Firewire switch.. is there such a thing?

paully · 16th May 2008, 08:17 PM

For reasons(problem still unknown), I have to completely disconnect a Firewire device(audio interface) from the computer before booting. Otherwise, the computer goes to gray screen just before the desktop appears. Requires me to turn off the computer and start/try again. With the device disconnected, the computer boots with no problem. When it is finally booted, and then the device plugged in, it works fine.

Rather than plug/unplug the device every time, a simple 6 pole switch that inserts between the computer and the device, effectively breaking all 6 wire points, would be the solution; similar to 'hot plugging'. Anyone ever seen something like that? Would an A/B switch with 2 inputs and a single output work, and would it completely disconnect one side when alternately switched? I did the Google.. no luck so far. Thanks in advance.

Best, Paul

Yago · 17th May 2008, 04:20 PM

Dunno if this is any good :
Clicky

Although I would not be keen to plug/unplug in case of da boom !

dkatz42 · 17th May 2008, 04:31 PM

I imagine that all you need do is to break at least one of the data pairs (there are two pairs for data and one pair for power.)

The right answer is to fix the software bug that is your *real* problem.

paully · 17th May 2008, 07:15 PM

Thanks guys.

I found that switcher, and would go for it if it truly broke the data pin connections. That's what I need. I e-mailed them for specifics.

Fix the bug is easier said than done

. It's an old Emac computer and an M-Audio interface. Apple doesn't respond to 'old' model problems, and the forums came up empty. M-Audio gave me the standard "no notes for that problem.. try re-installing".

dkatz42, I tried building a small switcher with the 'break one of the pairs" idea in mind. Didn't work. I wasn't aware that FW needs wrapped pairs for the data. Gonna pull it apart today, rewire, and see if that gets it working.

Best, Paul

Yago · 17th May 2008, 07:50 PM

Hope it works Paul , gotta say though , your photography is better than your metalwork ;)

16th May 2008, 08:17 PM	#1
paully Lives for gear Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Northern New Jersey Posts: 518	Firewire switch.. is there such a thing? For reasons(problem still unknown), I have to completely disconnect a Firewire device(audio interface) from the computer before booting. Otherwise, the computer goes to gray screen just before the desktop appears. Requires me to turn off the computer and start/try again. With the device disconnected, the computer boots with no problem. When it is finally booted, and then the device plugged in, it works fine. Rather than plug/unplug the device every time, a simple 6 pole switch that inserts between the computer and the device, effectively breaking all 6 wire points, would be the solution; similar to 'hot plugging'. Anyone ever seen something like that? Would an A/B switch with 2 inputs and a single output work, and would it completely disconnect one side when alternately switched? I did the Google.. no luck so far. Thanks in advance. Best, Paul __________________ WADAYAKNOW.. For the first time in my life, I'm wrong again!

17th May 2008, 07:15 PM	#4
paully Lives for gear Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Northern New Jersey Posts: 518	Thanks guys. I found that switcher, and would go for it if it truly broke the data pin connections. That's what I need. I e-mailed them for specifics. Fix the bug is easier said than done . It's an old Emac computer and an M-Audio interface. Apple doesn't respond to 'old' model problems, and the forums came up empty. M-Audio gave me the standard "no notes for that problem.. try re-installing". dkatz42, I tried building a small switcher with the 'break one of the pairs" idea in mind. Didn't work. I wasn't aware that FW needs wrapped pairs for the data. Gonna pull it apart today, rewire, and see if that gets it working. Best, Paul __________________ WADAYAKNOW.. For the first time in my life, I'm wrong again!

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17th May 2008, 04:20 PM	#2
Yago Gear Head Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 65	Dunno if this is any good : Clicky Although I would not be keen to plug/unplug in case of da boom !

17th May 2008, 04:31 PM	#3
dkatz42 Lives for gear Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Santa Fe, NM Posts: 853	I imagine that all you need do is to break at least one of the data pairs (there are two pairs for data and one pair for power.) The right answer is to fix the software bug that is your real problem.

17th May 2008, 07:50 PM	#5
Yago Gear Head Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 65	Hope it works Paul , gotta say though , your photography is better than your metalwork ;)