SCSI long ruled the performance peripheral category for storage and other devices. With many advantages over competing busses, including flexibility, speed, and reliability, SCSI devices are found everywhere. However, as computing platforms move towards cheaper internal busses and serial busses in general, finding SCSI host adapters capable of interfacing with older SCSI devices has become difficult. SCSI itself is transitioning to SAS (Serial Attached SCSI). On the newer desktop realm, the few PCIe SCSI host adapters are expensive. For newer laptops, there aren't any ExpressCard to SCSI host adapters we are aware of. This brings us to SCSI host adapters utilizing external busses like high performance FireWire and prosaic USB. While Ratoc's FireWire and USB to SCSI adapters have been on the market for quite some time, they are beginning to grow in popularity since they are an inexpensive and accessible way to work with older SCSI devices. This document is intended to clear up some of the confusion over deploying Ratoc adapters with SCSI devices.
- FireWire To Ultra SCSI
- FW-USCSI-01
- Ratoc FireWire to Ultra SCSI Converter
- FireWire to Ultra SCSI adapters have the advantage of a much faster host connection than USB, and FireWire is superior to USB in every regard.
FIREWIRE-ULTRA SCSI CONVERTER FOR PC/MAC 2FIREWIRE PORTS/1 SCSI overview and full product specs on CNET. PATCH 2.4.25-pre7 SCSI fusion driver - version - 2.05.11.01 (too old to reply) Moore, Eric Dean 2004-01-27 23:04:34 UTC. Here is another update for the MPT Fusion drivers, 2.4 kernel. Change log: (1) created define for MPTCONFIGCOMPAT, replacing CONFIGCOMPAT.
- USB To Ultra SCSI
- USB-USCSI-01
- Ratoc USB 2.0 to Ultra SCSI Converter
- USB 2.0 to Ultra SCSI adapters can be used with a number of SCSI devices.
- USB To Ultra Wide SCSI
- USB-UWSCSI-01
- Ratoc USB 2.0 to Ultra Wide SCSI Converter U2SCX-LVD
- USB 2.0 to Ultra SCSI adapters can be used with Ultra Wide SCSI Devices.
Ratoc Scsi & Raid Devices Driver Updater
Ratoc offers three SCSI host adapter models: The FR1SX (FW-USCSI-01) FireWire to Ultra SCSI, the U2SCX (USB-USCSI-01) USB to Ultra SCSI, and the U2SCX-LVD (USB-UWSCSI-01) USB to Ultra Wide SCSI. The FR1SX and U2SCX feature a HD-50 connector and are native Ultra SCSI devices. They are backwards and forward compatible with many other SCSI standards when used with connector adapters. While both rated to handle Ultra SCSI throughput of 20MB/s, the FR1SX tends to realize much better sustained throughput since FireWire isn't hampered by USB 2.0's CPU utilization overhead. The U2SCX-LVD features a HD-68 connector and is a native Ultra Wide SCSI device. It is also backward and forward compatible with many other SCSI standards when used with connector adapters. U2SCX-LVD is rated as handling Ultra Wide SCSI throughput of 40MB/s, however this maximum is doubtful since nearly any real world benchmark of USB 2.0 sustained throughput maxes out at around 33MB/s. That said, it is faster than the U2SCX, albeit considerably more expensive. When the better performance of the U2SCX-LVD isn't paramount, many customers prefer the U2SCX with a High Density 50F to High Density 68M Adapter combination over the U2SCX-LVD since is over $150 cheaper.
Termination Power or Term Power
All Ratoc SCSI host adapters require power to operate. That power is supplied either by an optional (purchased separately) AC adapter, or through drawing power off the SCSI buses' Term Power. In order to use Term Power, the SCSI device the Ratoc adapter is connected to must provide it. This invariably brings up two questions: what is Term Power, and does my device provide it? Answering the first question, according to the SCSI Trade Association:
'Terminators are powered from the 'term power' line on the SCSI bus. Term power can come from any device on the bus, and is provided by either the host, a drive on the bus, the backplane, or any combination thereof. Term power is provided through a diode and fuse - historically - the drop across the diode and cable allows for a term power range of 4.0 to 5.25 volts.'
As for the second question one must consult with the SCSI device's manufacturer or documentation. If the SCSI device doesn't provide Termination Power, then purchase the optional PS-5V2A 5VDC 2A External Power Supply/Adapter ST (USB/SCSI) power supply, or find an AC adapter with the same specifications at a local supplier.
Bear in mind termination (ie. terminating resistors) and termination power are not the same thing. The presence of an external terminating resistor, or a switch for an internal terminating resistor, have no bearing or whether a SCSI device provides termination power.
SCSI Connectors
Ratoc Scsi & Raid Devices Driver Download
There has been a whole range of SCSI connectors over the years. Part of the confusion people run into is that there is overlap between SCSI standards and connectors. In other words, several connectors are applicable to single SCSI standards. As this document focuses on device compatibility with Ratoc SCSI adapters, it will not address internal SCSI connectors. While roughly ten different external SCSI connectors exist, there are four in particular that are the most commonly found. The following drawings depict the four more common SCSI connectors with the types featured on Ratoc's host adapters indicated in parenthesis.
If your SCSI device's connection doesn't match the connector present on a Ratoc host adapter, then a low cost adapter plug employed between the connectors will allow its use. Synchrotech carries three types of adapters that take the FR1SX and U2SCX HD-50 connector and provide an alternate connector on the other side. Synchrotech doesn't stock any converters for the U2SCX-LVD since it is typically used with 68-pin LVD type devices to begin with.
Using the Ratoc FR1SX or U2SCX with a SCSI device featuring a HD50F
Ratoc's FR1SX or U2SCX plug directly into SCSI devices featuring female HD50 (50 pin) connectors.
Using the Ratoc FR1SX or U2SCX with a SCSI device featuring a C50F
To use Ratoc's FR1SX or U2SCX with a SCSI device featuring a female C50 (50 pin Centronics style) connector, use the SCSI-RCL3005 High Density 50F to Centronics 50M adapter (Ultra to Fast SCSI I/II).
The bottom four images are the SCSI-RCL3005 pin-outs as a line drawing on the left and a photograph on the right. One side of the connector receives the FR1SX or U2SCX (images in top row) and the other side plugs into the SCSI peripheral (images in bottom row).
Using the Ratoc FR1SX or U2SCX with a SCSI device featuring a HD68F
To use Ratoc's FR1SX or U2SCX with a SCSI device featuring a female HD68 (68 pin) connector, use the SCSI-RCL3068 High Density 50F to High Density 68M Adapter (Ultra to Ultra Wide/LVD SCSI).
The bottom four images are the SCSI-RCL3068 pin-outs as a line drawing on the left and a photograph on the right. One side of the connector receives the FR1SX or U2SCX (images in top row) and the other side plugs into the SCSI peripheral (images in bottom row).
Using the Ratoc FR1SX or U2SCX with a SCSI device featuring a DB25F
To use Ratoc's FR1SX or U2SCX with a SCSI device featuring a female DB25 (25 pin 'Mac' style) connector, use the SCSI-RCL3025 High Density 50F to D-Sub 25M Adapter (Ultra to Fast SCSI I/II Mac).
The bottom four images are the SCSI-RCL3025 pin-outs as a line drawing on the left and a photograph on the right. One side of the connector receives the FR1SX or U2SCX (images in top row) and the other side plugs into the SCSI peripheral (images in bottom row).
Using the Ratoc host adapters with other types of SCSI connectors
There are other types of SCSI connectors, converter plugs, and gender changers on the market. Some companies to investigate for alternate connectors and converters are Granite Digital, The Mate Company, and Paralan Corporation. There are several to choose from and the preceding list is provided as a service, not an endorsement or recommendation.
Important FR1SX FireWire to Ultra SCSI Information
Before purchasing the FR1SXFireWire to Ultra SCSI host adapter, check Ratoc's system requirements and compatibility lists carefully.
Important U2SCX USB 2.0 to Ultra SCSI Information
Before purchasing the U2SCXUSB 2.0 to Ultra SCSI host adapter, check Ratoc's system requirements and compatibility lists carefully.
Important U2SCX-LVD USB 2.0 to Ultra Wide SCSI Information
Before purchasing the U2SCX-LVDUSB 2.0 to Ultra Wide SCSI host adapter, check Ratoc's system requirements and compatibility lists carefully.
More Useful SCSI Information
- Overview of SCSI Standards and Cables
- http://www.scsita.org/terms/SCSI_Overview.html
- Visual Guide to SCSI Connectors
- http://www.scsita.org/aboutscsi/Pictures.html
- The 7 Generations of SCSI
- http://www.scsita.org/aboutscsi/7gen.html
- Overview of SCSI Standards and Cables
- http://www.scsita.org/aboutscsi/SCSI_Overview.html
- SCSI Termination Tutorial
- http://www.scsita.org/aboutscsi/SCSI_Termination_Tutorial.html
- STA-Endorsed Terms and Terminology for SCSI
- http://www.scsita.org/aboutscsi/SCSI_Termination_Tutorial.html#Table1
Ratoc FireWire and USB solutions for Internal SCSI Devices
The connectors on internal SCSI devices differ from those found on external devices. Further, pre SCA style devices also require power connectors (typically Molex style). None of the Ratoc FireWire or USB (FR1SX, U2SCX, or U2SCX-LVD) work with IDC Header or SCA internal SCSI devices.
A solution to this is to purchase and external enclosure for the internal SCSI device and then connect it to the host system using one of the Ratoc solution. External SCSI enclosures can be special ordered from specialty stores.
Service & Support
Discontinued Products
| Compact Flash Host Adapter | SATA Host Adapter | IEEE1394(FireWire)Devices |
| IEEE1394(FireWire)Interface | SATA to Ultra SCSI Converter | USB2.0 Devices |
| USB2.0 Interface | USB2.0 to SCSI Converter | SCSI Interface |
| Network Interface | PC Card Adapter | Removable Cases Kit |
| KVM Switch | Audio Products | SmardMedia Reader, CompactFlash Reader |
| Compact Flash Host Adapter | ||
| USB1.1 Host Compact Flash Adapter CFU1U(for PocketPC/Windows Mobile) Add USB 1.1 Host downstream port to your PDA Expands your application and ideas of PDA based systems | web site >> | |
| USB1.1 Host Compact Flash Adapter CFU2 Add USB 1.1 Host downstream port to your PDA Expands your application and ideas of PDA based systems | web site >> | |
| Serial I/O(RS-232C) CF Card CF60U Add Hi-Speed COM port to your PDA, Palmtop PC Works as a standard COM port | web site >> | |
| SATA Host Adapter | ||
| SATA Host Adapter EX30S Enabled system. The eSATA port provides a maximum of 3.0Gbps data transfer rate. | web site >> | |
| IEEE1394(FireWire) Devices | |
| FireWire/IEEE1394 external HardDisk drive FR-HD75(for MAC & WIN) Large capacity(75GB) and high speed(7200rpm) HDD. Over 30MB/s(Sequential Read). | |
| Portable IEEE1394/FireWire CD-RW drive FR-CW84(for MAC & WIN) Burn 650MB CD within 10 minutes.(FireWire 8x) | |
| IEEE1394/FireWire CD-RW drive FR-CW1610 (for MAC & WIN) 16x record, 10x rewrite, 40x playback.Supports 'Burn Proof' technology | |
| IEEE1394/FireWire Interfaces | ||
| IEEE1394(FireWire) CardBus PC Card CBFW3U(for MAC & WIN) Two external IEEE1394/FireWire ports are available at card. iPod ready! * * Cable Power Adapter(sold separately) must be attached to CBFW3U to provide the power to iPod. | ||
| CBFW1U(for WIN) Two external IEEE1394 ports are available at dongle. | ||
| FireWire CardBus PC Card for PowerBook G3 CBFW2(for Mac) Two external IEEE1394 ports are available at dongle. | web site >> | |
| FireWire/USB Combo PCI Board PCIFU1P(for MAC) Add three FireWire ports and two USB ports simply to your White PowerMac. iPod ready. | ||
| FireWire/Ultra Wide SCSI Combo PCI Board PCIFS3P (for MAC) One external FireWire port, one external DV port and Ultra Wide SCSI port are available at background panel. | ||
| IEEE1394 PCI Board PCIFW3U (PCIFW2)(for WIN & MAC) Add two IEEE1394/FireWire ports to your desktop PC/Mac. Includes Low Profile PCI Bracket and fits in Small size PC. iPod ready! | ||
| PCIFW1U(for WIN) Two i.LINK ports and one IEEE1394 port are available at backside panel. | ||
| USB2.0/IEEE1394 Combo PCI Board PCIU2FW(for WIN & MAC) Adds two USB2.0 ports and two IEEE1394/FireWire ports simply. iPod ready! | ||
| FireWire(IEEE1394) to Ultra SCSI Converter | ||
| FireWire(IEEE1394) to Ultra SCSI Converter FR1SX FR1SX turns your SCSI device into a FireWire(IEEE1394) device. | web site >> | |
| USB2.0 Devices | |
| USB2.0 Desktop External CD-RW Drive RCD-U2PX16U(for WIN) Included USB2.0 PCI Board and RATOC original USB2.0 EHCI Driver. | |
| USB2.0 Interfaces | |
| USB2.0 PCI Board PCIU5 (for WIN) Adds five High Speed(480Mbps) USB2.0 ports to your desktop include three ports at the front panel0. | |
| PCIU2U(for WIN & MAC) Adds two High Speed(480Mbps) USB2.0 ports to your desktop PC. Supports Hi-Speed (480Mbps) with original USB 2.0 EHCI driver for Mac OS 10.2.x | |
| PCIU3U Adds three High Speed(480Mbps) USB2.0 ports to your desktop PC. Works with Hi-Speed (480Mbps) for Mac OS 10.2.x. or later,and WindowsXP/2000/Me/98SE. Nikon certified! | |
| USB2.0 CardBus PC Card CBU2U(for WIN & MAC) Adds two High Speed(480Mbps) USB2.0 ports to your laptop PC. Supports Hi-Speed (480Mbps) with original USB 2.0 EHCI driver for Mac OS 10.2.1 or later. | |
| Option RSO-U2FBK (for PCIU2FW or PCIU2U) Front-Bay attachment with three USB2.0 ports | |
| USB2.0 to SCSI Converter | ||
| USB2.0 to Ultra SCSI Converter U2SCX Allows to use your favorite Ultra SCSI device as the latest USB2.0 device. | web site >> | |
| USB2.0 to Ultra Wide SCSI Converter U2SCX-LVD Connect U2SCX-LVD to your SCSI device, and plug its USB cable to the USB port. Available to use in just a second. | web site >> | |
| SCSI Interfaces | ||
| Ultra2 Wide SCSI Host PCI Board PCI34U Supports Ultra2 Wide SCSI LVD, Transfer rate up to 80MB/sec. | web site >> | |
| FireWire/Ultra Wide SCSI Combo PCI Board PCIFS3P(for MAC) One external FireWire port, one external DV port and Ultra Wide SCSI port are available at background panel. | ||
| Ultra SCSI Host PCI Board PCI30U Supports Ultra SCSI rate up to 20MB/sec. | web site >> | |
| Ultra Wide SCSI CardBus PC Card CB32U(for WIN & Linux) Supports Ultra Wide SCSI rate up to 40MB/sec. | web site >> | |
| CB32PB(for Mac) Supports Ultra Wide SCSI rate up to 40MB/sec. | ||
| Ultra SCSI (FAST20) CardBus PC Card CB31PB(for MAC) Supports Ultra SCSI rate up to 20MB/sec. | ||
| Network Interfaces | |
| 100BASE-TX/10BASE-T Network CardBus PC Card CB81U(for WIN), CB81PB(for MAC) Designed for PC (CB81U) and Macintosh PowerBook (CB81PB) | |
| PC Card Adapter | ||
| CardBus PC Card Adapter CBS51(for WIN) Allows CardBus PC Cards to be shared by both portable and desktop PC. | ||
| CardBus PC Card Adapter CBS52U(for WIN) Allows CardBus PC Cards to be shared by both portable and desktop PC. web site >> | web site >> | |
| Removable Cases Kit | ||
| [External 1 Bay Type] FR-DK1(for WIN & Mac) Allows HDD Exchanging without System Shutdown or restart. | ||
| [Internal 1 Bay Type] FR-MDK1(for WIN & Mac) Allows HDD Exchanging without System Shutdown or restart. | web site >> | |
| [External 2 Bay Type] FR-DK2(for WIN & Mac) Including Power supply unit(DC 5V, DC 12V) and cables. | ||
| KVM Switch for Macintosh | |
| KVM Switch for VGA enabled Mac RS-210C(for Mac) Sharing Analog Display, Keyboard, Mouse between Power Mac and intel Mac. | |
| SmartMedia Readers / CompactFlash Reader | |
| Parallel port SmartMedia Reader/Writer SMA02U(for WIN) Supports IEEE1284 Nibble mode, PS/2 8-bit bi-direction mode and EPP mode | |
| USB SmartMedia Reader/Writer SMA03U(for WIN & Mac) iPhoto ready. | |
| USB CompactFlash Reader/Writer CF03U(for WIN & Mac) iPhoto ready. | |
| Audio Products | ||
| iPod Digital Data Converter RAL-1648iP1 Rready for Lightning iPod touch 5th, iPod mini 7th, iPhonr 5 and iPad mini. | web site >> | |
| External Drive Cases | |
| USB2.0 Enclosure Kit U2EC5 (for WIN) Includes USB2.0 to ATA interface unit and changes legacy ATA devices to the latest USB2.0 storage devices instantly. | |