivial because the optical drive is SATA as well. On previous MacBooks, the optical drive has a PATA connector so you’ll need a small controller that translates from ATA to SATA. In either case you’ll want to fit the harddrive into a cage that has the same dimensions and mounting points as an optical drive."


source

I think maybe you bought the wrong one or they sent you the wrong one. See the attached image from their site. Keep in mind new models will be released in Late Feb, not sure if they will replace the current ones or just add-on.

EDIT: My macbook would need the OBHD-SATA, while you would need the OBHD-SATA-SATA. You should double check this tho.

 

[Yonyoh]

Ah now i see what went wrong! Actually I need the OHBD-SATA too. I have the OBHD-SATA-SATA now, hopefully useful someday. I should have checked my macbook pro connection and the chart. Thanks for the help.

 

[v1ncen7]

Just a few pics of my mod

also, anyone manage to boot from an image of OSX made on a USB dongle?
I might have to buy an external dvd reader for Bootcamp anyway..

 

[fatcat23]

Ah now i see what went wrong! Actually I need the OHBD-SATA too. I have the OBHD-SATA-SATA now, hopefully useful someday. I should have checked my macbook pro connection and the chart. Thanks for the help.

Keep in mind the current models are too thick to fit into the MB/MBP. They are like 12+ mm, while the new one will be 9.5mm. The superdrive is 9.8mm.

You would have to remove the casing on the current models for it to fit.

On a sidenote: I doubt I will be doing this mod anymore. I got infected by the tablet bug. I played with friends IBM tablet on xp, its so amazing and screen is actually a digitzier. I'm in love, almost as much as I am with the BB Storm. (please no iPhone flaming, lol)

I'm thinking about getting a Gigabyte M912 netbook tablet or a used IBM tablet. I would have to run OS X of course. With a Mac Pro.

 

[Knolly]

Fun fact:

I just heard back from MCE Technologies and they're now shipping Optibays for the new Aluminum Macbook and MBP, although their site is yet to be updated to reflect this.

However, they're $130, which to me is a bit of a hefty premium to pay rather than just making my own little bracket or just using electrical tape...

 

[watergun]

I just checked MCE's website and indeed they have Optibay for Alumunium MacBook/MacBook Pro. This option is available when you add the item into the shopping cart. The product info pages do not mention anything about the alumunium unibody optibay yet. Price is $129. Thanks Knolly

 

[4sevens]

I've got a 3D Printer that can print out 3d objects with ABS plastic.
If someone wants to draw up an enclosure I'll be happy to print it for you!
I've got a unibody mb that I can use for fitment.

Um ...
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.13577
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.9283
$3-5, free worldwide delivery

Then get one of them: http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.9809
Replace the IDE power connector with the standard SATA one - simple soldering jobbie and takes less space than an adapter.
Only problem is fitting 30cm of wires in the enclosure. Shortening+resoldering a SATA data cable is probably a suicide mission.


Btw, new member here. Waiting on my 2.0 Alu MacBook - my first ever . I never use the DVD drive on my windows laptop, would rather have an extra 500gig. Will look into this mod after I get my macbook and play around with it for a while.
Secure mounting might be an issue - not sure if a folded sheet metal bracket with some rubber spacers or simply some foam padding will be more appropriate.
Would anyone be willing to provide some measurements (size of internal DVD drive, spacing of mounting screws if possible), so I can mill over this? It might be another week or two before I get my hands on my MacBook (damn UK shipping) and I'm quite pumped about this hack.

I wonder how well OSX would deal with such a secondary drive... Will the accelerometer protect the extra drive as well, or would it be better to get a drive with inbuilt shock-protection? Will it spin down when not needed?

 

[4sevens]

why all the trouble of creating a case? Electrical tape is fine!
Here is my mod.. I even managed to keep the speaker too!

Keep in mind that electrical tape starts to shed it's sticky goo when it gets warm - you're going to get that nasty stuff everywhere and it's going to be hard to get off. also, the tape probably serves as an insulator - watch those drive temps.

 

[bloogersnigen]

Will this be possible in the new 17"? with the built in battery?

 

[phuong]

Will this be possible in the new 17"? with the built in battery?

we'll just have to wait and see. MCE company won't be able to design one until they have the 17" in their hand.

 

[Knolly]

Bumpage for relevance.

I've looked through here and have seen some scattered tips and whatnot, but has anyone taken the time to write up a full walkthrough or something for this?

Furthermore, is there in fact just one wire you can buy to plug in the HD? Or do you have to go about splicing your own wire with soldering?

 

[dukeseb]

Bumpage for relevance.

I've looked through here and have seen some scattered tips and whatnot, but has anyone taken the time to write up a full walkthrough or something for this?

Furthermore, is there in fact just one wire you can buy to plug in the HD? Or do you have to go about splicing your own wire with soldering?

u have to do the splice...... hell one cable u need i could only find in one place...... satacables.com

I can make a list of things u have to do but the picutes on page 3 pretty much explain it ..... its rather easy

all u need is a micro phillips screw driver that will take everything apart

let me know if you want a play by play

the only problem i seem to be having right now is that im getting minor dust bunnies inside the computer...... and the ribbon that pluggs into the motherboard doesnt want to always stay in.... i fixed it though with some taping of the cables

 

[worldburger]

YMMV: SSD boot in OptiBay

i was wondering whether anybody replaced the optical drive with a hard drive yet. i was thinking about using a smaller/cheaper SSD for the OS and to boot, and a HDD for primary data storage.

how would this affect:
heat?
weight?
battery life?

and am i right in thinking that a SSD would noticeably reduce boot time and make the OS run faster?

This was my idea. I bought an Intel X-25M for a boot drive to go in the OptiBay (as well as the similar one from NewModeUS.com) and I'd have a data drive (7200.4 500GB Seagate Momentus) to go in the standard MBP slot for quick swapping.

Sadly, the SSD will NOT wake from sleep in the OptiBay or NewModeUS tray/bay. Once it goes to sleep, the computer is baked. Hard reset is the only way to get it alive again.

You can, however, have the SSD in the regular MBP spot and it'll work fine, but then the ability to swap data drives is no longer valid.

Anyone have a good experience with an SSD as Boot drive in the OptiBay/SuperDrive interface?

David

 

[worldburger]

MCE has THE WORST customer service

I just checked MCE's website and indeed they have Optibay for Alumunium MacBook/MacBook Pro. This option is available when you add the item into the shopping cart. The product info pages do not mention anything about the alumunium unibody optibay yet. Price is $129. Thanks Knolly

I had problems with my OptiBay...called MCE, got the run-around, told I would get a call back...repeated this 5x over the course of a month. No solution was given (see previous post re: SSD as boot drive in OptiBay).

Anyhow, for those of you buying the OptiBay for the Aluminum MB/MBP's AND those whose time isn't worth more than $240/hr. If you want to save $80-90, buy the SATA-SATA drive caddy for $40 (or whatever it is) from NewModeUS.com. I bought both the OptiBay and the NewModeUS.com version. They are IDENTICAL except for the lower profile on the OptiBay. Then spend 20 minutes trimming down the sides (to make it the same low profile as the SD).

For me, 20 minutes to save $80 was fine. Plus, I got to use tools and sandpaper instead of just my wallet.

 

[kleinishere]

I had problems with my OptiBay...called MCE, got the run-around, told I would get a call back...repeated this 5x over the course of a month. No solution was given (see previous post re: SSD as boot drive in OptiBay).

Anyhow, for those of you buying the OptiBay for the Aluminum MB/MBP's AND those whose time isn't worth more than $240/hr. If you want to save $80-90, buy the SATA-SATA drive caddy for $40 (or whatever it is) from NewModeUS.com. I bought both the OptiBay and the NewModeUS.com version. They are IDENTICAL except for the lower profile on the OptiBay. Then spend 20 minutes trimming down the sides (to make it the same low profile as the SD).

For me, 20 minutes to save $80 was fine. Plus, I got to use tools and sandpaper instead of just my wallet.

worldburger - It might seem stupid but I am completely inept when it comes to these DIY computer projects that involve any tools other than a screwdriver. What exactly did you use to trim down the newmodeus.com drive and how did you fix it in the computer? Did the screws match up with those in the macbook? If you could possibly elaborate on things that are probably obvious for the majority of readers I would appreciate it very much!

 

[worldburger]

worldburger - It might seem stupid but I am completely inept when it comes to these DIY computer projects that involve any tools other than a screwdriver. What exactly did you use to trim down the newmodeus.com drive and how did you fix it in the computer? Did the screws match up with those in the macbook? If you could possibly elaborate on things that are probably obvious for the majority of readers I would appreciate it very much!

The NewModeUS caddy is made of thin sheet aluminum. I'm sure you can trim the caddy down different ways: I did it with a file, sheet metal cutters (heavy duty scissors), and sand paper. I used the sheet metal cutters to get the general trim done, then the file to make it all flat, then the file to soften the cut.

Re: the screws. The SD caddy has an extra bit with a screw hole on it you remove and add to the NewModeUS caddy. Because of the way Apple designs everything, the SD has 3 screw holes that are non-standard so on the NewModeUS you only get one screw hole then instead of 3 like the SD, but the placement of the caddy is tight enough I don't think you'd need more anyways (I think the motion sensor would disengage before you'd notice whether any movement was due to the caddy or external motion).

Good luck...