Powerbook/Video Editing/Firewire

[Bluto]

Hello Folks,

A while back I sold my 800mHz G4 iMac and replaced it with a 1Ghz G4 Powerbook figuring that I could do the same things if not more with it. One thing I didn't think about was the number of Firewire ports. The iMac had 2 and the Powerbook only has 1. What is the best set up if I am importing video from my mini DV cam via Firewire and want to use an external Firewire drive as a scratch disk? I need to have 2 Firewire devices hooked up at the same time. It seems my only options are to daisy chain the camera to the FW drive or to use a FW hub.

I'm sorry if this has been covered before but I couldn't find any relavent posts.

TIA
Bluto

[yellow]

You are correct, that's your only option. Daisy chaining or an FW hub.

But technically, you're not asking and questions. I don't see a question mark anywhere in your post! :)

[Stampyhead]

When I import video from my MiniDV cam to an external HD I just daisy chain the two, and it works just fine. Haven't had any problems so far!

[Bluto]

You are correct, that's your only option. Daisy chaining or an FW hub.

But technically, you're not asking and questions. I don't see a question mark anywhere in your post! :)

It never fails...I seem to always get some kind of snide remark when I'm looking for help here. I added a "?" for those that are checking punctuation. Thanks to those of you who actually read my posts and provide productive feedback and/or help.

Bluto :(

[logicat2001]

Bluto, it was a joke. Lighten up.

[yellow]

Seriously. I hardly found that to be snide. I'll avoid putting some passive-aggressive comment about sensitivity.

Anyway, I don't think you'll find much difference between daisy chaining and a FW hub.

[Plutonique9]

I'd suggest buying a Cardbus (PCMCIA) Firewire card rather then getting a hub. That's the only way of adding "true" additional ports and giving each device a full 400mbps bandwidth........ this especially true for video.

Two routes to go;

For a generic & "cheapest" option;
http://search.ebay.com/PCMCIA-Firewire_W0QQsofocusZsoQQsbrftogZ1QQfromZR10QQsasaleclassZ2QQsotrZ2QQcoactionZcompareQQcopagenumZ1QQ coentrypageZsearch

My personal pick would be the;

http://www.firewiredirect.com/firewire/products/cardbus.shtml
3-Port NitroAV FireWire800/1394b Type II Cardbus (PCMCIA) Interface Adapter with 2x 9pin FireWire 800 ports and 1x 6pin legacy (400) port

But that one goes for $79 :)

Cheers

[Rod Rod]

That's good advice but he has a 12" PowerBook.

I use a 6-port FW repeater/hub with my 12" PowerBook and it works great. I never drop a frame.

[mischief]

I'd also recommend the 6-pin to 6-pin powered hubs. The Powerbook is incapable of providing full power via it's FW ports due to it's limited power handling capabilities (IE: it's a laptop). You'll get better performance and reliability if everything has it's own power source and you use a hub or daisy chain.

[Bluto]

Thanks everyone for the advice. Sounds like the repeater hub might be the route I'll be going.

[Rod Rod]

fwiw, I never needed to plug in my powered 6-port FW repeater/hub. all my FW devices operate under their own power, except my iFire, and there's enough power coming out of the (not plugged into the AC adapter) repeater/hub for the Apple Pro Speakers attached.