It was the first computer to use those cards, so there was no standard. Likely it will only accept the ones they made for it.
You made a valiant effort!
I've never used rails. It just sort of slides in the slot without them. I do put a little padding on the "front" of the drive so it doesn't rattle around.
You will hate trying to transfer anything to the HD over the network port. It's a terribly slow connection, not even close to even 100M wire speed.
The much faster way is to connect the HD to a PC with tools that can deal with the PS2 format. Only trouble is physically moving the drive.
There...
In the old days, you just hooked up two drives, fdisk/format/sys it, and used xcopy. That was cloning before NT4.
I'm pretty sure it even worked up to Win98, but by then we'd use ghost.
Atari 800XL Computer
Chroma mod added
Completely cleaned and tested.
Working 100%
$175
Atari 130XE Computer
Completely cleaned and tested.
Working 100%
$225
I entertain reasonable offers for both, and will ship in the US.
No power supplies or cables or cartridges included. I recommend a...
Good condition.
Tested 100%
Keyboard is fine with original mylar.
Asking $275 with original power supply and BASIC cart (if you need it) plus shipping from 30907 USA.
Any questions, just ask!
Really you should just stick it in a 486 and see if it works or not. If so, then it's your 286. You are trying to use 90's hardware in an 80's computer- it may not work.
I still find boxes of crusty joysticks at the flea market. I have probably 50 of them in a box somewhere... If you are willing to put in the time cleaning them, you can always get a few spares working.
I like the "Slik-Stik". They are very durable (no little metal dimpels inside) and responsive. The funny thing is- the main joystick part is an auto tire valve!