Print PDF
Favorite
Email
After looking at a similar project here, I finally figured out what to do with a handful of 2GB USB thumb drives that I had laying around, along with a $4 USB 2.0 hub I picked up along the way. The idea has been done a couple of times here, but since I was building it anyway, why not take some pictures?
The project took all of about 30 minutes and I've used it to store a 'master image' of a virtual machine that I copy whenever I want to test out a piece of shareware without risking my regular PC. I had though about actually using this to run the virtual machine on, but I didn't think the performance would be up to snuff. I had considered using a mirror configuration instead of striping so I would have multiple copies of the same data and keep critical stuff on there.... but really, anything that critical is on paper in the safety deposit box.
Anyway, without further ado, here's what I used:
4) PQI 2GB USB Sticks
1) 4 Port USB Hub
1) old 3.5" floppy drive
1) 3ft USB cable
4) rubber or felt feet (optional)
A small pair of wirecutters
A small Phillips screwdriver
Elmers (or hot melt) glue
I've added comments to the pictures, also.
The project took all of about 30 minutes and I've used it to store a 'master image' of a virtual machine that I copy whenever I want to test out a piece of shareware without risking my regular PC. I had though about actually using this to run the virtual machine on, but I didn't think the performance would be up to snuff. I had considered using a mirror configuration instead of striping so I would have multiple copies of the same data and keep critical stuff on there.... but really, anything that critical is on paper in the safety deposit box.
Anyway, without further ado, here's what I used:
4) PQI 2GB USB Sticks
1) 4 Port USB Hub
1) old 3.5" floppy drive
1) 3ft USB cable
4) rubber or felt feet (optional)
A small pair of wirecutters
A small Phillips screwdriver
Elmers (or hot melt) glue
I've added comments to the pictures, also.
Remove these ads by
Signing UpStep 1Gutting the floppy drive
This one is pretty simple, actually. Most drives I've played with come apart with a mixtures of screws and tabs. As you are pulling things apart, the most critical concern is not bending up the case or breaking plastic tabs. Take your time and you should get the guts out with little to no trouble. Also, remember there are lots of parts for inside that could be useful for other projects. Mother and daughter particularly liked the little copper armature inside.
The USB sticks were a little more difficult to remove from their cases. Some small, sharp wire cutters let me chew away at the plastic without destroying the insides. The next three were quick and painless once I saw how they came together.
The USB hub was the easiest of all. I knocked it from the counter by mistake and the case flew into two pieces on the floor. The only mod to the hub was the removal of a small power connector so I could push it lower into the case. Your model will most likely be different, but don't be afraid to trim as needed, as long as you don't cut any foil traces or hack through a component.
The USB sticks were a little more difficult to remove from their cases. Some small, sharp wire cutters let me chew away at the plastic without destroying the insides. The next three were quick and painless once I saw how they came together.
The USB hub was the easiest of all. I knocked it from the counter by mistake and the case flew into two pieces on the floor. The only mod to the hub was the removal of a small power connector so I could push it lower into the case. Your model will most likely be different, but don't be afraid to trim as needed, as long as you don't cut any foil traces or hack through a component.
| « Previous Step | Download PDFView All Steps | Next Step » |
Attack an optical fibre christmas tree or lamp with a pair of scissors :) get four lengths of fibre, hot glue onto the LEDs and route to the front of the drive? They would lose a fair bit of light being a) cheap plastic b) sharply bent, but they are only for indication not illumination so it's not such a big deal.
I have been looking for something to do with my old floppy drive, and Aldi sells 2x 2GB USB sticks for about a tenner, so this might be a plan if I can find a cheap hub.