iPod and FireWire.

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Level 1

10 points

iPod and FireWire.

Hello, I own an old 2003 iPod 3g 15gb. I usually use it on a pc with usb but recently got a mac and a FireWire cable.

When i plug it into the mac (via firewire) the ipod charges but doesnt go into disk mode (do not disconnect screen)

any ideas?

thanks Tinny

iPod 3g 15gb, Windows XP, iPod 5.5g 30gb iPod 3g 15gb

Posted on Apr 17, 2008 8:17 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

Mitch 751

Level 6

11,624 points

Apr 17, 2008 8:50 PM in response to tinny701

Are you sure it is a 3rd Gen iPod?

Check this

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1447

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Answer 2

tinny701 Author

Level 1

10 points

Apr 17, 2008 11:45 PM in response to Mitch 751

yes i am sure,

1.only 3g iPods came in 15gb
2.it has red backlit buttons

thanks for the fast reply

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Answer 3

Mitch 751

Level 6

11,624 points

Apr 17, 2008 11:58 PM in response to tinny701

3rd generation ipod = iPod (dock connector), but it will not charge over USB 2.0. Charging this unit requires a built-in 6-pin FireWire port or the FireWire iPod Power Adapter.

Thats why I asked. You need to connect the iPod with an ac charger in order to put it into disk mode

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Answer 4

tinny701 Author

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10 points

Apr 18, 2008 12:58 AM in response to Mitch 751

I am sorry but I dont quite understand what you mean. what do you mean that you need the ac charger to put it into disk mode?

thanks for helping!

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Answer 5

Mitch 751

Level 6

11,624 points

Apr 18, 2008 1:19 AM in response to tinny701

3rd Gen iPod should be able to get charged and sync with a computer via firewire cable. But if you use an USB 2 cable, it can only sync but not get charged.

It is odd that your iPod does not manage to sync with your computer via firewire.

Since you asked "the ipod charges but doesnt go into disk mode (do not disconnect screen)", thats why I explained to you - if you need to put your iPod in disk mode, for 3rd Gen you have to connect it with an iPod charger unless it is fully charged.

I believe you are getting confuse between sync with a computer and "go into disk mode"

Message was edited by: Mitch 751

Message was edited by: Mitch 751

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Answer 6

Mitch 751

Level 6

11,624 points

Apr 18, 2008 1:20 AM in response to Mitch 751

see if this helps

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=60950

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Answer 7

tinny701 Author

Level 1

10 points

Apr 18, 2008 2:01 AM in response to Mitch 751

ok now i get what you are saying. yeh it is odd that it wont sync with firewire. i knew that you cannot charge over usb.

i think the problem mght lie in the folder system (ntfs,fat32)

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Answer 8

Mitch 751

Level 6

11,624 points

Apr 18, 2008 2:07 AM in response to tinny701

There are too many devices in the FireWire chain
Your Mac can provide power to FireWire devices that don't have their own power sources, such as hard drives, cameras, and (of course) iPod. If you have too many of these types of devices connected to your computer, it can keep your Mac from recognizing your iPod. To see if this is the case:

Disconnect all devices from your computer's FireWire ports.
Connect your iPod to your computer's FireWire port using the FireWire cable that came with iPod.

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Answer 9

tinny701 Author

Level 1

10 points

Apr 18, 2008 3:45 AM in response to Mitch 751

i tried that and still nothing, hmmm i think i might just get a new cable and see if that fixes the problem.

Mitch 751, you have been a great help and thankyou so much for bothering to help me! 🙂

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Answer 10

Mitch 751

Level 6

11,624 points

Apr 18, 2008 4:59 AM in response to tinny701

You are welcome. I used to have the same iPod with the same problem, it finally works by unplugging the iSight from the computer.

Have you tried to connect it directly on the back of your mac

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Answer 11

Ruty

Level 2

195 points

Jul 4, 2008 11:21 AM in response to Mitch 751

I think I have the same old ipod.
I used to connect via usb no problem,
all of a sudden itune does not see my ipod
and when I connect using different usb
it came up, w/window for 'restore'
but when I say ok, it says need to use firewire.
Is that a cable I buy. I don't have the originalipod box,

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