Maximum IDE Cable Length?
 

I've already googled this but couldn't get a definitive answer.

I'm thinking of mounting a slimline DVD player in the dash of my car and connecting it to my car computer. The problem is that the computer is at least 4' away due the the cable routing. Does anyone know what length would be too long for a DVD drive? I would think that it's longer than it is for a HD since the data transfer isn't as large.

If anyone has some ideas, all are welcome.

I was actually poking into doing this in my car, with the computer in the hatch and a DVD drive in the dash. Never got around to accomplishing it, but when i researched, I discovered that you're gonna have to shield the cable or you'll get crippling data loss. Even aluminum foil would be a good start.

The ISO standard for IDE data transmission is 36", so you're 12" short of your goal. That actualy has more to do with the data frequency a specific chipset uses, as some servers achieve a 48" length through higher power consumption transimssion.
The short answer though is that without a signal boster, you'l not get far. Try googling for IDE signal boster, though it's sound like something with such a low demand to not be readily availible.
Sorry.

Have you thought about going with a usb or firewire DVD drive? It's going to be external anyway. Much easier cable to route through the car and definately available in lengths well over 4ft.

-bear

j8ear: I thought about that, but since i'm using a slimline drive a usb converter runs about $45.

I was afraid that I'd need something like a booster, I'm not sure what my next course of action is but I'll post back when I find out.

I think that sounds like the best solution. You may just have to bite the bullet and buy one.