4 pin dv cable?

[garman]

Anyone modify the ends of the firewire cable. (ie cut one end and use a 4 pin male connector). now cable has 2 male ends. Is there any danger of doing this if I accidently cross the wires. I'm doing this because I have lots of 4 pin to 6 pin cables. Thanks -garman

[redwudz]

Be aware that the extra 2 pins on a six pin cable carry 3VDC power and the other one is ground. That would usually only be on a six pin to six pin cable. If the cable itself has only four wires you should be alright, but be careful.

Personally, I wouldn't risk it. Especially if you are hooking up an expensive DV camera.

You should be able to get a adapter to change the 6 pin to a 4 pin also.

EDIT: Here's the pinout:



Firewire Connector Pinout

Two types of connectors are used with FireWire; 4 pin connector (consumer electronics), and a 6 pin connector (computers).
The 6 pin connector has the following pinout:
Pin 1; Power, 3.0volts
Pin 2; Ground
Pins 3, 4; B Twisted pair (-/+)
Pins 5, 6; A Twisted pair (-/+)
Cable shield
Pins 3/4 are crossed with pins 5/6 at the opposite ends of the cable. The transmitter sends clock [Strobe] on 3/4, and data on 5/6.

[garman]

Thanks for your help. hard to get a meter on he contacts. I'll see if I can find a adapter. - cheers