A word of warning re: CompactFlash adapters

[ThinkRob]

The lesson here is simple:

Use the adapters that folks here have tested. Don't try to be clever and use a different model, fail to read the spec. sheet, and plug it in. Doing so may result in using an adapter that shorts out the PATA controller on your X40, rendering the planar useless.

Guess what I learned this weekend?

[dr_st]

Sorry to hear that.

I gather the adapters are not standard. What was the problem with yours?

[ThinkRob]

What was the problem with yours?

Other than it killing one of my X40's ability to see PATA drives? Not a clue.

[sjthinkpader]

If the adapter uses thru-hole 2-row pin connectors, I normally would tape the back side where the pins are sticking up. The backside of the palm rest has a metal plate which may short the pins.
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f228/ ... CN9897.jpg

This is common to all types of adapters that use thru-hole construction, not just CF adapters.

[ThinkRob]

If the adapter uses thru-hole 2-row pin connectors, I normally would tape the back side where the pins are sticking up. The backside of the palm rest has a metal plate which may short the pins.
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f228/ ... CN9897.jpg

I don't think that was it. I taped it well prior to first trying it.

My money's on the adapter being a faulty knock-off piece of junk... but it doesn't matter. The adapter goes in the bin, and a new planar goes in my X40. :/

[farmall]

Always remember you can pot such things in epoxy or other insulating material, then if needed file or sand off any extra. There isn't a need for much exposed circuitry on such an adapter. Just because they SOLD it nekkid doesn't mean it should stay that way.