help: need extra storage for my a2000

[rednova]

Hi:
I have a working a2000 and I am very happy with it.
It only has a 50 mb hard drive, but I am happy with it.
I do not want to replace the hd, but would like to know
what choices I have for extra storage, without opening my case.
For ex. external cd or hd, or special storage options.
Thank you !!!

[Oldsmobile_Mike]

An A2000 is best expanded internally.  As far as external options, that depends if your SCSI controller has a port on the back for connecting external peripherals.  Most (like the A2091) do.  You'd have to mount a hard drive or other drive in some sort of external chassis to provide power, and configure it that way.

TL;DR.  How old is that 50MB hard drive? If you value your data you should really think about replacing it with something more modern.

http://amiga.resource.cx/expansion.html

http://www.bigbookofamigahardware.com/

[paul1981]

Another option is to compress your application and game executables using Imploder:

http://aminet.net/package/util/pack/imploder-4.0

Then compress your text files (.readme and .doc for example) with PowerPacker:

http://aminet.net/package/util/pack/PPData-1.0

When I had a 260MB hard drive I used Imploder and PowerPacker. I remember StoneCracker too, but Imploder was the best compression. After you have compressed your text files (docs), you can then use a tool like PPMore or MuchMore to view them. Under OS3 you can install a PowerPacker datatype so you can use Multiview etc. IIRC, but it was a while since I used such tools as I don't have any problems with storage capacity these days. There is a performance hit though on a 68000 as a large program may take a few seconds to decrunch, but it's worth it as you will gain a few more megabytes which may be enough for you, I don't know.

[magnetic]

Why in the world would you want external storage in an a2000? The case is huge, why don't you add another scsi drive, copy the 50mb one to it and enjoy??

[kirk_m]

You can also get one of those SCSI2SD adapters.  I have one in my A3000 and it works like a charm.  It's faster than the HD, and it's silent, since it doesn't spin.

If you scsi controller has the external port on it, like Mike mentioned, there is even a small, 3D printed case you can put the SCSI2SD card into, and, an adapter you can buy to make it external (a 50 pin internal SCSI to 25 pin external adapter).  It doesn't require power other than what comes across the SCSI cable, even though it has a MOLEX.

[giZmo350]

After you have compressed your text files (docs), you can then use a tool like PPMore or MuchMore to view them.

Spoken like a true businessman!

Why in the world would you want external storage in an a2000? The case is huge, why don't you add another scsi drive, copy the 50mb one to it and enjoy??

Good suggestion! We all know RedNova loves a challenge!

It doesn't require power other than what comes across the SCSI cable, even though it has a MOLEX.

You Sir! Are correct!
Kirk gets the "forgotten SCSI facts" award of the DAY!

[James1095]

I use 2.5" SCA drives in my 68k Macs. They are (or were) available very cheaply on ebay, and you can get adapter boards for a few bucks that convert them to 50 pin SCSI. I like the 2.5" type because they're much quieter than the 3.5" which are almost all 10k RPM. Most of mine are 72GB drives but only have a few 2GB partitions. It's pretty hard to make use of even 2GB of space on such an old machine.

[QuikSanz]

Mike is right. Find a 18GB on ebay and also grab a scsi2sd for boot. All problems solved until Vampire for A2000. Lol