I have just taken delivery of an external Plextor CD-RW Drive,type PX-W40/12/40SE.
The manufacturer recommend I use an "ULTRA" 50pin SCSI EXTERNAL cable
through what they call an SCSI type controller interface, to connect
the drive to my standard computer. This is all a bit beyond me.

The CD-RW has a 50pin socket but looking at the back of my computer
the only large socket I can see to connect an external cable is the
25pin socket that I would nomally use to connect my standard printer. 
Will I need a Cable that has 50pins at one end and 25pins at the
other?

I have assumed all along that when they specify an external cable that
I am not going to have to open up the computer and do some sort of
connecting in there.

So to sum up.

Can you provide the details of the ULTRA cable I need?  And if not,
can you suggest an equivalent cable from another supplier?
Any thoughts on connecting much appreciated.

Your kind attention much appreciated.

Regards

Alec Snell

Howdy Alec,

There are several types of interfaces (ways of hooking up computers
with a device such as a printer or external drive) for internal or
external devices.

The drive you have utilizes an interface called "Ultra Wide Small Computer
System Interface" or "Ultra Wide SCSI" for short.  SCSI is pronounce "scuzzy."

What this means is that you will indeed have to open your computer, but it is
to install a card, a Ultra Wide SCSI host adapter card to be specific.  If you
do not feel comfortable working on your computer, you will need to find a
friend, etc. with experience.  It really isn't all that hard to do, and the
card should have directions on how to install it.  Make sure you unplug your
computer before installing the card.

You will then have an external connector that will connect the Ultra Wide 50
pin SCSI external cable that you mention, to your Plextor drive.

You can get the card and the cable from lots of places, both retail and on
the internet.

One of the more popular Ultra Wide SCSI cards is the Adaptec AH-2940UW.
http://www.adaptec.com/worldwide/support/suppdetail.jsp?sess=no&prodkey=AHA-2940UW

"The AHA-2940UW Ultra Wide adapter is a PCI to Ultra Wide SCSI adapter that
provides connections for up to 15 wide UltraSCSI devices and transfers data
at up to 40 MBytes/sec."

A search using Google's "Froogle" service provides some sites that carry
the Adaptec card.
http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=AHA-2940UW&scoring=p

The least expensive new or factory refurbished Adaptec AHA-2940UW card that
I found is through the CompuVest web site.
http://www.compuvest.com/

Adaptec UW-SCSI OEM PCI AHA-2940UW
http://www.compuvest.com/Description.jsp?ItemID=2119

Price: $12.50
Condition: Mnf. Refurbished

Adaptec UW-SCSI PCI Kit AHA-2940UW
http://www.compuvest.com/Description.jsp?ItemID=121419

Price: $19.90
Condition: New

They also carry the cable you will need as well.

SCSI III External Cable HD-68 (M) HD-50 (M) 3ft 22200C
http://www.compuvest.com/Description.jsp?ItemID=57552

Price $8.90
Condition: New

To be sure, you might want to contact a dealer such as the one above and
see if they can check their information to make sure the cable above is the
correct one.  The Adaptec and Plextor web site information were not exactly
clear on which cable is required, but it appears to be a HD (High Density)
68 pin to a HD 50 pin connector.

If you need any clarification, feel free to ask.


Search strategy:

Prior experience with Ultra Wide SCSI drives.  Used Google's Froogle web
service as noted above.  Also went to the Adaptec and Plextor web sites.

Adaptec - http://www.adaptec.com/
Plextor - http://www.plextor.com/

Looking Forward, denco-ga - Google Answers Researcher

Brilliant. I know where I stand.  I've got all the contacts I need.  I
can now get on with it.  Thanks.  Alec.

Much thanks for the kind comment, 5 star rating and very generous tip, Alec.

Glad to help you carry on.

Looking Forward, denco-ga - Google Answers Researcher