so how does one plug a firewire cable in backwards? do you mean the wrong end or the wrong orientation of the connector? aren't they sufficiently polarized that one has to push unreasonably hard to get the connector to go in wrong? if so this is a design issue with which ever connector is at fault (i.e. the one that can easily allow mis-insertion). i remember seeing cdrom drives (and i've actually have one now) that had a non-polarized connector for the data cable, making it very easy to plug in backwards.
sure, the user should always pay attention, but connectors (on any thing remotely well designed) are supposed to be keyed and made in such a way that putting things in backwards or misaligned etc. requires excessive force and provides some feedback to the user that it's the wrong way even if they do manage to get it in, it shouldn't feel "right" or "ok" (think about power connectors on drives, nearly impossible to plug in wrong without tearing things loose). personally, when i find poorly designed connectors i'm extremely careful, and i still got bit once by this on a cdrom drive, while being careful, having plenty of time and good lighting. so, are the connectors on some cables lame (or on all firewire cables) or are they lame on some devices or is the basic connector design flawed? what exactly does one have to look out for on these firewire cables that are supposed to be well polarized? additionally, well designed equipment that uses such connectors that the user frequently plugs and unplugs have safety diodes/switches etc. to protect devices from the odd misinsertion if it's at all easy to do (this should probably be on the peripheral end, not the mac end as it can't really tell what's at the far end of the cable). so exactly what is the problem with firewire these people are having and exactly how is it possible? i'd like to use firewire, what does one (even a highly skilled user) need to be aware of? thanks. Kyle Hansen wrote: > > On 7/14/04 9:36 PM, "Tom Baker" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Spew into the > Cybertrough: > > > > > People on some of the video editing forums have been claiming that the > > firewire ports in G-4s have been frying the circuitry of their video --------- > > It only does that if you plug the FW cable in backwards. Seriously. > > Kyle H. Hansen ------------ -- <http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article3267.htm> proof that the U.S. media is now state controlled! Ask your' local tv station why the hell they aren't airing the news any more! Our system of government requires an informed public, with their eyes open. -- G-List is sponsored by <http://lowendmac.com/> and... Small Dog Electronics http://www.smalldog.com | Refurbished Drives | -- We have Apple Refurbished Monitors in stock! | & CDRWs on Sale! | Support Low End Mac <http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html> G-List list info: <http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml> --> AOL users, remove "mailto:"; Send list messages to: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To unsubscribe, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> For digest mode, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subscription questions: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Archive: <http://www.mail-archive.com/g-list%40mail.maclaunch.com/> Using a Mac? Free email & more at Applelinks! http://www.applelinks.com
