identify SATA connector

[Asp]

I've got a media player with minimal documentation.

 

The manual says that it supports SATA hard disk, but no details.

 

Inside there is enough room for a hard disk, and a socket that I presume is a SATA connector.

(top side image below)

 

But it's not a conventional motherboard SATA socket.

Can anyone ID the kind of socket it is and the cable it needs to connect a hard disk?

 

 

 

PS. I guess it's a "15+7 22 Pin SATA Serial ATA Male To Female Data Power Cable" as here: http://www.lunashops.com/goods.php?id=404

 

 

Edited September 3, 2014 by Asp

[jaclaz]

How large (width) is it (can you measure it in mm)?

 

At first sight (judging from the size of the other components) it seems much smaller than the cable you linked to, it is likely to be a mini sata or a micro sata:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/richpub/syltguides/fullview/RBX0KM9DMNFEJ

http://www.forensicfocus.com/Forums/viewtopic/p=6572674/

 

jaclaz

[cdob]

I've got a media player with minimal documentation.

 

The manual says that it supports SATA hard disk, but no details.

 

Inside there is enough room for a hard disk, and a socket that I presume is a SATA connector.

Which real space is available?

Can you connect a 2.5" HDD directly to the motherboard?

[Asp]

Which real space is available?

Can you connect a 2.5" HDD directly to the motherboard?

 

 

Enough space for a desktop 3.5" drive.

 

I don't have any 2.5" to try.

 

Here's some more photos: http://tinyurl.com/n8kxstu

I'll open it up agan and measure it exactly later.

[jaclaz]

From the large "top" photo the "internal" connector seems smaller than the "external one" (which is a "normal" SATA one), BUT the position of the notches in the large "front" photo seems like it is NOT a micro sata.

 

jaclaz

[cdob]

Enough space for a desktop 3.5" drive.

I don't have any 2.5" to try.

Here's some more photos

http://geniatech.com/pa/mp725.asp

Support internal/external 2.5”,3.5” SATA HDD (MP725)

I understand:

You may connect a 2.5” or a 3.5” SATA HDD to the motherboard directly.

No cable required.

[Asp]

From the large "top" photo the "internal" connector seems smaller than the "external one" (which is a "normal" SATA one), BUT the position of the notches in the large "front" photo seems like it is NOT a micro sata.

 

jaclaz

 

Here's another close up with mm scale.

The external-facing socket is identical in size. Actually, seems to be identical component.

 

 

 

UPDATE:

This is now probably moot, after the following:

 

 

I understand:

You may connect a 2.5” or a 3.5” SATA HDD to the motherboard directly.

No cable required.

 

 

I thought the connectors matched, but didn't think it would physically fit. But I gave it a try and it does...

 

And now I notice some holes in the mobo and the base that would allow bolts to secure the drive.

So, the obvious solution that I had dismissed is actually the answer.

 

 

I plugged in some old SATA drives I had lying around and they heated up and spun, but couldn't see any sign the device had recognised them.

 

But one step forward, the connection problem is solved at least.

Edited September 5, 2014 by Asp

[jaclaz]

"Normal" SATA, i.e. simply "SATA".

 

The "inside" of the connector is a little less that 34 mm:

and the "two notches" are on the sides of the space in the middle.

 

If you are going to put a (heavy) 3.5" disk in that case, you NEED (IMHO) to find a way to fix it "safely", consider the idea of putting "spacers" between the disk and the case (without completely preventing air flow around it of course)

 

jaclaz

[Asp]

 

If you are going to put a (heavy) 3.5" disk in that case, you NEED (IMHO) to find a way to fix it "safely", consider the idea of putting "spacers" between the disk and the case (without completely preventing air flow around it of course)

 

jaclaz

 

(Note: I updated my post above.)

 

Yes, that's why I was dubious about a direct connection. But then I noticed two knobs that act as stand offs and two holes that allow the drive to be screwed down to the base.

So it's held securely about 5mm above the board.

 

Too bad none of this is in the "manual".

Now to see if I can make it do something useful with the drive.

 

 

PS -- Updated my photos with some captions for posterity: http://tinyurl.com/n8kxstu

Edited September 5, 2014 by Asp