Compact Flash (CF) To 3.5" IDE adapter mount

thingiverse

This is a bracket to install a CF->IDE adapter in an internal 3.5" hard drive bay. I collect arcade games, some of which have hard drives. Whenever possible, I replace the hard drives with a modern solid state drive (CF, SD, etc). If possible, I use a direct insert adapter, which plugs directly into the IDE header on the motherboard. This is really convenient, as it doesn't require any additional mounting hardware. Unfortunately, it's not always possible to use one of those adapters. In this case, I replaced a 3.5" HD on a countertop Megatouch machine, which has the IDE header right near the rear lid of the machine, so there wasn't enough clearance. So, I decided to make this bracket to allow mounting the CF adapter where the HD was previously mounted. I designed this for the Syba CF->IDE adapter, which I've used many times, and have had good luck with. With a few minor modifications, it could probably work with other adapters (and other completely different applications) as well. The mount has corners that hold the adapter near the IDE connector, and screw holes for a couple small M3 screws at the other end. Since this is replacing a 3.5" drive, it also holds a HD to Floppy power adapter. The holes on the side are sized for a typical 3.5" hard drive screw (6-32). I mounted this in the Megatouch, and it's running quickly, quietly, cooler, and should stay happy for a long time. Instructions I printed this in ABS, using typical settings (0.3mm layer height, 10% infill, etc). Once printed, I installed the adapter into the bracket. First slide the bottom edge under the corners. It sort of snaps into place with a little bit of force by pulling on the plastic that the soldered IDE header collides with. Then install the short M3 screws to secure the adapter in place. If installing the power adapter, connect the floppy connector side first, and then press the HD side into the mount. If you have a 6-32 tap, you can pre-tap the holes on the sides to make it easier to install, though you can easily just thread the holes by screwing directly into the plastic.