Right Firewire card?

[Eireann]

It seems that I won't be able to get the right software to use my camcorder with a USB connection, so I'm looking at Firewire. I found this:

http://www.alza.cz/axago-pcif-x1-d283822.htm

Is that the right one? The camera is a Samsung VP-D31.

[TheSHAD0W]

I'd hope that'd work assuming the camcorder software is standard, but if it isn't... Can you post some more info about your camcorder?

[barcode]

Is this on the HP/CPQ DX7300?

If so, you'll need the card, and you picked the right one (PCI-1394a).

The camera uses the smaller 4-pin connector on it's end, and the card uses the 6-pin, so you should have that cable to connect (see here). The extra two pins carry power, so the camera doesn't need those, as it self-powers.

So, you just get the card, slide open the case, remove a blank metal cover on the back, slide the card in place, screw (or clamp) it down, and you're good to go. I'd even bet that Windows will find and install the drivers automatically. If not, post back...

barcode

[Eireann]

There's not much more I can post about the camcorder, I'm afraid. I contacted Samsung UK, and the guy was ready to send me the software, but oooops ... I'm not in the UK. Samsung Czech Republic was much less helpful (possibly because the guy I spoke to was not very fluent in English). I have some footage I'd like to view and see if I can do anything with it.

Yes, this is my HP desktop, the only computer I have apart from a 512 MB laptop. Barcode, if I understand your instructions correctly, the card will be installed in the back of the computer (which makes sense). I'm not going to open the computer now, of course, because I'm using it. Is there more than one blank metal cover back there?

[crashhelmet]

Most newer (within the last few years) computers and motherboards have at least 1 firewire port included. Have you checked to see if you have one before you buy the card?

CH

[Eireann]

I checked; it doesn't have one.

After shutting down the computer last night, I removed the side panel. In the back are four strips of metal, connected to another piece that has a holding screw on the outside. It looks like I'd have to remove this piece to insert the hardware. There is one strip of metal connected to some kind of card inside, and I'm worried what will happen if I attempt to remove the rest of the metal. Advice?

[crashhelmet]

I checked; it doesn't have one.

After shutting down the computer last night, I removed the side panel. In the back are four strips of metal, connected to another piece that has a holding screw on the outside. It looks like I'd have to remove this piece to insert the hardware. There is one strip of metal connected to some kind of card inside, and I'm worried what will happen if I attempt to remove the rest of the metal. Advice?

The external holding screw is designed to hold down all of the expansion cards installed at once, instead of having individual screws for each card. Remove that one screw and the securing plate should either come off, or possibly hinge open to allow you to install the card into the slot. You do not need to touch anything else.

I repeat, you do not need to touch anything else.

CH

[Eireann]

What (if anything) will I need to touch inside? I'm assuming that the hardware has to be inserted into something in there.

[crashhelmet]

What (if anything) will I need to touch inside? I'm assuming that the hardware has to be inserted into something in there.

Watch This

It will be a little different, as your computer has the single security plate, but it should still give you enough information to install the card.

Hope this helps!

CH

[barcode]

Is there more than one blank metal cover back there?

Yes. According to the manual (I seem to be D/Ling lots of those lately), your mobo has:

(2) full-height PCI slots
(1) full-height PCI Express x1 slot
(1) full-height PCI Express x16 slot

So, you just undo the external screw, pull the locking bar (it should rotate off), and slide one of the two BOTTOM cover plates out of the way (save it in case you want to pull the card out later), and line up your new card with the corresponding slot (one of the two longer white connectors at the BOTTOM), press firmly into place, make sure card is LEVEL with the socket and the connectors are not obstructed out the back opening, put the locking bar back on, replace the screw, and fire it up. Windows should find it and install automatically. If not, look for a driver disk in the box.

Most newer (within the last few years) computers and motherboards have at least 1 firewire port included. Have you checked to see if you have one before you buy the card?

She's right. This model doesn't show any 1394. And you're right, CH - this thing should have 1394 if it's got a couple of PCI Express slots, huh?

What (if anything) will I need to touch inside?

Nothing else. Just open it, pull out the "blank" plate, slide in the card, and button it up. The plates are just there to keep the dust out if nothing is installed in that slot. The hard part is lining up the card with the slot, and pushing it in {that's what he said!}. If you get it in askew, there is a possibility of shorting something out, so that's why you need to make sure the bottom of the card is level with the top of the socket, and pushed as far in as it will go. The video CH links to shows this perfectly!

barcode

[dalesys]

... The plates are just there to keep the dust out if nothing is installed in that slot...

And to keep the RFIs inside.
(Radio Frequency Interference)

[Geek King]

And to keep the RFIs inside.
(Radio Frequency Interference)

If your computer is puting out enough RFI to interfere with something important, just build a Faraday cage already. I honestly have more problems with cell phones emitting RFI than the newer computers.

[dalesys]

If your computer is 'puting out enough RFI to interfere with something important, just build a Faraday cage already. I honestly have more problems with cell phones emitting RFI than the newer computers.

FCC shielding requirement. I remember playing "music" on an AM radio with a TRS-80 Model 1.

Cell phones have to generate "RFI" to operate.

[Eireann]

One more very important thing is this:

Will it work? The USB connection didn't work because I don't have the software. Will Firewire work without the software?

[TheSHAD0W]

Will it work? The USB connection didn't work because I don't have the software. Will Firewire work without the software?

Uh... No?