ultrabay form factor

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gigafinger · #1 Post by **gigafinger** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 2:03 pm

hi all,
i don't know if this has already been a topic, but my searches
do not yield anything useful...
does the ibm/lenovo expression 'ultrabay' impose a form factor
on its own in the sense of a standard or are devices with a form factor
denominated as 'slim line' exchangeable with the 'ultrabay slim',
which means: am i bound to use original ibm/lenovo hardware or can i
use third-party hardware as well.
owning a t40p i have not changed any devices like cdrom's on my thinkpad yet.
so far as i've read and understoond there is even some concern
about the right form factor between different ibm/lenovo models...

SHoTTa35 · #2 Post by **SHoTTa35** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 2:26 pm

UltraBay is an IBM coined term for use in their devices (laptops and thinkcenters - i think) Have a read here to get the scoop on UltraBay devices and which works for your system (= UltraBay Slim)

http://www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/UltraBay

gigafinger · #3 Post by **gigafinger** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 3:10 pm

thanks a lot for the fast answer and the link,
the site is more comprehensive than what i've found on
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ThinkPad
surely, i should get used to use http://www.thinkwiki.org/
as a primary and first-time lookup source of information, but
on the other hand it's still not clear to me if i have to stick with
ibm/lenovo parts or if there are third-party vendors out there
offering components compatible with the 'ultrabay' form factor.
am i right assuming 'ultrabay' imposes a proprietary
'standard' (patented ?) not compatible with other notebooks?

sorry, for being pertinacious

The Spirit of X21 · #4 Post by **The Spirit of X21** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 3:15 pm

I would stick with IBM parts, though it is possible there are third party vendors who manufacture for your drive. Remember, though, that the T40p takes "Ultrabay Slim" and NOT "Ultrabay" drives ( I learned this the hard way.)

#5 Post by **rkawakami** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 3:24 pm

The many Ultrabay "standards" are basically the electrical connector and drive rails (a.k.a. caddy) used to connect a notebook-sized drive peripheral (optical or hard drive) or other accessory. For example, I've used optical drives meant for other laptops (HP, Toshiba, Panasonic) and by simply removing any existing rails, caddy or mounting hardware, resulting in a "bare drive", transfer the Ultrabay rails and connector onto it and plug it into a Thinkpad. Some systems will also require a change or alteration of the front bezel (a.k.a. faceplate) because of the design of the opening of the Ultrabay.

For example, here's what an Ultrabay 2000 optical drive looks like in an Ultraslimbay 600X:

http://www.rkawakami.net/ibm_600x/u2k/

and the pieces which go onto an Ultraslimbay drive:

http://www.rkawakami.net/ibm_600x/image ... ails_1.jpg
http://www.rkawakami.net/ibm_600x/image ... ails_2.jpg

#6 Post by **Harryc** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 7:24 pm

rkawakami wrote:For example, I've used optical drives meant for other laptops (HP, Toshiba, Panasonic) and by simply removing any existing rails, caddy or mounting hardware, resulting in a "bare drive", transfer the Ultrabay rails and connector onto it and plug it into a Thinkpad.

Ray, this is of interest to alot of folks because it may be a way to beat the expensive prices on later model multiburner drives (as an example). Say I had a T4X or R5X system, it would be nice to buy an inexpensive ultrabay slim or ultrabay enhanced CDROM drive and transfer the rails, connector, and faceplate to a muiltiburner from another manufacturer that is cheaper. Is this possible and can you give a practical example or two? I think this is what the OP is asking about ... I am curious as well. Frankly I could care less if the faceplate says CD or whatever, as long as it is a multiburner inside, the faceplate is black, and the faceplate matches the machine outside. Also, is there a source for just the rails?

For example, could I take this HP 9.5mm drive and make it a slim multiburner or ultrabay enhanced multiburner?

Slim Multiburner

What about compatibility of the drive itself/firmware to a Thinkpad? Is this a concern?

A source for Thinkpad faceplates would be nice as well..

Panasonic Faceplate

#7 Post by **rkawakami** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 8:19 pm

Harryc wrote:Ray, this is of interest to alot of folks because it may be a way to beat the expensive prices on later model multiburner drives (as an example).

Which is exactly why I have done this before (buying non-IBM drives)

Harryc wrote:Is this possible and can you give a practical example or two? I think this is what the OP is asking about ... I am curious as well.

Let's see... where to start... Okay, besides the links I posted earlier, here's some stuff I've done with Ultrabay optical drives:

http://www.rkawakami.net/ibm_t2x/ultrabayslim/
http://www.rkawakami.net/ibm_t2x/u2k_bezel_mod.jpg
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=28697
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... 089#236089
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... 436#246436
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=36226
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=37741
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=41821
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=46334

Harryc wrote:Also, is there a source for just the rails?

That's one of the hardest things to find. Very recently I found a source of Ultrabay 2000 rails on eBay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 0090079605

Note: I most certainly did NOT pay $20.95 for the first set and $16.95 for each additional set (prices include shipping). I bought 10 sets and managed to stay quite under three figures.

As far as what drives I've used, since I'm heavily invested in T23 and A31 systems, they have been UJ-820 and UJ-840 DVD burners. I have not done anything yet with Ultrabay Slim equipment since I've only recently obtained a couple of T41s.

I'm not certain if there's any firmware compatibility issues. I do have a strange bug on my T23 running WinXP and a UJ840 drive. CDs and DVDs are not recognized by Windows until after I launch Nero 6.3. I assume it's because something got hosed when I installed Nero (which itself says is not compatible with XP each time it starts).

Not sure if I've run across any eBay sellers with Ultrabay-specific faceplates, either 2000 or Slim. If the drive I buy has a full, flat faceplate, I use a Dremel to cut the notch out.

#8 Post by **Harryc** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 8:32 pm

Thanks for the information. Life would be a lot easier in this area is Lenovo/IBM had used 12.7mm drives in all their machines, but I suppose weight is the over-riding consideration. As an example -
12.7mm Drives are plentiful and cheap
These little 9.5mm drives are very expensive. In my short research tonight I found little difference between the prices of Thinkpad slim multiburners and any other 9.5mm drives...so there goes any price advantage in not using Thinkpad branded drives. If anyone has a source for inexpensive non-thinkpad 9.5mm multiburners please share it.

#9 Post by **rkawakami** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 8:47 pm

Harryc wrote:As an example - 12.7mm Drives are plentiful and cheap ($86 slot-loader)

If that's cheap I probably shouldn't say how much I paid for the UJ-840D.

I'll have to search my email archives for the eBay item # but I'm pretty sure it was about $50.

#10 Post by **Harryc** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 9:04 pm

rkawakami wrote:
Harryc wrote:As an example - 12.7mm Drives are plentiful and cheap ($86 slot-loader)
If that's cheap I probably shouldn't say how much I paid for the UJ-840D. I'll have to search my email archives for the eBay item # but I'm pretty sure it was about $50.

Yeah I just did a quick search, I'm sure there are cheaper 12.7mm drives out there. Even $86 is a good deal compared to the slim multiburner prices though. $50 would be great...

#11 Post by **Harryc** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 9:33 pm

Does anyone know if the Ultrabay Enhanced Multi-Burner is a 9.5mm or a 12.7mm drive?

Edit: Disregard, I found the answer..it's 12.7mm

Ultrabay Enhanced Combo Drive Specs

ulrich.von.lich · #12 Post by **ulrich.von.lich** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 10:07 am

Sorry to revive this old thread.

Now I'm looking at the Ultrabay Slim Super Burner that comes with a T60p and can't figure out a way to get rid of its faceplate. I see different faceplates (curved, flat, other branded etc..) are sold on ebay so there must be a way to change them.

Do I have to disassemble the drive to get rid of it or do I have to use some excessive force?

#13 Post by **Johan** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 11:58 am

... "seems" to be possible to swap faceplates, at least according to the threads: adapting DVD burner for ultrabay and How To: Budget DVD Writer and Replacement for Ultrabay DVD Drive and How to build your own UltraBay drive. Might sound easier than what it is...?

Good luck!

Best regards,

Johan

ultrabay form factor

ultrabay form factor

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