After getting a used Adaptec AHA-2940UW adapter card, I found that I needed a 68pin to 50pin external converter. The catch was that the converter had to actively terminate the “high data byte” (upper 8bits on a wide SCSI connection).
So I went to the local Fry’s Electronics to look for a converter or a cable. I found a 68pin to 50pin cable for $36, except the package didn’t say whether the high data byte was terminated or not. I waited at the help desk until one of the workers couldn’t ignore me anymore.
Me: “So, do you know a lot about SCSI?”
Worker mutters something under his breath.
Me: “Excuse me?”
Worker: “Yes, I know a LOT about SCSI.”
Me: “Can you tell me if this 68pin to 50pin cable terminates the upper 8bit path?”
Worker: “Ugh, let me get my supervisor.”
Worker grabs passing supervisor.
Me: “Do you know if this 68pin to 50pin cable terminates the upper 8bit path?”
Supervisor: “No.”
Me: “Can you look it up in the computer?”
Supervisor: “No.”
For trekkers, the conversion in BORG would sound like:
Human: “So, do you know a lot about SCSI?”
Drone: “We are BORG!”
Human: “Can you tell me if this 68pin to 50pin cable terminates the upper 8bit path?”
Drone: “… Bleep!” (drone freezes)
Tertiary Adjunct approaches and dismantles drone.
Adjunct: “We are BORG!”
Human: “Do you know if this 68pin to 50pin cable terminates the upper 8bit path?”
Adjunct: “… You will be assimilated.”
Human: “Doesn’t anyone in the collective know?”
Adjunct: “Resistance is futile.”
I bought the cable, took it home, it didn’t work, went back, stood in line, got a refund. Assimilation complete.