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Firepod firewire plugged in the wrong way

Posted: Mon Jun 01, 2015 9:07 am
by rhaigh
I recently changed around my rack and when plugging the firewire cable back in, I plugged it in the wrong way. Stupid I know, but I can't believe that it even let me (as opposed to usb which can only be plugged in one way). Anyway, now the unit will not sync. Is there away I can fix this? Look for a certain part that can be replaced? Schematic maybe? I feel sooooo terrible about this as this unit has done me well for years and I cannot afford to replace it with something new. Any ideas? Thanks!

Re: Firepod firewire plugged in the wrong way

Posted: Mon Jun 01, 2015 12:34 pm
by Karyn
How hard did you have to force it to plug it in the wrong way? Firewire connectors are keyed and you should not be able to do that.

Does the computer still see the firepod? Have you tried a new cable? You may have damaged the conductors in the connector..

Re: Firepod firewire plugged in the wrong way

Posted: Mon Jun 01, 2015 12:54 pm
by rhaigh
The firewire connectors on the firepod are very flimsy and it takes no extra force to put it in the wrong way. The cable is fine. The firepod light goes to from blue to red when turned on, but it never goes back to blue. So I guess the computer does not see it.

Re: Firepod firewire plugged in the wrong way

Posted: Mon Jun 01, 2015 4:10 pm
by cristofe
"The firewire connectors on the firepod are very flimsy and it takes no extra force to put it in the wrong way."

First of all, no. Compared to ANY other firewire connectors they most certainly are not any more or less robust. It's a DESIGN flaw. Presonus did not design this connector. How old is this unit? Have these "flimsy" connectors ever failed on their own? Unfortunately this mistake is possible with ANY firewire connector. You're certainly not the first to have done this. It's not impossible with firewire connectors.....USB is designed better to prevent this IMHO. Unfortunately, doing so reverses the pin order and usually fries the port of the unit in question. There is no easy user fix. You either need to have the unit replaced or send it to Presonus for repair. Although, I'm not sure that they can any longer service this unit as it has been discontinued for a LONG time. Parts may no longer be available.

Re: Firepod firewire plugged in the wrong way

Posted: Mon Jun 01, 2015 4:48 pm
by rhaigh
I have other devices which have a much stronger and supported firewire connector than the weak, board supported ones on the firepod. But what's done is done. What I'm wondering, is if anyone knows what components typically get fried when this happens and if there is a schematic of this circuit around anywhere. Maybe build a new port.

Re: Firepod firewire plugged in the wrong way

Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2015 1:32 pm
by cristofe
I don't know of any online. Try calling Presonus Tech Support.

Re: Firepod firewire plugged in the wrong way

Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2015 1:57 pm
by matthewgorman
FWIW, Presonus still provides service for the FIrepods. It a nominal flat rate bench fee, and includes a 12 month warranty post repair. This would be if you are located in the US. Outside the US, repairs are usually handled by the distributor.

You would need to contact tech support for current pricing.

Re: Firepod firewire plugged in the wrong way

Posted: Wed Jun 03, 2015 9:19 am
by cristofe
Thanks Matt.....wasn't sure if they still serviced Firepods. :thumbup:

Re: Firepod firewire plugged in the wrong way

Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2015 3:00 pm
by codamedia
I did this on my Firepod as well when I first bought it (used).

Luckily, there are two ports... I just plugged in (properly) to the second one and it syncs without a problem. Frying one port does not fry both (at least not in my case).