[comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware] To SCSI or not to SCSI...

kncarp@nicsn1.monsanto.com (05/31/91)

I recently have been given the opportunity to obtain an old Sun "shoebox"
SCSI disk drive.  This external setup has either a Toshiba MK156FA or a
Micropolis 1355 135MB disk in them.  Examination reveals the SCSI connectors
going into an Adaptec (I believe) MD21 SCSI->ESDI controller.  I cross-checked 
the disk models, and sure enough, both are ESDI disk.  Although only cabled for
one drive, I believe the MD21 controller can handle a second drive (same SCSI
id - different LUN?).
  
Anyhow, I would like to replace my 5 year old MFM disk with this drive.  I've
considered purchasing an ESDI controller, ripping the raw drive out of the
shoebox, and internally mounting it in my 33Mhz 386, but wonder is a SCSI
solution would be preferable.
  
I've noticed a trend towards IDE (ATA) and SCSI 2 being the offered interfaces
on new drives, and would prefer to purchase a controller that has a future, 
thus the concern over going ESDI.  Having scanned this newsgroup for the past
week or so, its seems that most folks are suggestion Adaptec SCSI controllers.
Given these run around $300, I'd like to do it once, and do it right.
  
Comments please!  Either to the group or direct e-mail is fine.
  
Kevin Carpenter
kncarp@nicsn1.monsanto.com
...!crygtw!nicsn1!kncarp