External Hard drive enclosure ?

[marc]

I know this question has been previously answered, but I have still not managed to identify a supplier of an external hard drive enclosure that fulfills the requirements as set out in Peter's book ie 4 bay, Oxford 924+ bridge chip and configurable as a JBOD. As I am a Mac user, it also needs to have a Firewire 800 connection.
Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Marc

[peterkrogh]

Marc,
If the configuration permitted it, I would be looking for a system that connected by eSATA, particularly if that would pass along the SMART data. This can't work with Firewire, so it is only even possible with connection by PCI card in a tower, or though an Express Card in a Mac Book Pro.  I'd look to Mac Gurus to tell you if there is a port multiplier arrangement that would provide this.

I just took a look, and it seems that Cooldrives has stopped selling multi-bay enclosures entirely.  Wonder what's up with that.

Peter

[marc]

Thanks Peter,
I will ask Mac Gurus, but somehow I doubt whether I am going to be able to get eSata connected as I am using an Imac. I was hoping that there was something available in USA as I have been unable to find a firewire enclosure in South Africa.
Marc

[peterkrogh]

Marc,
If you're on the iMac, then, no, no eSATA, and Firewire is the best option. I recently saw this very noce unit from Other World Computing:

http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Other%20World%20Computing/MEQX2KIT0GB/

But it is RAID only, as far as I can tell.  It looks like they only have JBOD in 2 drive enclosures.

Peter

[marc]

Thanks for the help, Peter
Marc

[marc]

Some feedback, the OWC product is RAID only, OWC has no Firewire variant. The only options I can find is Wiebetech or the Burly. I think I will go with the Weibetech as it has eSata connectivity for the future, as well a Firewire 800, which I can use with the iMac.
Thanks again
Marc

[amada]

Hello Marc:  I happened to be looking at your post and thought you might find this useful.  Go to Sonnettech.com phone number 949.587.3500.  I think you may be able to find what you are looking for there. They cater to the movie industry.   Also try FirmTech.com. They are mac centric and cater to the hollywood industry.
Hope it helps.

amadajavascript:void(0);

[marc]

Thanks very much Amada, I will have a look. Unfortunately MacGuru although extremely helpful & professional, will not supply to South Africa, so I am still looking.
Regards Marc