PM 6500/300 USB1 or 2

Question

Level 3

809 points

PM 6500/300 USB1 or 2

Is there a decent PCI card that I can get that will enable me to use USB Devices like the ones here -

http://www.pikaone.com/en/products/index.htm

It would be particularly useful to be able to use the Flycase Silver Slim as my Dad has just bought one for his iMac G4 and it would be great if I could have a similar device to relieve the space in my PM 6500's hard drive and to be able to use my Olympus CZ-5060 WZ digital camera.

I have heard that there are PCI cards for USB connection to the 6500/300 but something about them makes them unusable for digital camera work. But this was a long time ago and I wonder if this problem no longer exists (if it ever did)?

Posted on Nov 8, 2005 7:26 AM

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Answer 1

Nov 8, 2005 8:19 AM in response to El Deanio

You can install a USB PCI card in a 6500. In my old 6500/275 I had a Belkin Model F5U005 card 2-port USB PCI card (although some have reported problems with this model). However, you will only get USB 1 speeds. Most of the USB PCI cards that have more than 2 ports will not work in older Macs.

What you need to get USB on an older Mac:
1. Mac OS 8.6 (minimum OS for USB)
2. USB Adapter Card Support 1.4.1 Document and Software (for OS 8.6)
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=31132
3. A compatible USB PCI card.

OS 9 includes the USB software, however, since you did not have a USB PCI card installed when you installed OS 9, you may have to reinstall OS 9 after you install the card.

Re Camera interface: After you get USB, suggest you buy (about $10) a USB memory card reader. Just plug your camera's memory card into it & copy the pic files to your Mac. Quicker & easier than interfacing the camera for pic transfer.

Cheers, Tom

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Answer 2

Jeff

Level 6

12,328 points

Nov 8, 2005 8:31 AM in response to El Deanio

The 6400/6500s have a problem recognizing USB 2.0 cards, because they have multiple buses - a separate one for each port. I suppose that if a single-port USB 2.0 card were available (which I've never seen), it would be compatible. For this reason, you are limited to the slower USB 1.1 cards, which have a max. data transfer rate of 12 Mbps (1.5 MB/sec). Have you checked Tom Koons' web site, "The 6400 Zone," for feedback concerning compatible brands of USB 1.1 cards? Usually, the Belkin card is discouraged because of reported problems. I used to recommend the SIIG 2-port USB 1.1 card, but I think it's discontinued by now. As for extra data storage capacity, your 6500 supports internal IDE hard drives as large as 120 GBs at full capacity. Have you upgraded the internal drive to take advantage of that capability?

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Answer 3

El Deanio Author

Level 3

809 points

Nov 10, 2005 7:52 AM in response to Jeff

Thanks for the replies.

"I had a Belkin Model F5U005 card 2-port USB PCI card (although some have reported problems with this model)"
This may be what was at the back of my mind when I posted. I can search around for the SIIG 2 port can mentioned. If I find one, I'll get back.

I'm using the latest version of OS 9.1 so it looks like I need to be careful about the extensions. I do have a commercial OS9.1 CD to re-install from if need be. However, I wonder if a custom install would be easier (or use Tomeviewer perhaps)

No, I have not upgraded the internal Hard Drive slot, so the 120gb hard drive sounds like a marvellous idea. Is it difficult to install, or is it just a matter of opening up the case, connecting the signal and power cables, then tweaking the OS to realise that it is there? I think I once investigated the use of an Orb Drive once which need some kind of apparatus to make it fit. As I couldn't locate one I gave up on that idea.

I like the Hard Drive idea. All those digital photos will need to go somewhere.

I already have a USB Data stick which my daughter uses to transfer images from my Dad's iMac to the Mac at her school. I could borrow that to transfer from my Digital Camera to my 6500/300. Thanks for that idea too.

Right, now I'm off to the 6400 Zone to check out those USB cards

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Answer 4

El Deanio Author

Level 3

809 points

Nov 10, 2005 7:55 AM in response to El Deanio

Right, now I'm off to the 6400 Zone to check out those USB cards

Oh no I'm not.

The site has disappeared. I'll try again later.

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Answer 5

eww

Level 9

53,052 points

Nov 10, 2005 8:02 AM in response to El Deanio

Jeff's link for the 6400 zone above has a few extra characters in it and goes nowhere for me.

http://www.zone6400.com

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Answer 6

Jeff

Level 6

12,328 points

Nov 10, 2005 8:58 AM in response to eww

I must have let a typo slip by me in the link I provided (fortunately, it has been removed). If you decide to replace the internal hard drive, I can provide an alternative method for removal of the main front bezel, that doesn't involve prying along the edges with a screwdriver. Post back for details, if interested.

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Answer 7

El Deanio Author

Level 3

809 points

Nov 10, 2005 1:33 PM in response to Jeff

Jeff.

I'm definitely interested! I have found two possible USB cards thanks to Google and several Hard drives thanks to adverts on The 6400 Zone (seriously - this is the first time I have actually found one useful. By the cringe!!).

I'm going to digest these and get back to you shortly with a question or ten which I'm certain someone here can advise me on.

Back soon

Dean Shepherd

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Answer 8

El Deanio Author

Level 3

809 points

Nov 16, 2005 11:44 AM in response to El Deanio

Hi everyone.

Thanks to your advice I’ve researched the USB card for my PM 6500/300’s spare PCI slot and also an Internal HD no less.

I found the Belkin USB version you referred to (I think) on Amazon UK. The model and other stuff is as follows. I am, of course, wondering if this is the same model that has caused the problems you mention?

Model Number: F5U005eaMAC
Belkin USB 2-Port PCI Card for Mac
Features
* Adds two 12 Mbits/sec USB ports to your Macintosh® so you can instantly connect any USB device
* Plug-and-Play to save time and frustration during installation
Technical Data: Main Specifications
* Product Description: Belkin USB BusPort for Mac - USB adapter - 2 ports
* Device Type: USB adapter : Form Factor: Plug-in card
* Interface (Bus) Type: PCI : Ports Qty: 2 ports
* Data Link Protocol: USB : Data Transfer Rate: 12 Mbps
* System Requirements: Apple MacOS 8.1 or later
Extended Specifications
General
* Device Type: USB adapter - 2 ports: Form Factor: Plug-in card
* Interface (Bus) Type: PCI
Expansion / Connectivity
* Compatible Slots: 1 x PCI : Provided Interfaces: 2 x USB - 4 PIN USB Type A
Networking
* Connectivity Technology: Wired : Data Link Protocol: USB
* Data Transfer Rate: 12 Mbps
Software / System Requirements : OS Required: Apple MacOS 8.1 or later

click here

I also found - Keyspan 2-Port USB 1.1 PCI Card

Add two Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports to your Mac or PC. With this USB upgrade it is easy to connect your computer to the USB printers, joysticks, scanners, disk drives and more. Mac OS 8.6 or greater or Windows 98SE/Me/2000 or greater and one free PCI slot

System requirements: Macintosh: At least one available PCI slot: Mac OS 8.6 or greater. Keyspan USB Card
* Adds two standard USB "A" ports to your Mac or PC
* Delivers 12 Mbps data transfer rate
* Supplies 500mA power to each USB port
* Supports up to 127 downstream USB devices
* Compliant with OHCI and PCI 2.1 standards
* Easy Plug and Play installation
* Five year warranty.

There was also a "Smartdisk 4-Port USB 2.0 PCI Hi-Speed PCI card. 4 x external ports, 1 x internal port. Features a direct power connector that allows safe "bus" powering of multiple devices. Cards without this feature draw all their power from the PCI bus, which can lead to instability problems. Complete with user guide and all necessary software drivers. Suitable for Mac and PC. " . I figured this is one of those that you are warning me about not working in my 6500/300.

From what has been said before in this post and from what I understand from The 6400 Zone my feeling is that the Keyspan 2 Port is the USB card to go for. However, what's that about the direct power connector? Is this connectedin some way with the Belkin problems?

Internal Hard Drives - I found these from The 6400 Zone. I will leave the details to the links:-

1) Maxtor 6Y120M0 DiamondMax Plus9 120GB SATA/150 Internal Hard Drive - PC Compatibilty: Serial ATA-150 - 7 pin Serial ATA : Internal 3.5" Drive Bay

http://www.stuffbuyer.com/Shop/ShopDetail.asp?ShopGroupID=23&CategoryID=229&Prod uctID=1309

2) Maxtor 6Y080L0 DiamondMax Plus9 80GB ATA/133 Internal Hard Drive

http://www.stuffbuyer.com/Shop/ShopDetail.asp?CategoryID=229&ProductID=1306&Shop GroupID=23

PC Compatibilty : DMA/ATA-133 (Ultra) Fast Drives - 40 Pin Interface : Internal 3.5" Drive Bay

There was also a 160Gb version available but the 6400 Zone says my 6500/300 can’t use more than 120gb. From your advice and from what I have read on the 6400 Zone of the present three chioces, the 80gb 6Y080L0 would be the one for me to opt for.

Finally, any USB Card, whichever one I buy at the end of the day, it will be at the back of my PM 6500/300. Whereas I do things is from the front of my 6500/300. Is there a simple way of connecting to the USB card?

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Answer 9

eww

Level 9

53,052 points

Nov 10, 2005 4:25 PM in response to El Deanio

El Deanio: Texas Mac Man is one of a very few buyers who have reported success with that Belkin USB card in posts to these boards. The majority of people with old Macs posting about that card have had trouble with it. I would recommend the Keyspan card instead, if only because Keyspan has been a fully Mac-savvy vendor for many years and isn't Belkin. Belkin has never been very attuned to the Mac, and I wouldn't expect any knowledgeable support from Belkin if you ran into problems.

There are literally scores of different hard drives you could choose from, but one that's not an option for you is the first one you mention above. It's a Serial ATA drive, and your Mac can't use Serial ATA devices (which are always advertised as such). The second drive mentioned in your post would be suitable for use in your 6500.

Edit: since the back of my old Mac is against the wall in a dark corner, I resorted to plugging a 6-foot USB extension cable into one of my adapter card's USB ports. I keep the other end of the cable in front of my computer to plug my USB Flash drive, camera, and graphics tablet into, interchangeably. Devices that I keep connected at all times (scanner, printer and trackball) are plugged into the other three USB ports on my card.

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Answer 10

Jeff

Level 6

12,328 points

Nov 10, 2005 5:47 PM in response to El Deanio

Unlike Tom Koons' illustrated procedure for front bezel removal, it can be done without using a screwdriver to pry it off. To avoid damaging the motherboard's pull tabs, remove it from the chassis. Tilt the case onto its back (resting it on a folded towel or pillow) and straddle it between your legs, with the top cover behind you. Using your index fingers, press in on the two release tabs found on the bottom edge of the front bezel, while simultaneously using your thumbs to press down on the face of the bezel, toward the middle and beneath the speaker perforations. The downward pressure of your thumbs should slightly flex the bezel's sides outward. While applying steady downward pressure in the middle of the bezel, gradually lift up the case with your index fingers, inserted in the bezel's openings where the release tabs are located. As you lift upward, the weight of the case should drop it away from the bezel that you're holding onto. I've used this procedure many times, and avoided damaging the plastics.

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Answer 11

El Deanio Author

Level 3

809 points

Nov 16, 2005 11:45 AM in response to Jeff

Hi again

You mentioned that there are loads of ATA drives to choose from. You weren’t wrong! I found this one:-

http://www.morecomputers.co.uk/textra.asp?pn=L14P120&referer=Froogle

MAXTOR DiamondMax Hard Disk Drive 120GB ATA 133 7200rpm 8MB Cache with an Ultra ATA/133 interface?

Will Ultra ATA work in my 6500/300 though? If Ultra ATA isn’t suitable perhaps this one would be ok?

Seagate 120gb Capacity120 GB: Interface Type ATA-100
Connector 40 PIN IDC

click here

I think I will order the Keyspan Card tonight

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Answer 12

Bill W

Level 5

4,755 points

Nov 11, 2005 9:30 AM in response to El Deanio

Ultra ATA is compatible with your Mac, but you will still be limited to whatever speed your on board ATA bus is capable of. Irrespective of this, you will likely notice better performance with the new drive. Either drive should work fine, and BTW, both are Ultra ATA; anything above ATA/33 is considered "ultra".

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Answer 13

El Deanio Author

Level 3

809 points

Nov 14, 2005 2:47 PM in response to Bill W

Thanks Bill. That's useful.

Look what I found less than 20 minutes after I ordered the Keyspan USB PCI card -

http://www.ghc.co.uk/acatalog/IndexFireWire_PCI_Cards_58.html

Sonnet Allegro FW400 - PCI FireWire 400 Card

The high-speed connection for your computer.

- Easy installation

- Compatible with most PCI Power Macintosh® and Windows® computers

- Supports all industry-standard FireWire (a.k.a. i.LINK®, 1394a) peripherals

- Hot-pluggable and hot-swappable device connection

- Supports Mac® OS 9.0 through Mac OS X

Is all that's stopping you from buying that DV camcorder or fast, external drive the lack of FireWire connectivity on your computer? Bring your system up to speed with Sonnet's Allegro FW400 adapter card! This low-cost solution installs easily into any available PCI slot in your computer, and instantly adds the connections you need to connect digital peripherals ranging from digital camcorders to high-capacity MP3 players like the iPod®. Expand your computer and your possibilities at the same time!

Easy Installation

Sonnet's Simply Fast design philosophy makes this installation a breeze; you'll complete the process in a few easy steps. Add this powerful interface to your Macintosh and take advantage of the blazing speed of FireWire.

Compatible Models

Power Macintosh Series 4400, 5400, 5500, 6400, 6500, 7200, 7215, 7220, 7300, 7500, 7600, 8200, 8500, 8515, 8600, 9500, 9500/180MP, 9515, 9600, 9600/200MP

Power Macintosh G3 All-in-one, Blue & White, Desktop, Minitower

Macintosh Server G3, G4 Power Mac? G4 (PCI Graphics)
Power Mac G4 (AGP Graphics)
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Power Mac G4 (Digital Audio)
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Workgroup Server 7250, 7350, 8550, 9650
DayStar Genesis and Millennium Series
Mactell XB-Pro
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Price: £29.00 £34.08 Including VAT at 17.5%

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