Re: IDE Extension cable??

I have a selection of "rounded" IDE cables in various lenghts, I keep
one very long one on hand for difficult situations.

No doubt the longest of these does not conform to the official specs,
but should work in almost any situation.

However, you have mentioned a possible incompatibility between new
controller card and a tape drive, if I recall correctly. That is a
poor environment to start experimenting with. I always liked Promise
controllers and another quality brand or two.
Good luck.
.