XL2,FS-4 and Firewire

[Brian Kilford]

Hello.

Right I wanted to transfer the files from my Firestore FS-4 Pro to my laptop.
FS-4 is 6 pin Firewire laptop not got Firewire so I thought a Firewire to usb adapter would be ok.
Bad move it looks like it has blown the port on the FS-4.

So need to get it repaired to another FS-4.

Looking for a new laptop with a big HD, none have Firewire or cardbus ( none that I can afford )
Seen a couple with 4 pin Firewire on them, so can I use a 6 pin to 4 pin cable between the FS-4 and laptop or does the FS-4 need the other 2 pins to work?

Thank you for any help
Brian

[Mark Watson]

I think it should work with the 6-pin to 4-pin cable. The FS-4 is self-powered, so that would tend to point to not needing the other 2 pins (device power) and also the FS-4 comes boxed with two firewire cables, both of them 6-pin to 4-pin.

The manual makes reference to connecting the FS-4 to the computer using a 6-pin to 6-pin cable, which I think is not totally accurate. If for some reason it really does require 6-pin to 6-pin and you connect it up with a 6-pin to 4-pin cable instead, I believe you can't do any harm to either the laptop or FS-4, it just won't perform the data transfer. Just make sure you have a charged battery or have the FS-4 on AC power.

A good precaution to take with firewire is to only connect and disconnect the cable while the equipment is not powered on.


P.S. - - I see the HP ProBook 6360b laptop going for $680 USD and has a firewire port.

[Brian Kilford]

Hello Mark

Thank you for your reply.

Very helpful, I have found a few laptops that have express card ports so I could have Firewire ports on them.
That would eliminate any possible problems.

Thank you again.

Brian