Desktop case for HP MCR22IN1 22-in-1 card reader

thingiverse

From a vintage HP/Compaq computer, I salvaged a card-reader originally housed in a 2.5" drive bay. I created a custom case for it, using the original screws to secure it firmly in place. The back is completely sealed and the cable, featuring a 2x5 JTAG Header connector, passes through a hole plugged by a strain relief. To connect the unit to a computer, a special cable with two USB plugs on one end and a 10-pin header connector on the other is required. However, I could only find those for USB 3 and their pin layout is too different for use. I discovered these adapters on AliExpress: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/USB-2-0-Type-A-Male-to-5-Pin-Female-Header-Motherboard-Adapter-Cable-50cm/4000510855924.html You will need two of these adapters to establish a single connection. To connect the three cables together, you'll require a connector like this one: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/33002590998.html You'll need only one set of these connectors. Since we're working with a single connection, you'll actually need nine pins, but it's likely that you'll have to purchase all 400 in the pack. Just make sure the connector has six millimeters of metal on both sides. If one side is shorter, it's designed for soldering to a PCB and won't provide a good connection. For version two of the strain relief, you'll need two M3x6 screws. If you only have longer screws available, use washers to secure them in place, ensuring that they don't protrude more than one millimeter. A tie-wrap is used to prevent the cable from being pulled out accidentally. I still haven't found an elegant solution for preventing accidental disconnection of the connectors; I'll add that feature when I come up with a suitable design.