Thunderbolt connection.

[busiplan]

Can I connect my Mac Mini to Thunderbolt Display using TBolt cable and connect my TBolt hard drive to the TBolt Display built-in cable. I need to locate my Mac Mini away from the display.
Thanks in advance for replies.
JC Busiplan

 

[flynz4]

Can I connect my Mac Mini to Thunderbolt Display using TBolt cable and connect my TBolt hard drive to the TBolt Display built-in cable. I need to locate my Mac Mini away from the display.
Thanks in advance for replies.
JC Busiplan

I just ran two tests for you using my MBA and my ATD.

First, I connected my MBA to my ATD using a detachable TB cable. The combination worked well, and my MBA displayed fine on the ATD.

Then I connected a Seagate GoFlex TB drive (a bus powered device) to the pigtail connector from the ATD, and the drive did not light up... nor was it recognized by computer. It seems that the ATD does NOT supply power down the pigtail connection that you would normally connect to your Mac Mini.

Next I grabbed my Promise Pegasus R4, which is a self powered device. I plugged that into the pigtail, and it works great.

Bottom line: If the next device in the chain is a self powered device, then I think you will be OK. If it is a bus powered device, then I do not think it will work.

/Jim

 

[busiplan]

Thunderbolt Connection

Many thanks Jim for your help. Off to purchase a TB cable !
JC