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Offline DiskChrisTopic starter

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SCSI Phase Error
« on: January 01, 2013, 04:45:46 PM »
So a couple of weeks ago I had broken one of the black plastic pin housings off of my scsi cable.  I had planned on replacing the cable, but decided to use it anyway, and just tape off the part that had broken, as this scsi cable supports multiple drives, and the rest of the cable seemed fine.  Anyway, now when I connect it and try to start the computer  I get a SCSI Phase Error.  Why would I be geting that?  All that broke was one of the plastic retaining brackets.  The cable is not spliced or otherwise damaged.  I don't want to try to reconnect another cable anyway, as the Octagon scsi card has some bent pins and I think it is kind of fragile.  Do SCSI cables have one end which is supposed to go to the drive and one to the board? I am not that familiar with SCSI...
« Last Edit: January 01, 2013, 04:48:35 PM by DiskChris »
 

Offline matt3k

Re: SCSI Phase Error
« Reply #1 on: January 01, 2013, 04:54:00 PM »
Quote from: DiskChris;720884
So a couple of weeks ago I had broken one of the black plastic pin housings off of my scsi cable.  I had planned on replacing the cable, but decided to use it anyway, and just tape off the part that had broken, as this scsi cable supports multiple drives, and the rest of the cable seemed fine.  Anyway, now when I connect it and try to start the computer  I get a SCSI Phase Error.  Why would I be geting that?  All that broke was one of the plastic retaining brackets.  The cable is not spliced or otherwise damaged.  I don't want to try to reconnect another cable anyway, as the Octagon scsi card has some bent pins and I think it is kind of fragile.  Do SCSI cables have one end which is supposed to go to the drive and one to the board? I am not that familiar with SCSI...


Cables do not have a side meant for the drive or controller, they will work either way.  They are keyed though, the red strip on the cable must be at pin 1.  Many cables have a little square on one side so you can't put it in backwards.  If it was in backwards I don't think you would be getting a phase error anyways...

A phase error is usually is a bad cable, since your cable is broken I would start there.  It can also be bad termination, but if the system worked prior it is doubtful.

With some controllers and drives the cable length is important.

What hard disks and devices do you have on the chain?
 

Offline DiskChrisTopic starter

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Re: SCSI Phase Error
« Reply #2 on: January 01, 2013, 05:01:25 PM »
Yeah I knew about the stripe, so it is (should be) plugged in correctly.  I just have one SCSI hard drive attached.  So the cable is probably shot... Darn it! It would seem like I could just use the other ends of the cable though doesn't it?

(Just as a note I didn't put that link in.  It doesn't even show up when I go to edit the post.  What the heck?)
« Last Edit: January 01, 2013, 05:12:03 PM by DiskChris »
 

Offline danbeaver

If you don't want to buy a ready made cable
« Reply #3 on: January 02, 2013, 05:09:29 AM »
They are easy to build. You need: 50-pin ribbon cable, 2 50-pin connectors, a pair of scissors, a pair of good pliers (for squeezing the connectors on), and a bit of patience.  A couple of drops of Super-Glue helps those plastic clasps stay in place.  I've made a few custom cables with Y-connectors and stuff.