"USB/firewire combo port front panel access kit" how's it work?

[CurtisEbear]

How do the first 2 items on this page work? I assume i have to somehow connect it to my motherboard, but what does it use? I i have to connect it to the USB & firewire connections on my mobo?

I ask because i'm having problems with the USB on my motherboard (and also my motherboard doesnt have USB2.0). If this has to connect to the USB and firewire on the motherboard, i'll probably have to get a PCI card.

 

[EeyoreX]

Judging by the picture, the first one (USB + IEEE/1394 Firewire Combo Port Front Panel Access Kit) seems to use pin headers on the device, and just goes though your case, out an empty PCI slot (or a PCI cover with a hole in it) and then they just plug into your rear USB and IEEE1394 ports.

The second one (Koutech KW-7002 FireWire & Hi-Speed USB 2.0 Combo PCI Host Controller) is a PCI card that plugs into the motherboard. You can connect the pass though cables to the outputs on this card to get the front panel access.

Hope this helps and good luck.

\Dan

 

[CurtisEbear]

What do you mean by pass through cables? I rarely use USB and have never used firewire, so i'm sort of new to all the USB/firewire whatnot. How is it that i connect the PCI card to get front panel access? Do I just connect using the cable from my front side USB? (i have no firewire on my motherboard, so i guess i would just have to use the back of the PCI card for that right?)

If you or someone else could clear that up a little I'd really appreciate it. Thanks a lot for your help so far.

-paul

 

[RustyNale]

Originally posted by: EeyoreX
Judging by the picture, the first one (USB + IEEE/1394 Firewire Combo Port Front Panel Access Kit) seems to use pin headers on the device, and just goes though your case, out an empty PCI slot (or a PCI cover with a hole in it) and then they just plug into your rear USB and IEEE1394 ports. The second one (Koutech KW-7002 FireWire & Hi-Speed USB 2.0 Combo PCI Host Controller) is a PCI card that plugs into the motherboard. You can connect the pass though cables to the outputs on this card to get the front panel access. Hope this helps and good luck. \Dan

Pretty much what EeyoreX said. I had that type in my last comp, it installs in one or you're 3.5" bays--or--with an adapter into one of your 5.25 bays. It comes with 2 cables and a power cord. The cables plug into the appropriate spot on the usb/firewire hub, run inside your case to the rear where they clip into a bracket and run out through a pci slot on your case. Then they plug into one of your usb slots and if you have a firewire card--into it. You lose one usb and firewire access at the rear of your comp, but gain 4 usb and 2 firewire at the front. Done.

 

[Askalon]

Yeah, what they said...sooooo, if you USB is messed up on the MB itself and you do not have Firewire, get the PCI cards.

 

[EeyoreX]

By "pass though" cables (this may not be the most accurate descruption) I mean that the cables run from the back of the drive bay (inside your PC) though the case, then out the back, usually though a PCI slot cover with a little hole in it. You then plug these cables into your free USB/IEEE1394 ports, be them on your board or on the PCI card. The cables at one end have pin header connectors to attach to your motherboard or PCI card, and at the other end, standard USB/IEEE1394 connections, so just plug them into your USB port like a USB mouse or whatever. As was mentioned, if your board is messed up, grab the card, install it, and if you get the drive bay device you should readily see how they connect. Let us know if you need more help/info!

\Dan

 

[CurtisEbear]

thanks a lot, that was very helpful. Looks like I'll probably getting the PCI card.