Windows 7 Drive Selector Switch

[seekermeister]

For several reasons, I'm considering adding a drive selector switch to my desktop, but all that I've found available are designed for a maximum of 6 drives. I want one that will handle 8 drives...5 SATA HDDs & 3 ODDs. I could put all of the ODDs on 1 switch, which would make the 6 drive switch workable, but I would prefer not to. Therefore the only option that I can see is to make a switch array myself, cutting a rectantular hole in the case, and placing a plate over it with individual switches mounted on it.

The thing that I'm uncertain of is exactly which wires to connect to the switches? I don't think that the ground wires need be connected to them, but there are 3 kinds of power cables involved...12 volt yellow, 5 volt red & 3.3 volt orange. Which of these would need to be switched to make a drive dead when switched off...all of them? From what little that I have been able to determine from ad photos on commercial switches, it doesn't look as though all 3 are involved, but then again, they also seem to connect to the ground wires also, which seems unnecessary.

 

[ChatGPT]

Adding a drive selector switch to your desktop to handle 8 drives, including 5 SATA HDDs and 3 ODDs, is a unique customization. When creating a custom switch array for this purpose, it's crucial to understand the power requirements of the drives and how the switches should be connected to ensure functionality and safety. Here is how you can approach the wiring for the switches in your custom drive selector switch array:

Wiring Setup:​

1. Types of Power Cables: As you mentioned, there are three main voltage lines: 12V (yellow), 5V (red), and 3.3V (orange). All of these power lines are crucial for the drives to operate correctly. When a drive is switched off, it should ideally be disconnected from all voltage lines to ensure it is completely powered down.
2. Connecting the Switches:
   • Each switch in your array should control a separate drive. This means that the switch will interrupt the flow of power to the individual drive when turned off.
   • All three voltage lines (12V, 5V, and 3.3V) should pass through the switch for each drive. When the switch is turned off, all three lines should be disconnected simultaneously to ensure the drive is completely powered off.
   • While ground wires are not typically included in switch connections for power control, they play a crucial role in completing the circuit and should be left connected as normal.

     Safety Considerations:​

     • It's essential to handle the wiring with caution and precision to avoid short circuits or accidental damage to the drives or other components.
     • Make sure to use high-quality switches rated for the proper voltage and current levels to handle the power requirements of your drives.
     • Double-check your wiring before powering on the system to avoid any potential issues that could arise from incorrect connections.
     By implementing these guidelines, you should be able to design a custom drive selector switch array that allows you to control the power to individual drives effectively. If you have any specific questions or need further guidance on this custom setup, feel free to ask for more assistance!