Hi there.
We have a case, where we need to image a hard drive originating from an IBM PS/2 laptop from the mid to late 80'ties. The interface on the hard drive is IBM "Micro Channel Architecture" MCA.
However, the problem is that the laptop itsself is dead, so I can't access the hard drive via a Linux boot installation or via serial/parallel cable or any other way except taking it apart.
Now, I'm looking for an adapter to convert the MCA/ESDI to a more common output(IDE/(S)ATA).
Anybody out there, with a solution for me……
Cheers
Martin Warming
Senior Manager, KPMG Advisory
Martin,
MCA is so old and was only used by IBM. I would be amazed if another organisation produced an adapter so that an MCA drive can be used as an IDE.
The only thing I've found references to, are IDE drive adapters for cdroms so that they can be used on an MCA system.
Have you tried looking up sources for a replacement laptop? You may get lucky on ebay..
Martin,
I don't think that the MCA bit plays a role - all you need is an ESDI controller. We have a couple of old systems that we use to recover legacy devices, and I'm sure we have an ESDI interface kicking around somewhere.
Pity you weren't more local - I'm reluctant to part with this kit for any length of time - but I'm sure you could pick up something from eBay.
Duncan