Inspiron and firewire cable issue

Question

I have a firewire cable that has a small 4 pin end for a JVC digital camera and a 6 pin male end that plugs into a 6 pin port on a Mac laptop. I recently purchased a Dell inspiron 6000, but it only has a 4 pin firewire port. My question: Can I just purchase a 6 pin female to 4 pin male adapter to allow the current cable to interface with the Dell?

bacillus · Answer

That should work but do remember that the Dell FireWire port is unpowered!

fienan · Answer

then, how to power it up?

ABelton · Answer

4 pin firewire lacks two pins present on a 6-pin firewire cable/port. These are used to supply power to peripherals. It is impossible to supply power through a 4-pin Firewire (IEEE1394) port, sorry.

fienan · Answer

so, I need an adaptor for this interface to get work? just like separate module or so? if there aren't any, then how can I powered it up??

GreyMack · Answer

The notebook's interface is operational, but the external device needs to be powered by other means, such as a battery or an external power supply. GM

fienan · Answer

okay, so if I want to connect my camcorder for instance, I have to plug my camcorder too to the power cord is it right?

GreyMack · Answer

OK. Run on battery or run on power cord. Four-pin Firewire cable passes digital communication and digital information signals only, not power to the camcorder. GM

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