Weird disk drive

[Tony Duell]

> 
> 
> I've got the weirdest disk drive ever.
> 
> It's a standard 5.25" mounted inside a factory made metal enclosure.  It 
> has a fixed power cord coming out the back with a power switch.  Inside is 
> a simple power supply (transformer and a couple regulators and capacitors) 
> that puts out +5V and +12V.  There's a power connector going into the disk 
> drive power socket.
> 
> Here's the weird part: there is no data cable.  There is no port or 
> connector or anything on the enclosure for a data cable.  There's not even 
> a cut-out for a data cable.
> 
> It's basically just a disk drive that powers up and spins if you put a 
> disk in it.  I initially thoughtt that it must be a degausser or 
> something, but there's nothing inside that would indicate any such 
> operation.
> 
> OK, I admit it.  I'm stumped.
> 
> No markings on the enclosure anywhere.
> 
> Any ideas?

Well, a few questions : 

I think it's clear that a standard disk drive on its own, even with a 
PSU, deson't do a lot. 

Is there any evidence there was ever anything else in the box, like a PCB 
that connected to the data connector on the drive? Mouting 
holes/hardware, an extra power connector on the PSU? 

Is the drive a standard model? Is the PCB on the drive standard too? I 
assume it does have a data connector. Is it possible the drive's PCB has 
been replaced with soem custom thing.

You say it roatets if you insert a disk. Does it rotate for ever, or just 
for the normal few seconds to centre the disk on the hub?

-tony