Formac Studio DV dropping frames

[karms]

I capture live video to a dual processor 2.3Ghz G5 w/4Gb or memory. I use the Formac Studio DV as my analog-to-digital convertor. I am experiencing dropped frames every so often, but not really within any kind of pattern. Perhaps 2 or 3 times every for every hour of video captured.

I'm not using external power to the Formac, as it seems the G5 would be more than capable of providing the necessary power. This is mostly due to being unable to find Formac accessories in the US anymore. The Formac website states that a power adapter may be necessary when the FW port can't supply the necessary power, and dropped frames could be a symptom.

I've seen various posts regarding this type of problem when a Formac is used during capture, and was wondering if anyone else has experienced it, and what if any your solution was. Did you solve it by adding the power adapter, or could I have something else going on?

I have no other processes running during capture, and not additional devices connected drawing power. Any help appreciated.

[gadgetguy]

Go to your local Radio Shack and buy a plug in transformer of the right specs and try it. Probably worth a few bucks to find out.

[karms]

Hi gadgetguy - thanks for the response. Believe it or not Radio Shack doesn't sell any power adapters above 1.5amp - at least not here locally. The Formac specs call for a minimum of 2.5. I may just order one, however all their power adapters appear only on UK websites, so I'm just exploring any other alternatives first.

[mikiem]

For wall warts there are a lot of sources on-line -- FWIW, R/Shack stores are often individually owned, & the stock carried & prices vary considerably among the 1/2 dozen or so near me. & in case ot helps, would an alternative be a powered firewire hub or repeater?