USB 2.0 to Firewire adapters/cables

[AmberClad]

Do these things let you use a UBS 2.0 device unpowered? Or do you still have to use the power block with things like external enclosures?

EDIT: Ok, well I guess the better question would be is there such a thing as a USB to Firewire 6 pin adapter.

 

[Cerb]

No. Most enclosures, also, will not get power from the FW cable, in spite of it offering plenty.

 

[corkyg]

External drive enclosuresl, firewire, USB 2 or combo, generally always require an external powersource, especially on laptops. I do run a 2.5 external Firewire drive just using Firewire power with a 6-pin connector. The same drive and enclosure requires external power when connected to my laptop.

 

[FishTankX]

Originally posted by: Cerb
No. Most enclosures, also, will not get power from the FW cable, in spite of it offering plenty.

Firewire barley provides 20w. After voltage converter, it's just short of the 25w or so most drives hit operating at 10,000RPM. It'd be a support nightmare.

 

[Cerb]

Originally posted by: FishTankX

Originally posted by: Cerb
No. Most enclosures, also, will not get power from the FW cable, in spite of it offering plenty.

Firewire barley provides 20w. After voltage converter, it's just short of the 25w or so most drives hit operating at 10,000RPM. It'd be a support nightmare.

10,000 RPM is significantly fatser than most HDDs. The 400GB 7200.8 is listed as using 12.8w, typically.

3.5" enclosures that take power off of FW exist, but not cheap. If it were a power problem, the the external power could be optional, or supplimental. However, I would not be suprised if that makes for a more expensive unit than using one or the other (in which case wall warts are safer).

 

[IAteYourMother]

are there converters out there for firewire to usb? If so, link?