(Solved) Laptop Caddy connector identification. Getac, Roda and Itronix laptops

[MrMobodies]

I have seen something like that before in my collection and I think it might have been from a Compaq 386 laptop I'll look later.

[Fraser]

Thank you 

I did search through many laptop caddy pictures on eBay in the hope of discovering the same connector being used on a more common brand and model of laptop. Sadly I came up empty on that search I am certain that I have seen this connector in older laptops, but it is a case of discovering which ones and they will be long obsolete now  

As a side note, the GETAC laptops that I have are actually from the MITAC stable as GETAC is/was part of MITAC. I looked for consumer grade MITAC laptops on eBay to see if the same hard disk caddy or connector was used in older MITAC laptops. Sadly I also failed in that search for compatible parts. I was so fortunate to find ready made 3rd party GETAC M230 caddy adapter PCB’s as those caddy connectors are also challenging to find.

These laptops are using old series of connectors so it is no surprise that that are now a little rare in the required pin count.

Fraser

[Fraser]

I think I found the connector used on the Compaq laptop, circa 1993 ! Similar design, but sadly not the same.

[Ecmbuster]

Great images, there a few "olde" and surviving computer stores / shops I will visit in a short while.
Been busy with the Jag / Rover diagnostic machines for these "vintage" models that connect to the VCM I.

[Fraser]

The latest part of my Roda Rocky storage solution has arrived

I ordered some PATA to mSATA adapter boards to create SATA a more modern drive solution for the laptops. The adapter PCB and cut-down KEL connector will be mounted on a base board and the two wired together.

The solution will be mounted in a suitable 3D printed caddy for the Rocky HDD bay. The short length of the SSD adapter gives me plenty of room inside the drive bay for the interconnect wiring.

The PATA to SATA adapter PCB’s were less than £4 delivered from China 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/mSATA-adapter-mSATA-SSD-to-44Pin-IDE-adapter-mSATA-IDE-converter-card-for-laOV-/184384779839?_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286

Fraser

[Ecmbuster]

That is a very interesting solution.
Completely modern and with the correct drive, will speed it up if the BUS can handle the increase.