Power Connector Polarity
One of the most commonly posed hardware related questions in our support department is:
I need to use the 4 pin to 6 pin Y cable (CA-1394-64/PJ/2) or a USB hub to connect my astronomy camera to my laptop. What is the polarity of the power connector?
First of all, you will need a power supply that outputs between 8 VDC and 30 VDC. This is required to power the cameras. Secondly, the polarity of the power connector depends on a number of factors.
The easiest way to find out which polarity you need is to try it out! The cameras are protected again inverse polarity, hence, you will not damage them by connecting the power supply the wrong way round.
Power up the camera and connect it to your PC. If Windows recognizes the camera, the polarity is correct. If Windows does not recognize the camera, then the polarity is probably incorrect. Simply switch around the polarity and reconnect the camera to you PC. Windows should then recognize the camera.
Tony Loomis said,
October 16, 2007 @ 14:33
Is there a way to run the DMK cameras through a USB port? If I need an adapter what is the best most idiot proof one?
Jonathan Maron said,
October 16, 2007 @ 14:46
First of all, there is no adapter that allows FireWire cameras to be connected to a USB port. Technically, USB and FireWire are completely different interfaces and there is no way to “convert” FireWire to USB (nor, indeed, vice versa).
However, we will be releasing a full range of USB astronomy cameras very shortly. The cameras will be identical to the FireWire range, but with a USB connector.
Keep an eye on this blog and the main astronomy cameras web site (www.AstronomyCameras.com) for details.