Can You Replace a Firewire Port with a USB Port for an External Hard Drive?

  • Thread starter Thread starter slee95
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Fire Usb Wire
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of replacing a Firewire port with a USB port on an external hard drive. Participants explore the technical implications of such a modification, including the differences in signaling and communication protocols between the two interfaces.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether it is possible to unsolder a Firewire port and replace it with a USB port on the hard drive's circuit board.
  • Another participant shares their experience of acquiring the hard drive and expresses a desire to use it with a laptop that only has USB ports.
  • Some participants note that the signaling and communication schemes of USB and Firewire are fundamentally different, which complicates direct replacement.
  • There are suggestions for alternative solutions, such as using a USB to Firewire adapter or a Firewire add-in card, although concerns are raised about compatibility with laptops.
  • A participant mentions the possibility of using a USB-compatible green board to connect to the hard drive, contingent on the availability of parts and their own soldering skills.
  • Clarification is sought regarding which device has the Firewire interface and which has USB, indicating potential confusion in the setup.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility of modifying the hard drive's port. While some argue that direct replacement is not possible due to technical differences, others explore alternative methods and solutions without reaching a consensus.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the complexity of the task, including the need for specific components and the understanding of electronics required for such modifications. There is also uncertainty regarding the compatibility of various hardware solutions.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in electronics repair, those exploring interface compatibility issues, and participants in DIY electronics projects may find this discussion relevant.

slee95
Messages
132
Reaction score
0
Can you unsolder a firewire ports pins on the green board and solder a usb port in its place?
 
Computer science news on Phys.org
got this external hard drive while volunteering at mission central ( computer ministries) to tear down and asked if i can have it and they let me the bad thing is the ports which conect to the computer are firewire and mom whants to use it on her lab top so i was wondering if i could just change the ports from firewire to usb.
 
Unfortunately, not. Not only are the signals different (USB uses a single differential pair, firewire has two, and have different signal impedances), the communications scheme is different also. However, you might be able to find a USB to firewire adapter, or more likely, a firewire add-in card.
 
this is for a lab top though and i don't think there are card for that but it wouldn't work to unsolder the fire wire port from the green board? how bout if i had a green board with usb port how could i attach that to the hard drive?
 
Hang on--the external hard drive has a firewire interface, and the laptop has USB, or the other way around?

Assuming that the drive is firewire, you can get a cardbus (PCMCIA) to firewire adapter card:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815158010

If you have a more recent computer, and have an ExpressCard slot instead:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16839328006

But really, it's probably cheaper to just buy an external USB hard drive enclosure (whether 2.5" or 3.5") and re-home the existing hard drive. Or pop in a spare one.
 
i work at mission central recycling electronics i can get parts for free and if i new if it was possible to attach a hard drive to usb like one of theses cards http://www.google.com/imgres?num=10...0&ndsp=12&ved=1t:429,r:8,s:0,i:159&tx=7&ty=85 then i would need to know what parts it would require i know how to solder i go to vo tech for electrical engineering technology so i know basic electronics - resistors capacitors transistors etc. just wanted to know if i could attach a green board that has usb to a hard drive.
 
MATLABdude yes the port for the external hard drive is firewire
 

Similar threads

Can consumer devices with a pen drive port inject computer viruses?
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
USB to FireWire Adapter: Do They Exist & Are They Reliable?
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
7K
Why do my 2-pin TV and HT systems give shocks on ports when ON together?
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
975
Can I Identify and Replace Damaged Components?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
USB 2.0 vs. Firewire: Pros & Cons for External HD
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
4K
How do encrypted USB flash drives work and how can we make them more secure?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
How Can I Connect a VCR to a Computer with USB and Firewire Capability?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
57K
When to Use a Two-Port Representation for a Quadripole in External Circuits?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Can USB Ports Be Converted to Power a 12V 1Amp Device?
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
External Hard Drive extremely slow.
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
5K