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Firewire to USB

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TEAK36 | 11:52 Tue 30th May 2006 | Technology
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Is it possible to get a firewire to USB cable? I would like to upload some movies from my Digital Camcorder, and the cable that came with the Camcorder is Firewire to Firewire.The only snag is, my laptop does not have a Firewire Port, only USB ports. I have looked at some previous posts regarding the same issue, but nobody has mentioned if a Ferewire to USB cable is available.
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Question Author

Sorry, should have searched the net before I posted my question.


Just found exactly what I am looking for at www.CableCity.co.uk A Firewire to USB cable for Camcorders.Not bad for �6.50.

I hope it's a USB 2.0 slot :o)
To be honest I didn't even know they existed, and I'd be slightly surprised at it working. They are very different technologies.
Question Author

Hi,Thanks for your responses.


According to the description, the cable I have ordered is supposed to be compatible with Canon Camcorders, which is the make of my Camcorder.My laptop ports are USB 2, so I am hoping this cable will work.If it does not, then what is the point of selling them?


I will let you know if it works.

I agree with fo3nix. I had a look at the site you mentioned but I cannot see it. Best of luck though.

I'm surprised as well about this adaptor you've found. I'd be interested to know what it's called and if it works. I thought what you'd need would be a firewire pcmcia card like this.

Question Author

Hi All,


Here is the link to the actual cable I have ordered.


http://www.cablecity.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=43_45&products_id=239


That isn't Firewire... it is Mini-USB.

Firewire to USB adapter cables are in development but are said to suffer from stability issues.

They would also cost a lot more than �7.

http://www.pixela-1.com/captycable/

http://www.usbfirewire.com/Parts/rr-300008044.html
BTW here is some text from the CableCity website...

Can you connect a Firewire device to a USB port on a PC?
Yes, but this is new technology which is emerging, and its lack of maturity has resulted in reliability issues being reported. Solutions require electronic protocol conversion (i.e. the solution is not a simple cable) are remain expensive. Subject to the technology maturing sufficiently, CableCity.co.uk expects to distribute such devices in the 4th quarter of 2005. Update 2 Jan 2006 - most designs for these converters have performance and/or reliability issues and are still not available at a mass-produced price. CableCity.co.uk now has no release date for distributing this product.

http://www.cablecity.co.uk/information.php?info_id=10
Question Author

Hi All,


Oops! Perhaps I should have looked into this a bit further.This cable shall now join countless others in my magic box of computer cr#p.

I've used a Firewire/PCMCIA adaptor like the one Ralph posted a link to (to transfer from a Sony camcorder to a laptop), and it seemed fine. Your laptop will probably have a PCMCIA slot.
Can you not cancel the order?

Failing that you can return the cable for a refund of the purchase price (although you will have to pay the two lots of postage).

I would go with Ralph's Amazon link - it seems to be the cheapest. Cable city have one but it's dear if you were trying to get a swap:-


http://www.cablecity.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=43_44&products_id=344



Maplin also have one a bit cheaper:-



http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?TabID=1&ModuleNo=47103&doy=30m5


Question Author

Hi All,


I must be blind, I did not even see Ralphs link at first.I have now ordered the part from Amazon.


Thanks all for your help.

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