Description
The 1.8″ IDE HDD Layer is designed to let you fit an iPod style drive to your RC2014 Zed Mini. At its heart is an 82C55 Programmable Peripheral Interface (PPI) chip as used in the IDE Hard Drive Module. Instead of using an IDC cable to connect to a 3.5″ or 2.5″ drive, this layer has a 40 pin flat flex connector . This allows a compatible 1.8″ IDE drive to be installed. It is supplied with stackable header pins so you can build up from your Zed Mini.
RomWBW 3.6.0, as supplied on the Zed Mini has support for this layer built in. For maximum storage flexibility can be used in conjunction with a Compact Flash Layer, CF Module, Micro SD Module, or USB Storage Module. It will even work with another IDE module with a minor modification.
Note that this is only designed for use with the RC2014 Zed Mini. Whilst it will work with other RomWBW based computers, it is not supported on a regular RC2014 Mini II
Hard drive sourcing
If you have an unused iPod Classic (5th, 5.5, 6th or 7th gen or iPod video) then you already have a suitable drive. If you have recently upgraded your iPod to Micro SD then you not only have a suitable drive spare, but also have a better iPod! Suitable drives can also be found in some laptops or palmtops from the late 90s/early 2000s.
Due to a lot of people upgrading their iPods, drives can be found cheaply on eBay. Websites which specialise in iPod upgrades can also be a great source for suitable drives.
A pre-imaged drive can be supplied with this kit while stocks allow.
