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Question

Connect multiple machines to one optical drive?

by Apr 24, 2014 7:14PM PDT

I have 19 machines and I need them to all be able to use the same IDE/PATA optical drive, which will be on another floor, and I cannot use a network to accomplish this. They only need to be able to use it one machine at a time. I can run a CAT5e line between the server rack and the office, and use IDE-USB and vis versa converters and just just a twisted pair for each line in the USB cable to connect the two ends. The only question is, can I just solder together the pins from all 19 machines and hook it up to the cable? Or is there somekind of IDE/PATA auto switch? Does anyone have a more sane option I havent thought of?

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3 Posts
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Answer
Since I've never found such.
by Forum moderator Apr 25, 2014 12:25AM PDT

Maybe we need to research why this would be required. Then we could check into other fixes.

Now there was one fellow that was trying to get around copy protection this way. For that the real answer was another license system from the software maker. I never heard if they went with that but it was solvable.
Bob

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by satansoldier91 Apr 25, 2014 2:50AM PDT

The machines are DVRs running proprietary software over a windows embedded systems OS. We need to be able to burn recorded video to a disk, but due to issues with the software we are unable to network the devices. There are no rights issues here as we own all data that would be put on the disks. Currently we need to physically go to where the rack is and burn directly from the device. As we often work with Law Enforcement and are extremely busy during the day, taking all that time to go all the way upstairs is extremely difficult.
The only other solution I have come up with is to design, program, and build my own switching unit. I would prefer to go with something simpler if at all possible.

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What a small world this is.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Apr 25, 2014 2:56AM PDT

I traveled overseas to work on bugs in DVR surveillance systems. While I applaud anyone that would tackle extending IDE/PATA past a few feet, the timing of the interface doesn't lend itself to more than a few feet.

I avoid revealing the names of the companies I work for in the forums but there are DVRs that allow network backup of video today. I know because I worked on said systems. PS. If you need to know a name, I can reveal it directly by you clicking on my name and dropping me a note. The company does sell into law enforcement and more.
Bob

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