Ge0

Sorry for the crappy photos. I'm at work and don't have access to better images for the time being.

I am constructing a CarPC for the sole purpose of audio processing.


The sound card I chose is external and communicates over the firewire buss.


The problem, my motherboard does not have a firewire port. I do have an empty PCI slot though. I am currently searching for an ultra low profile, single port, firewire card. Here is what I have found so far:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ShowIm...odel+PCI1394_2

The card height off the PCI connector is acceptable. It will barely clear the top of the VoomPC case. However, obviously I can't use the card edge connector in a Mini-ITX VoomPC CarPC case. As a matter of fact, I don't have room for the card edge connectors in general even if I do remove the metal card edge tab.


From that picture one might think that the external firewire ports would just reside next to the audio ports on the motherboard once the card is plugged in. However, this will not be the case. The external power jack for the PSU resides at this location.

So, to use the card from Newegg I would need to cut off the end of the card where the external firewire ports stick out. Next, I'd have to desolder the internal connector and put it on a extension header. Seems tedious but it is doable. I'd prefer a more elegant solution.

Does a PCI to Firewire card exist that DOES NOT have external connectors? All I need is one internal port.

I could re-locate the external power connector and keep the Newegg card in tact. However, I like the power connector where it is at.

Did I thoroughly confuse everyone?

Have an idea about alternate cards?

Thanks.

Ge0

FPeter

i think its nearly impossible to find a card without external connectors... but you can cut off the "head" of the linked card...

just saw off the unneeded pcb part with the connectors, then check if there is a short circuit somewhere on the cutted edge - scratch it with a knife if required, than put it into the pci slot, and fix it with fishing line...

__________________
Intel D201GLY, 512MB DDR2, Maxtor 3.5" 40/7200/2M HDD, audio through digital line
bye bye noise - the DIY S/PDIF DAC

JimmyFitz

would this allow you to reposition inside the case enough to keep it internal without cutting on the PCI card?

http://www.logicsupply.com/products/pci101_flex

__________________
2002 T-Bird, Via SP13000, Travla C158, M1-ATX, 1GB RAM, 120GB 2.5" drive, SlimSlot DVD-RW, XP, RR, Winamp, Xenarc 700TSV, HTC Touch PPC/Phone, BU-353 GPS/iG3, Elmscan OBDII, Griffin PowerMate, 2 Blaupunkt amps, Polk spkrs, 5 sec startup/S3 STR
~Jimmy

Ge0

Thank you very much for your input. I'm not sure if you were following what I said above, but, this is exactly what I was trying to explain.

I design PCB's for a living. I've cut my share of cards in the past. I should be able to do this little job without too much damage . Just a little messy.

I was wondering WTF you were talking about when "fixing it" with fishing line. But then I looked closer at your photo. Smart!

Thanks again,

Ge0

Ge0

Might be an option. I'll take a look into it once I get home.

Thanks for the link!!!

Ge0

FPeter

sry, i missed it...

and what about the minipci slot on the mobo? you will get internal connectors with a minipci firewire card...

__________________
Intel D201GLY, 512MB DDR2, Maxtor 3.5" 40/7200/2M HDD, audio through digital line
bye bye noise - the DIY S/PDIF DAC

Ge0

Definitely the best option. I did not search much, but so far the cheapest card I could find was $75. Seems a little over inflated seeing how I can get the Newegg card for $12 shipped.

Any idea where I could score one of these for around $25 to $30? I might be more inclined to go this route .

Thankx again.

Ge0

Ge0

I was bored and decided to look at the pictures you have posted to the public in the name / info bar to the left of your posts. Did you mill those boards out of copper clad using a mini-CNC machine? Nice work. I used to have something similar in my lab.

Ge0

FPeter

it might be a misunderstanding, but do you mean my circuits?

__________________
Intel D201GLY, 512MB DDR2, Maxtor 3.5" 40/7200/2M HDD, audio through digital line
bye bye noise - the DIY S/PDIF DAC

Ge0

Yes, of course. Just asking if they were etched or milled? They look pretty good for a home-brewed etch job. That is why I was iquiring on the milling machine.

Ge0

FPeter

etched, and its simplier than you think! i will write it down in my topic that i linked in my signature...

__________________
Intel D201GLY, 512MB DDR2, Maxtor 3.5" 40/7200/2M HDD, audio through digital line
bye bye noise - the DIY S/PDIF DAC

Ge0

Quoting myself!!!

Well, does anyone have an idea where I can score a somewhat cheap FIREWIRE mini-PCI card?

Ge0