setting up external cd rom

**cubanmoses** · 07-18-2003, 05:02 PM

since i put my laptop in the trunk, i'm going to need to use am external dvd-rom drive so it can reach the center console. i want to find a usb 5.25 enclosure that is usb powered, but the ones i've seen so far use 110 volts. i already have an inverter for the laptop, 90 watts and i'm not looking to spend money on another inverter.

the usb pcmcia port card i'm looking for will have to be powered by that slot, and then will have to power the usb enclosure. is that possible? is there anyway i can get around this problem without getting a way to power the external drive, and not spend more than 80-90 dollars for the pcmcia card, the enclosure and dvd-drive? have gone way over what i intended to pay, but have been working hard to get all the money for it.

my pc to tv converter cable is already drawing its power from the ps/2 slot.

dimensions of where i want to place the drive are 8 X 4 X 5.5 inches. i wanted to fit sitting up so i can have easy access to it. i think i can squeeze out a little more size if i remove some compoments in the center console. will this be big enough?

maybe this will solve the whole problem, are there external usb powered, dvd drives that don't have a prob with extending the usb cable? this is the reason i can't use the slim targus drive.

**crippy** · 07-19-2003, 03:16 PM

i'm not sure if this is what you want...
http://www.welovemacs.com/firepod.html

**gizmomkr** · 07-19-2003, 05:34 PM

USB 1.1 will not play back a DVD movie. USB 2.0 can.

a 5 inch drive is going to need more amperage than the USB bus can supply on its own. (although the adapter listed above could do it)

My recomendation would be one of these http://www.directron.com/5cdcddvdandh.html
This enclosure takes a 12v in. Im sure it has some voltage regs in it, although I dont know if I would plug it right into the car's 12v line (bout you could) It has support for both USB 2.0 and firewire.

**VWTronics** · 07-19-2003, 05:57 PM

Was looking for the same thing...... and found this

MicroCenter

And there is a $40 mail in rebate

**cubanmoses** · 07-19-2003, 06:19 PM

how does that drive get powered? it doesn't say how, but looks promising.

**guitar333** · 07-19-2003, 07:00 PM

if im not mistaken it says it comes with an ac adapter and a "mobile power adapter" which it probably a cigartette lighter adapter. Is that what you meant?

**cubanmoses** · 07-19-2003, 07:16 PM

yea, i figured it was a cigarette adapter just wasn't sure. since, it's usb i can extend the cable, right? also, i can hook up the drive to the remote wire in the car for practical purposes. it's also small enough to put in the center console as well. 90 bucks well, i guess i'll have to deal with it.

**cubanmoses** · 07-22-2003, 12:13 AM

not sure if i can use that drive, it uses the ps/2 port to power it, and mine is being used already. anyone have any solutions?

**gizmomkr** · 07-22-2003, 06:01 PM

Chop the ps/2 adapter up (or just buy the dc power plug part from radioshack, its the little round thingy) If its keyboard power, its looking for 5V, kingston, as well as many other people make a ton of cig -> 5v adapters for usb / pda / cell phone stuff.

Radioshack sells a cigarette adapter p/n 273-1817 - its got an adjustable output 3-12v dc. The seting rated for 4.5v actually puts out 5.02 v up to 1.2 amps. I have used this to power 5v usb type accessories with out any problem

**cubanmoses** · 07-30-2003, 12:08 AM

i got the drive from micropc.com today, and it has the option to use an additional usb port for power and/or a ps/s port for power. i'm wondering if i get a pci usb card with say 3 or 4 ports, would 2 ports provide enough power for the drive to function?

also have a question as to what usb pcmcia cardbus card that is self powered, with possibly 3-4 ports, ot get, and it has to come with the 2.0 drives, unless i can get them off the net for free.

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