PowerBook G3 to Duo 230 file transfer methods

[perez6991]

Heyo everyone, I just bought a Duo 230 off of eBay and it should be arriving tomorrow but I'm trying to figure an important detail that I didn't think through. How will I be able to transfer files from my PowerBook G3 (Lombard)? So far I've came up with two methods, 1. Buy a Zip 100 drive for the G3 and Duo (the duo I purchased includes a SCSI microdock); 2. Buy a floppy microdock, hdi20 floppy drive, and a USB floppy for the G3. Which method would work best? I know I'm probably missing crucial details but thats why I'm asking. Also it seems zip disks are noticably more affordable than 3 1/2 inch floppy disks now. I can't find a pack of 10 floppies for less than $10 that a good well known brand.

 

[finkmac]

It's a lombard and 230, they both have SCSI… If you get a SCSI MicroDock, HDI Disk mode cable, and HDI SCSI cable, you can mount the 230 internal disk on the lombard, which might be easier.

 

[Trash80toHP_Mini]

Build an external case*** for your PB SCSI HDDs if you can't find a MiniDock or SCSI MicroDock.. The 230 HDD is SCSI, the Lombard bay is IDE and never the twain shall meet, got SCSI connector at all? No gots/don't want one!

Printer Cable/AppleTalk connection (Null Modem Wiring, NOT a straight thru serial cable) is easiest, but bog slow in its utter simplicity and therefore my very least favorite approach.

*** a really ugly one with cables, parts and power supply wire hanging out of any random open top box works best  [] ]'>

I'm not crazy about the custom job I got from APS back in the day when I was maxing out the memory, installing their faster MoDem and a big HDD in my brand spankin' new PowerBook 100. Still run the original 20 in there now and then for exercise, but using the case feels too much like cheating.

 

[Cory5412]

Unfortunately I don't believe the PowerBook G3 Lombard has its own LocalTalk capable serial ports, but if I remember correctly, it does have SCSI.

The SCSI target disk mode dock and cable will be the most direct.

If both machines have modems, you could rig up a line simulator and dial one from the other and do xmodem transfers.

Perhaps the best-best since you already have the SCSI microdock is to get osme kind of SCSI peripheral, like an external hard disk, and an HDI30 to DB25 adapter or HDi30 to CEN50 cable. Then, you can just move your external hard disk from one to the other.

 

[perez6991]

Okay so I found a disk mode cable (I think), it's a HDI30 to CN50 cable by the looks of it (and according to my searching). But now the issue arises, what do I use on the G3 side of things? Do I get a HDI30 to CN50 male cable/adapter or something else. I'm kinda new to the whole SCSI thing as well, it seems complicated but interesting at the same time.

 

[finkmac]

A disk mode cable is HDI30 to female centronics, while a normal PowerBook SCSI cable is HDI30 to male centronics. You need those two cables, and a double sided SCSI terminator.

 

[perez6991]

Thanks for clarifying, that really helps me a lot since I wasn't around for this type of stuff. I am learning as I go. I'll hunt the cables down on eBay, it suprises me how expensive the cables are.

 

[finkmac]

I believe monoprice sells the terminators and HDI-30 SCSI cables… Or PrimeCables.ca if you're in canada.