iPod charge voltage?

Question

I've got an iPod AC adapter with FireWire connector for charging the iPod. Since all interface with computers is now via USB, I'd like to adapt this charger by cobbling together a USB-to-FW cable that connects -- power conductors only -- from a male FW connector to a female USB connector.

My question is whether these two AC adapters (let's say Apple brand, both) output the same voltage. I presume so, but that's enough to get me into trouble.

Any help -- toward this end -- would be warmly received.

Happy Holidays, and Thanks,

William R. Walsh · Accepted Answer

Hi! You should be *extremely* careful if you do this. The voltage provided on the Firewire bus is 48 volts! USB only puts out 5 volts. The difference would likely cause immediate destruction of the USB circuitry or even the whole iPod. I have an Apple-made Firewire-style charger for an iPod. I believe it puts out 48 volts as well, but I'll have to check. William

Dave Plowman (News) · Answer

In article ,   William R. Walsh wrote:Why 48 volts? Seems strange to use a non native voltage.-- *Sleep with a photographer and watch things develop    Dave Plowman                   London SW                  To e-mail, change noise into sound.

Meat Plow · Answer

On Thu, 21 Dec 2006 10:06:40 +0000, Dave Plowman (News) Has Frothed:Full spec firewire can deliver 40 volts at 1500mh. Never heard of it beinghigher than 40.-- Pierre Salinger Memorial Hook, Line & Sinker, June 2004COOSN-266-06-25794

JW · Answer

On Thu, 21 Dec 2006 04:27:10 GMT "William R. Walsh":Huh?30 volts.

Michael Kennedy · Answer

I thought the spec is something like 9v-40v.. I'm pretty sure the 1394 ports on my computer are 12v. I made a car charger for my old firewire ipod with a firewire cable and a cigaret lighter plug. I havn't had any problems.

- Mike

Dave Plowman (News) · Answer

Well that's three 'specs' so far. ;-)But why the non native voltage? Only reason I can think of is long cableruns - but then why power such a device off the cable?Incidentally I've got a FireWire PCI card on my PC and there's no sign ofa voltage convertor on it. It does have a 5/12volt input as well as theedge connector, though.-- *Whatever kind of look you were going for, you missed.    Dave Plowman                   London SW                  To e-mail, change noise into sound.

iPod charge voltage?

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