SCSI docking adapter

A docking adapter for a portable computer comprising:

• a first connector configured for connection to a portable computer, the first connector having a plurality of function pins including a docking mode select pin the first connector being connected to the portable computer;
• a second connector configured for connection to a communications bus, the second connector including a plurality of function pins;
• a plurality of electrical wiring connections interconnecting the function pins of the first connector to the function pins of the second connector in a selected pattern;
• a common ground;
• a switch connected into the electrical wiring connection for the docking mode select pin, said switch having a first position connecting the docking mode select pin to the common ground to place the portable computer connected to the first connector in a docking mode with a personal computer via the communications bus, and a second position disconnecting the docking mode select pin from the common ground to connect an external storage device for data access by the portable computer via the communications bus;
• and
• means connected into one of the electrical wiring connections for monitoring the presence of termination power to the first connector or to the second connector and for providing a visual indication of termination power.

A docking adapter for a portable computer comprising:

• a first connector comprising a male HDI 30 type connector configured for connection to a portable computer, the first connector having a plurality of function pins including a docking mode select pin the first connector being connected to the portable computer;
• a second connector comprising a female HDI 30 type connector configured for connection to a communications bus, the second connector including a plurality of function pins;
• a plurality of electrical wiring connections interconnecting the function pins of the first connector to the function pins of the second connector in a selected pattern;
• a common ground;
• a switch connect into the electrical wiring connection to the docking mode select pin, said switch having a first position connecting the docking mode select pin to the common ground to place the portable computer connected to the first connector in a docking mode with a personal computer via the communications bus, and a second position disconnecting the docking mode select pin from the common ground to connect an external storage device for data access by the portable computer via the communications bus;
• and
• means connected into one of the electrical wiring connections for monitoring the presence of termination power to the first connector or to the second connector and for providing a visual indication of termination power.