Macbook Pro firewire port

[choen]

Hi all,

I was recently told by a supplier that the new Macbook Pros have underpowered firewire port which cannot tether properly to digital backs. Is this true?

This is important for me to know because it will affect my studio's next computer upgrades.

Thanks!

[Jack Flesher]

Here's what I've heard and know: The new 15" MBP should be fine -- in fact to date has the best power at the port of any other option, PC or Mac. I know this one works fine with Phase backs.  The new 17" is slightly less, but seems to work fine with Phase backs, cannot speak to other backs.  13" Macbook Pro I don't know.  No FW port on the new regular Macbook, so it definitely wont work.

[choen]

Specifically, I was told by my Hasselblad supplier that they've been having trouble with the newest releases of macbook pros. The indication light on the back stays on yellow but will not tether. Apparently they've tried it on a few units and it's the same result. The most they can do (when they get lucky) is squeeze out a couple of shots but after that the connection will simple break.

I would like to know how true this is and if anyone else have had the same experience. It sounds really worrying!

[Jack Flesher]

Specifically, I was told by my Hasselblad supplier that they've been having trouble with the newest releases of macbook pros. The indication light on the back stays on yellow but will not tether. Apparently they've tried it on a few units and it's the same result. The most they can do (when they get lucky) is squeeze out a couple of shots but after that the connection will simple break.

I would like to know how true this is and if anyone else have had the same experience. It sounds really worrying!

Was that 17" or 15" MBP's?  I'd be curious...

[choen]

Was that 17" or 15" MBP's?  I'd be curious...

Good question. I did not seek clarification on whether it's 15 or 17.

Thing is nobody else responded to this topic to confirm or deny the problem with the firewire spec.

[choen]

Good question. I did not seek clarification on whether it's 15 or 17.

Thing is nobody else responded to this topic to confirm or deny the problem with the firewire spec.

Anybody can confirm whether this is true or not, that the firewire port on the latest macbook pro are underpowered?

[Enda Cavanagh]

Anybody can confirm whether this is true or not, that the firewire port on the latest macbook pro are underpowered?

Hi there
I was wondering if you heard anything since your last post about that problem with firewire on the latest generation mac book pros.

[digitaldog]

Anybody can confirm whether this is true or not, that the firewire port on the latest macbook pro are underpowered?

I’ve had zero issues with mine (powering external FireWire drives). Its a 15” i7.

[BrettMoen]

I have a Leaf Aptus II-5 and I tether that to my Mac book Pro 15 inch form Mid 09 all the time.

I've also tethered a Hasselblad H3D-39 to a 15" from late 2006.

From what I know about apple and there macbook pro is that there usually a 14w bus power unless you have something else plugged in to it (including USB) then it drops to 7ws per device

[Dustbak]

Bit late but yes, I have this issue with my CF39MS. The solution for this problem is to put a firewire repeater in between (even a passive is working). Apparently it is not so much that the firewire port power output is underspecc'ed but it seems to be fluctuating too much.

With my other 39MP back I have no problems and I can totally drain the battery without trouble. It will start the back with even 5% life left in it.

[Jack Flesher]

Bit late but yes, I have this issue with my CF39MS.

What size MBP do you have, 13, 15 or 17

[Dustbak]

Sorry forgot to mention. 15", what else I would almost ask I skipped the 17" for years which was due to working with Leaf backs that could have startup issues with the power from the 17". This issue with Hasselblad backs appears to be somewhat different.

[Jack Flesher]

Thanks -- so to clarify, does it appear to be an issue with all Hassy backs at this time, or just the CF39, or just some CF39's?